Mythical Chamonix Zermatt
Chamonix - Zermatt is one of the most beautiful ski touring classic routes, connecting two mountaineering capitals : Chamonix & Zermatt.
From Mont Blanc to Matterhorn, it is the most magnificent 4000 that we'll see during our six unforgettable steps. The High Mountain ambiance is incredible, landscapes are superb and refuges are Swiss authentic and comfortable mountain huts. A must do !
Planned : astonishing panoramas and pass crossing over 3000m. Every pass reveals a new spectacular and striking vision of mountains.
The first evening, the hallucinating North face profile of the Argentière basin haunts our dreams. The next day, we'll turn our backs to Mont Blanc to socialise with wide glaciers, far away from pistes... Prafleuri hut, Dix cabin, Vignette mountain lodge : our adventure follows its way paced by steps in comfortable refuges in altitude.
The highlight of our trip will be the Pigne d'Arolla and its 3796m altitude before finishing on an anthology step to Zermatt.
Itinerary
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Day 1 Chamonix - Argentière refuge
We meet early in the morning in Chamonix with the group and our guide. he will brief us on our raid and check our personal equipment (renting is posisble).
We start by a short personal car transfer to the village of Argentière. We will then take the Plan Joran cable car, and gently descend to Lognan before climbing back up on the glacier with our skins on to the Argentière refugePositive difference in altitude : around 850m | Negative difference in altitude : around 150m | Altitude Max : 3233m | Accommodation : Argentière refuge
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Day 2 Argentière refuge - Champex
According to weather & mountain conditions, we'll climb to the Chardonnet pass (3323m) or to the Passon pass. Today's step is magnificent, in a very "High Mountain "environment. We'll then join the Fenêtre de Saleina (3267m). To pass the Ecandies pass, we'll take our skis off and climb on foot on a short but steep snowy corridor. Then, by the Val d'Arpette, long and beautiful hilly descent to the Swiss village of Champex.
Positive difference in altitude : around 1150m | Negative difference in altitude : around 2535m | Altitude Max : 3323m | Accommodation : Lodge
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Day 3 Champex - Prafleuri hut
The connection with Verbier is assured in vehicule to Châble, then by the Jumbo cable car to the Gentianes pass. We'll cross the chaux pass (2940m), the Momin pass (3003m) and ascend Rosablanche (optional). We will then rejoin the Prafleuri hut at 2622m.
Positive difference in altitude : around 990m | Negative difference in altitude : around 1150m | Altitude Max : 3336m | Accommodation : Prafleuri hut
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Day 4 Prafleuri cabin - Dix hut
Roux pass, the Barma (2458m) dominates the Dix lake. After crossing over the lake, we climb to the Dix hut (2928m) by the Pas du Chat.
We spend the night in the Dix mountain hut, at the bottom of the impressive North face of Mont Blanc (3870m).Positive difference in altitude : around 850m | Negative difference in altitude : around 500m | Altitude Max : 2928m | Accommodation : Dix mountain hut
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Day 5 Dix hut - Pigne d'Arolla - Vignettes hut
Nice path on the very glacial terrain with the crossing of Serpentine. Pigne d'Arolla ascent (3796m), classic belvedere but the extraordinary view will amaze us. Beautiful descent towards the Vignettes mountain hut (3158m).
Positive difference in altitude : around 1030m | Negative difference in altitude : around 750m | Altitude Max : 3790m | Accommodation : Vignettes hut
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Day 6 Vignettes hut -Zermatt
Very nice step today, even one of the most charming of this raid. We'll cross the Evêque pass (3392m), the Mont Brûlé pass and the Valpelline pass (3568m). Superb view on the Matterhorn. We will then descend to Zermatt and return to Chamonix in a minibus.
Positive difference in altitude : around 1290m | Negative difference in altitude : around 2770m | Altitude Max : 3568m
ITINERARY CHANGE
Please note that although the itinerary presented here is the one we intend to follow, there is a high chance that changes may be necessary. Many factors can affect climbing in high mountains. Mountain adventures depend on weather conditions, individual member's abilities vary, as does their ability to assimilate the skills needed. The guide's main aim will be to ensure your safety and the success of the trip. Please use this outline itinerary as a guide to the types of roads / activities that you will attempt. For security reasons and to ensure a consistent level corresponding to the one announced, the organization board gets the right to discontinue your participation if your technical and / or physical conditions do not match those required. In no case the interruption shall give right to a refund or compensation payments.
Dates & prices
International departures:
No departure for now
Departures for French-speaking groups:
No departure for now
Trip code: SRCZ
Included
The 30% deposit has to be paid when registering. The remaining balance will be paid 30 days before departure.
