The Hiker's Haute Route consists of a spectacular series of trails linking Chamonix to Zermatt, marked by high, steep passes, quiet trails, and stunning mountain scenery. It's one of the world's classic hikes, with a wild beauty deserving of it's name. It's also a very strenuous tour, with many passes to cross and great valleys to see. Starting in Verbier, Switzerland and finishing in Zermatt, we've linked the most spectacular sections of the Haute Route with some of our favorite huts and inns to complete the tour in 8 days of hiking.

Meet in the small town of Verbier, which is easily accessible by train and bus. After a night here, our inn-to-inn trek then heads up to the mountains, with 2 nights in remote mountain huts before reaching the tiny village of Arolla, where we'll meet our luggage and enjoy a night in a comfortable village hotel. This will be followed by our 3rd hut night, the spectacular cabane Moiry, before dropping down to the beautiful village of Zinal for a night. Two more high passes bring us through the Turtmann valley and finishing with 2 nights in Zermatt. The Haute Route tour includes a couple of short transfers to and from trailheads. We'll have 3 nights in mountain huts (dorms only) and 6 nights in comfortable hotels. Our luggage will be transferred separately and will be with us for 5 of the nights. If you love pure mountain scenery, the Hiker's Haute Route tour offers the ultimate exploration of one of Switzerland's most dramatic hiking routes.

Our typical day starts with a continental buffet breakfast at our inn - delicious fresh baked bread, local cheeses, cereal, fruit, coffee and juice - which gives us the energy needed for a full day of inn-to-inn hiking. Soon we'll be out on the trail for 6-8 hours, where often you'll get to choose between an easier or more strenuous hike for the day. Each morning, you'll be handed a lunch to carry, and at a mid-point along the way we'll choose a beautiful spot to stop and enjoy our picnic. We get a lot of compliments on our imaginative lunches - making them something to look forward to as well!

We should finish our hike around 4-5 pm, giving you time to wash up and relax. You will have your own bedroom every night except for the 3 hut nights. Each evening we'll enjoy dinner together at our inn. These are multi-course feasts, often featuring local French and Swiss specialties, and will definitely be hearty, filling, well-earned and very delicious.

Day 1 Arrive in Europe and transfer by train and bus to our meeting point in Verbier. The trip is easy and very scenic. If you arrive early, you might consider a couple days on your own in Chamonix at the start of the trip. We'll meet for dinner and talk about the trip to come. Relax in the evening at our cozy village hotel. (Hotel la Rotonde)
Day 2 We'll start our inn-to-inn trek with the gorgeous panoramic hike above Verbier to the lakeside Louvie hut, a small traditional alpine club hut high in the mountains. Pass through meadows filled with mountain goats while gazing upon the snowy white crown of the Grand Combin mountain.(cabane Louvie)
Day 3 A rugged day brings us across 2 passes and through a remote, wild region filled with glaciers and rocky peaks known as the Grand Desert. Finish the day at the popular Prafleuri hut. (cabane Prafleuri)
Day 4 We hike past the Grand Dixence reservoir and then up to Dix hut, spectacularly perched on a lonely rock outcrop and surrounded by glaciers and mountains. After lunch at the hut, we continue with a short, easy glacier traverse, cross the steep Col du Riedmatten pass, and descend to the tiny village of Arolla. (Hotel Kurhaus)
Day 5 A long, steep climb leads to the beautiful Val d'Anniviers and more stunning mountain scenery. We'll descend to the Moiry reservoir and then up to the newly renovated Moiry hut, a comfortable base surround by a sea of ice. (cabane Moiry)
Day 6 A slightly easier day leads us over a minor pass and gives us a chance to further explore the Val d'Anniviers, an unforgettable valley with a great blend of ancient villages, quiet trails, and breathtaking views. Descend to the village of Zinal, a postcard-perfect village of dark timbered houses bursting with colorful geraniums. (Hotel Trift)
Day 7 Another day, another high pass, as our Haute Route itinerary continues over the Meidpass to the Turtmann valley. Capped by the stunning Weisshorn mountain, this is a quiet, gorgeous valley. We'll stay at a hiker's inn at the base of the valley. (Hotel Waldesruh or Schwarzhorn)
Day 8 Our final pass brings us up to more gorgeous views of the Weisshorn, Dom and more, before dropping down to the valley where we catch a short train ride to Zermatt. Zermatt is a lively village, filled with energy and history, and dominated by the towering presence of the Matterhorn. It also retains its alpine charm, with quiet back alleys, scenic nearby hamlets, and classy shops. Check out the town, take a short walk around Zermatt, or enjoy the local Matterhorn museum or the spa at our hotel, before settling in for dinner at the very friendly Hotel Europe. (Hotel Europe)
Day 9 A second night in Zermatt gives us a chance for an unforgettable dayhike to finish our trip. Hiking high above the village, we'll make the strenuous climb up to the Hornli hut (a sort of Matterhorn base camp) to enjoy fabulous, close-up views of the Matterhorn and and a sweeping look back at the valley below. (Hotel Europe)
Day 10 After breakfast at our hotel, we'll say our good-byes and leave for our post-trip destinations.

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