Chamonix to Zermatt : Legendary Haute Route

Meet up with your Guide in Argentière, and then head up on the Grand Montets cable car (3,300m). Then it's a short descent of the Rognons glacier to the Argentière glacier. Here you'll put skins on and go towards the Argentière hut (2,771m) for the night. For the rest of the day you'll review ski touring techniques, use of crampons, and safety rules such as avalanche rescue.

Difference in height +: 225m / Difference in height -: 750m

Next is a ski to a good night's sleep in a mountain refuge, followed next day by a short descent down to the Moraine du Passon (2,380m). Then the group skins up to reach the foot of the Passon pass (3,028m), finishing the section using crampons. After this, there is a ski under the North Face of the Aiguille du Chardonnet, then skins are put back on to reach the Col Supérieur du Tour (3,290m). From here it's a short ski into Switzerland and the Glacier du Trient, then a quick ascent to the Col des Ecandies (2,795m). Finally there is a magnificent descent to the Val d'Arpette, leading to the village of Champex (1,480m) for the night.

Difference in height +: 1100m / Difference in height -: 1850m

You then ski into Switzerland on the Glacier du Trient, after a short ascent in crampons to reach the Col des Ecandies (2,795m). A magnificent descent in the Val d'Arpette leads to the village of Champex (1,480m) to spend the night.

Difference in height +: 1100m / Difference in height -: 1850m

A private Tarentaise Tour shuttle then transfers you to the Verbier ski area, where you take the lift at the bottom of the Col de la Chaux (2,940m). The day continues with traversing the Col Momin (3,000m), and up to the foot of the Rosablanche (3,335m). The group then climbs back down to the Cabin of Prafleuri (2,660).

Skis are on early to go up to the Col des Roux (2,805m). A long crossing leads to the end of the Lac des Dix, then an ascent by the Pas du Chat (2,385m), bringing the group to the Cabane des Dix to spend the night (2,928m).
Elevation gain + 850m / Elevation gain - 400m

Next is the Tsena Refien Glacier, used to reach the Pigne d'Arolla (3,795m), then a crossing of the Serpentine Passage using crampons. From the top of the Pigne d'Arolla you'll take in views that will stay with you. Then it's a descent of the South face to the Vignettes hut (3,160m).

A short descent on skis brings the group to the wide Mont-Colon Glacier, taking the route up to the Col de l'Evèque (3390m). From here it's a short traverse to the upper Glacier d'Arolla. Going on with skins, you'll climb the Col du Mont Brulé and finish in crampons. Next is a short descent to the Col de Valpelline (3,555m), or the beginning of the long descent to Zermatt - at the foot of the North Face of the Dents du Hérens (4,170m) and the Matterhorn (4,478m).

The tour finishes in the fields of Furi and the village of Zermatt later that afternoon.