- The technical organisation of the trip
- A high mountain guide's supervision
- Cable cars and movements necessary to the normal progress of the program
- Accommodation in refuges half-board
- Lunch picnics
- Transfer from Zermatt to Chamonix
- The collective technical equipment (ropes, ice axes)
Not included
- Individuel technical equipment : harness, crampons, ice axe
- Safety equipment : DVA, shovel & probe
- Ski touring equipment : shoes, skis, skins, knives, sticks
- Registration fees
- Drinks & personal expenses
- Snacks (cereal bars, dried fruits, chocolate bars, etc.) according to your own convenience
- Insurance : helicopter research and rescue in high mountain in Switzerland is mandatory, hospitalization and repatriation
- Travel expenses to the meeting point and dispersion point
International flights
If you wish, we can take care of booking your international flights to the closest airport of your destination.
Terms and conditions
Booking conditions
Booking one of our activities or trips implies acceptance of the terms and conditions. Each customer must complete a booking form. Bookings are only accepted upon payment of a deposit amounting to 35% of the total cost of the trip, subject to availability. If you register less than 35 days before departure, the full cost of the trip must be paid upon registration. You can make your payment by bank transfer (SWIFT/IBAN) or by credit card directly on the website. A confirmation of your registration will be sent to you by email as soon as possible.
For any registration made less than 6 months before the departure date, your registration will only be confirmed once availability has been confirmed with the mountain huts.
Invoice procedure
The balance must be paid at least 35 days before your arrival date. If the balance has not been received by this deadline, Montagne Expédition reserves the right to cancel the booking without compensation.
You will receive your invoice on the day of your departure.
Cancellation policy
Cancellation on your behalf:
If, for any reason whatsoever, you need to cancel your trip, the sums you have paid will be refunded subject to the following deductions:
You must notify us of your decision to cancel in writing, using a method that provides proof of receipt, and the date of receipt of this correspondence will determine the date of your cancellation.
If you cancel your trip, for any reason whatsoever, the sums you have paid will be refunded subject to the following deductions:
If your cancellation occurs:
- More than 31 days before departure: 30% of the total cost of the trip (excluding insurance).
- Between 30 and 21 days: 40% of the total cost of the trip (excluding insurance).
- Between 20 and 14 days before the departure date: 50% of the total cost of the booking (excluding insurance).
- Between 13 and 7 days before the departure date: 75% of the total cost of the booking (excluding insurance).
- Less than 7 days before the departure date: 100% of the total cost of the booking (excluding insurance).
Special cases, regardless of the date of cancellation or contract amendment: these charges are in addition to the scale above:
- Fixed land-based charges: charges incurred at an early stage for firm bookings will be invoiced to you in the event of cancellation (e.g. bookings for certain mountain huts)
- Insurance and registration fees: regardless of the insurance taken out, the insurance premium and registration fees are due and are non-refundable. If you have taken out comprehensive insurance, the amounts deducted will be reimbursed by the insurer in certain cases (notably illness, accident, death, etc.).
Comprehensive insurance comes into effect from the day you register and purchase your insurance.
Cancellation on our behalf:
Montagne Expédition may be required to cancel a trip at no cost to you:
- if the minimum number of participants required to guarantee the trip is not reached;
- due to exceptional and unavoidable circumstances relating to mountain conditions, and in particular for reasons relating to the safety of our clients;
In the latter case, Montagne Expédition will offer alternative arrangements. If no alternative solution is possible, Montagne Expédition will refund the customer for the services not provided, without the customer being entitled to any further compensation.
You will be informed of the cancellation as soon as possible and no later than:
- 30 days before the scheduled date for a self-guided or exclusive trip;
- 20 days before the departure date for trips requiring a minimum number of participants and lasting more than 6 days;
- 7 days before the start of the trip or holiday in the case of trips lasting between 2 and 6 days;
- 48 hours before the start of the trip or holiday in the case of trips lasting no more than 2 days.
In the event of total or partial cancellation of the holiday by Montagne Expédition due to circumstances jeopardising the safety of customers (such as adverse weather conditions in the mountains), Montagne Expédition will refund the customer for services not provided, without the customer being entitled to any further compensation.
For safety reasons and to ensure a consistent standard in line with that advertised, the management and organisers reserve the right to terminate your participation if your technical ability and/or physical fitness do not meet the required standards. Under no circumstances will such termination give rise to a refund or payment of compensation.
Changes to travel contract
Should the customer make any changes to a trip that result in costs for Montagne Expédition, these costs shall be borne by the customer. In all cases, any changes must be made in writing.
Montagne Expédition may amend elements of the travel contract if circumstances beyond our control arise (weather conditions or other factors) that could jeopardise the safety of participants, the accessibility of the activity areas, or are linked to an order from an administrative authority.
