Chamonix to Zermatt Trekking Tour: Stage 1
Overview
The Chamonix to Zermatt Trekking Tour: Stage 1 is one of the most spectacular and remarkable Alpine adventures, linking two of Europe’s great mountaineering capitals along one incredibly scenic journey.
From the impressive Mont Blanc to the iconic Matterhorn, this route allows you to discover a breathtaking portion of the Alps that is home to more than 40 peaks above 4,000 metres (13,125 ft). Along the tour you will encounter green mountain pastures, visit typical alpine villages, and traverse high mountain passes, all in the vicinity of frigid glaciers and the highest Alpine peaks in the background.
So what are you waiting for?! Book your spot on the Chamonix to Zermatt Trekking Tour: Stage 1 and prepare to be blown away by the incredible mountain scenery of the Alps!
You can also check out our Chamonix to Zermatt Trekking Tour: Stage 2 Itinerary!
Chamonix to Zermatt Trekking Tour: Stage 1 Overview
The Chamonix to Zermatt Trekking Tour: Stage 1 is one of the most spectacular and remarkable Alpine adventures, linking two of Europe’s great mountaineering capitals along one incredibly scenic journey.
From the impressive Mont Blanc to the iconic Matterhorn, this route allows you to discover a breathtaking portion of the Alps that is home to more than 40 peaks above 4,000 metres (13,125 ft). Along the tour you will encounter green mountain pastures, visit typical alpine villages, and traverse high mountain passes, all in the vicinity of frigid glaciers and the highest Alpine peaks in the background.
So what are you waiting for?! Book your spot on the Chamonix to Zermatt Trekking Tour: Stage 1 and prepare to be blown away by the incredible mountain scenery of the Alps!
You can also check out our Chamonix to Zermatt Trekking Tour: Stage 2 Itinerary!
Trek along a route between the mountaineering capitals of Chamonix and Zermatt.
Experience incredibly beautiful alpine scenery.
Pass through charming villages and taste delicious local cuisine.
Stay overnight in mountain refuges surrounded by rugged peaks.
Trip map for Chamonix to Zermatt Trekking Tour: Stage 1
Barbara C.
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We went through 10Adventures not familiar with them at all, and it was the best decision we ever made!
Allyson K.
Everest Base Camp
Just an amazing experience. Absolutely lifechanging!
Amy D.
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It was a fantastic trip and Nadine was extremely responsive to all of our questions.
Itinerary for Chamonix to Zermatt Trekking Tour: Stage 1
Arrival in Le Tour
After arriving in Le Tour, you will meet at 9am for a departure briefing and to load your personal belongings, which will follow you during your trip.
Afterward, you will begin hiking towards the Col de Balme at 2,195 m (7,200 ft), where you will cross the border into Switzerland. From there, you will follow a little-used alpine route to the village of Trient, where you will spend your first night in a very comfortable inn.
Trek to the Highest Point on the Tour du Mont Blanc
Today you will climb the famous Fenêtre d’Arpette (2,665 m / 8,740 ft), the highest point on the Tour du Mont Blanc. Here, you will experience stunning views that include the Trient Glacier in the background.
You will then head back down to the Val d'Arpette where you will spend the night in an inn.
Ascent of Col de Lâne
Day 3 of the tour will begin with an early morning transfer, before setting off on an ascent of the Col de Lâne (3,030 m / 9,940 ft) from Bourg St Pierre. Here you will pass through the wild landscape beneath the Petit Combin. The rest of the day will be spent in this superb high-altitude cirque until you arrive at the Cabane Brunet.
Corbassière Glacier and Grand Combin
Today you will set off for the Corbassière Glacier, which you will climb via the moraine leading to the Panossière refuge beneath the famous Grand Combin. From there, you will pass through the Col des Otanes at 2,870 m (9,415 ft) before heading down to the Lac de Mauvoisin.
