Haute Route Traverse Chamonix-Zermatt

The Haute Route, the famous High Route between Chamonix, France and Zermatt, Switzerland is "the mother" of all ski touring traverses. From Europe's tallest mountain, the Mont Blanc to the legendary Matterhorn, our route leads along some of the most exciting mountain scenery to be found anywhere. After spending a week in the winter backcountry of the Western Alps walking down Zermatt's bustling main street will feel like returning into a different world. Our chosen itinerary leads you to all well known remote mountain huts, where the Alps are so known for. That's why we've chosen to start on Wednesday: thanks to our experience of over 3 decades we've learned that this is the best way to experience this popular route in a relaxed atmosphere in quiet huts. Transfers are always included in this program, so no financial surprises at the end of your trip!

The mother of all skitouring traverses

The Haute Route, the famous High Route between Chamonix, France and Zermatt, Switzerland is "the mother" of all ski touring traverses. From Europe's tallest mountain, the Mont Blanc to the legendary Matterhorn, our route leads along some of the most exciting mountain scenery to be found anywhere. After spending a week in the winter backcountry of the Western Alps walking down Zermatt's bustling main street will feel like returning into a different world. Our chosen itinerary leads you to all well known remote mountain huts, where the Alps are so known for. That's why we've chosen to start on Wednesday: thanks to our experience of over 3 decades we've learned that this is the best way to experience this popular route in a relaxed atmosphere in quiet huts. Transfers are always included in this program, so no financial surprises at the end of your trip!

Starting point of this unique ski safari is the Bekker Mountain Chalet in Finhaut, easy accessible by public transports from Geneva airport, located on the outskirts of the Mont Blanc massif. This comfortable accommodation is Made by skiers for skiers. We have the same method as some backcountry lodges in Canada. Good food, good bed, private transport, wellness facilities and even heliskiing opportunities virtually on the doorstep. You will be welcomed by your charming host Ilse with a drink and snacks by the fireplace. Your guide will discuss the program, in which we count on flexibility of the guests so that we can benefit from the best possible snow there is. In the lodge we have all sorts of materials available: avalanche tranceiver / beacon, shovels, probes, ABS backpacks, not to mention a wide choice of excellent freeride and skitouring skis with skins and skicrampons.

The first day we'll join the skidomain of the Grands Montets in only 20 min by minivan and get on the skilift to reach the Argentiere glacier. We'll be able to ski a couple of descents before putting the climbing skins on in order to hike up to the Refuge d'Argentiere. In fine weather unfolds a magnificent panorama of the famous north walls of the Courtes, Droites and Aiguille Verte. The hut has been recently modernized and is located 2771m. This is the starting point for the tough stage to the Trient glacier plateau and the Cabane du Trient (3170m). From there we continue our journey on skis through the beautiful valley of Arpette to Champex where our own shuttle bus is waiting for you to take you to le Chable, the lift station of Verbier. We stay consecutively in the huts of Mont Fort, Prafleuri, Dix and Vignettes and reach our destination Zermatt on skis. A flexible attitude towards the program is needed, because of circumstances it may happen that we need to adjust the legs. But that is our specialty, we know the area well and always look for a suitable alternative.

To round off the Haute Route in late April / early May, you can, if conditions permit, climb Mont Blanc on skis (only for experienced climbers).

THE HAUTE ROUTE WITH EDWARD BEKKER SKI & ALPINISME!

• For 3 decades: En Route! Nearly 30 years ago, we conducted our first haute route and since then we organize several haute routes annually. Therefore, we know all the variants and we have excellent contacts with all mountain huts.
• Edward Bekker Ski & Alpinisme is open all year round and offices and workshop are located in the Swiss Valais, on the edge of the Mont Blanc massif, on the route between Chamonix and Zermatt. Therefore we are always well-informed of the specific conditions of the terrain, and always close, in case the occurs an emergency.
• Edward Bekker Ski & Alpinisme works only with internationally certified IFMGA mountain and ski guides and is a member of the Swiss Mounainguides Association with a Swiss operating license. Al our guides speak fluently English (German and French are widely spoken too).
• Transfers are carried out by our own organization. This means that you can prepare your luggage for the stops in Champex and the return journey from Täsch to the starting point. So you can enjoy fresh clothes, socks and own food on the go. You can leave unnecessary materials and luggage in our minibus (or our chalet).
• The price / quality ratio is optimal; clear all-in price
• The avalanche equipment and technical climbing gear like, ice ax, crampons, harness and helmet are included in the price; they are locally fitted by the guides.
• We have an extensive private park with rental ski touring and touring skis with skins and harscheisen. 
• Where available, your start and end your trip in our own Bekker Chalet. It offers comfortable surroundings where you can relax when you return to the valley. Your host Ilse also serves tasty breakfasts with freshly baked bread and its now famous birchermuesli packed with fresh fruit. During the days on the road you can take your personal belongings and luggage safely leave. In short, trudging and less hassle, so you can fully concentrate on your trip
• With the start on Wednesday, we avoid the biggest crowds on the already busy and very popular Haute Route. This is not only pleasant, but also much safer!
• If you'd like to, you can stay the last night in Zermatt and we'll take your luggage to there. From Zermatt you can easily travel by train back to the airport of Zürich or Geneva.