Views of the Massif des Combins
This morning you will cross the Val de Bagnes, making your way towards the Cabane de Louvie and the nearby lake via several mountain passes that include the Col de la Tête du Sarshlau at 2,622 m (8,600 ft) and the Col du Bec de l’Aigle at 2,567 m (8,420 ft). You will be able to enjoy some magnificent alpine views all day over the Massif des Combins.
Trek to Cabane de Prafleuri
Today you will set off through the Alpine wilderness, climbing up to the Col de Louvie at 2,921 m (9,585 ft) and the Col de Prafleuri at 2,987 m (9,800 ft), before walking back down at the end of the day to the Cabane de Prafleuri. You will spend the night in the mountain refuge.
Arrival in Arolla
The final day of the tour will be a magnificent one filled with mountain pastures scattered with wild flowers amidst the rocky, glacial landscape. You will hike via the Col des Roux at 2,804 m (9,200 ft) to reach the Lac des Dix, which you will walk along before hiking up one last mountain pass to eventually arrive in the Arolla Valley at the end of the day. Here, you will either make your individual departure or continue on stage 2 of the journey.
Reviews
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Dates and prices for Chamonix to Zermatt Trekking Tour: Stage 1
This tour is run as a private tour for your group only.
Prices below are per person.
What’s included for Chamonix to Zermatt Trekking Tour: Stage 1
Meals
6 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 6 dinners are included in the guided tour.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 nights are included. Accommodation before and after the tour can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for you and your luggage are included throughout the tour, as indicated in the itinerary. Transportation to and from the start/end of the tour are not included.
Also Included
- Supervision by a qualified mountain leader
- Picnics at lunchtime
- Luggage transfer on the evenings of days 3, 5, and 6
- Transfers as indicated in the programme
Not Included
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- Food/drink not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal hiking and travel equipment
- Transportation before/after the tour
- Any private transfers or cable cars not included in the programme.
- Anything not listed in “What’s included in your trip”.
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Private transfer to hotel from airport
- Upgrade to double rooms (where possible)
Accommodation for Chamonix to Zermatt Trekking Tour: Stage 1
This tour is based in refuges and inns. Please note that in some cases you can upgrade to double rooms with an extra supplement (please contact us for the pricing).
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Single Rooms are not available on this tour, as some nights take place in mountain huts, gites and/or inns, and you will be sharing rooms/dormitories.
Non-Standard Cancellation
- 64 days or more prior to departure: the cancellation fee will be 45% of the total trip cost (full deposit)
- Between 24 and 63 days prior to departure: the cancellation fee will be 50% of the total trip cost.
- Between 19 and 23 days prior to departure: the cancellation fee will be 60% of the total trip cost.
- Between 11 and 18 days prior to departure: the cancellation fee will be 85% of the total trip cost.
- 10 days or less: the cancellation fee will be 100% of the total trip cost.
Frequently asked questions for Chamonix to Zermatt Trekking Tour: Stage 1
How hard is the Chamonix to Zermatt Trekking Tour: Stage 1?
We rate the difficulty of this tour as a 4 / 5. You will hike 5-6 hours a day, with lots of uphill and downhill. The path might be easy, but you’ll still move your body every day!
Do I need a visa to travel to France?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the Chamonix to Zermatt Trekking Tour: Stage 1?
6 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 6 dinners are included in the guided tour.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover trekking. Get your travel insurance.
How do I get to Le Tour to start this tour?
Fly into Geneva International Airport (GVA). From there, you can either take the bus or the train to the starting point of the tour in Le Tour, France.
Is the Chamonix to Zermatt Trekking Tour: Stage 1 in English?
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
Where does the Chamonix to Zermatt Trekking Tour: Stage 1 end?
The Chamonix to Zermatt Trekking Tour: Stage 1 ends in Arolla, Switzerland. From there, you can take a bus to Sion and transfer to a train that will take you to Geneva, where you can depart from Geneva International Airport (GVA). You can also pre-arrange a transfer back to the starting point of the tour.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to France?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for France?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
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