Where Montagne Expédition modifies the programme (meeting time, duration, location, ascent, etc.) of the trip for the reasons cited above, customers are required to accept the proposed programme modification. Montagne Expédition will reimburse the customer for any services not provided, without the customer being entitled to claim any further compensation.
Should the customer refuse the replacement services, such refusal may be treated as a cancellation initiated by the customer.
It is noted that it will not always be possible to offer equivalent services given the specific nature and unique character of certain trips.
For example, on a trip including an attempt to climb Mont Blanc, if it is impossible to climb Mont Blanc for the reasons mentioned above, we will, where possible, offer you an alternative climb in the surrounding mountain ranges (Monte Rosa, Gran Paradiso, etc.), which you are obliged to accept.
Pricing
For group trips, the prices listed on the website have been calculated and are valid for the specified number of participants for each trip.
If the number of participants falls below the minimum required to guarantee the trip goes ahead, a small-group supplement may be offered to ensure the trip proceeds. You may decline this small-group supplement and cancel free of charge if necessary.
For all holidays or programmes, we state the price per person, valid from a certain number of participants, and we detail the services included and not included in this price.
Contract transfer
In accordance with Article R.211-7 of the Tourism Code, you may transfer your contract to a transferee who meets the same conditions as you for undertaking the trip, provided that the contract has not yet taken effect. You must inform Montagne Expédition of your decision by any means that provides proof of receipt, no later than seven days before the start of the trip. In the event of a contract transfer, the transferor and/or the transferee are required to pay in advance the costs incurred by the transfer, which will be communicated to you by your advisor. The transferor and the transferee are jointly and severally liable for payment of the balance of the price as well as any fees, charges or other additional costs that may be incurred by this transfer.
Insurance
We recommend that you take out insurance before your departure to cover the activities undertaken with Montagne Expédition. Details of the insurance options available can be found on this page: https://montagne-expedition.com/fr/assurance
If you do not take out one of our insurance policies, we ask that you kindly email us the details of your insurance policy (name of the company, policy name, policy number, telephone number) and carry this information with you during your stay.
Altaï France (licence no. IM013110005) has taken out professional liability insurance with HISCOX under policy number PROV857693, whose registered office is at Hiscox France, 49 Avenue de l’Opéra, 75002 Paris.
If Altaï France or one of its retailers becomes insolvent, the amounts paid will be refunded.
If Altaï France or one of its retailers becomes insolvent after the start of the package, or if the transport included in the package is affected, the repatriation of travellers is guaranteed.
Altaï France has taken out insolvency protection with: GROUPAMA ASSURANCE
Practical info
Staff
This trip is supervised by a qualified High Mountain Guide whose main objective is to train you in basic technics and to enable you to complete a safe and successful trip.
The guide might have to change the program to ensure your safety according to weather conditions and to the level & physical conditions of the group.
Food
Meals
- Lunch picnics
- Diners : meals prepared by shelter keepers
- Take some race food according to your own tastes (cereals bars, chocolate bars, dry fruits,…). You can buy some in Champex village if you need.
Drinks
- Water is not for free in refuges (from 5 to 8 euros one bottle). We advise you to bring some water purification tablets (Aquatabs or Micropur) in order to drink tap water.
- Bring some Swiss francs for coffees, fruit juices, coke or beers during breaks… Shelters usually don’t accept bank card payments and Euros.
Accommodation
- In refuges, dormitories are from 8 to 10 people and are equipped with blankets and duvets for the night (plan to bring your personal sleeping sheet for hygiene reasons).
- Slippers are at your disposal in refuges, it is thus not necessary to bring trainers.
- Plan to bring noise disturbances prevention : ear plugs, sleeping pills, etc.
- No showers except in the valley of Champex for the classic Chamonix-Zermatt : there is no running water in refuges except from the one coming from glaciers.
- A few electric plugs are available in refuges, but plan a second battery for your camera and switch off your phone during the day.
Transportation
During your trip, you will carry all of your belongings : make sure to pack your bag accordingly so that you're not overloaded and that you have the essential.
Your guide will check your equipment before departure : plan to bring a 50L backpack, and don't forget to keep some space for food and water.
Budget & exchange
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF). It is better to change money before departure, however euros are widely accepted in Switzerland.
Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances (but don’t forget to bring your PIN number!).
ATMs are available in most of the towns you will cross during your stay, but there are no guarantees that your credit card will actually work in Switzerland.
Also, refuges often don’t have EPT (Electronic Payment Terminal): it is best to bring cash.Be aware of the fees usually applied when purchasing products or services on a credit card.
Always take more rather than less, as you don’t want to spend your trip constantly feeling short on funds.
As currency exchange rates can often fluctuate, we recommend to check the following website for daily exchange rates: https://www.xe.com/
Tips
Clients usually pay for the guides’ drinks : you might find it practical to make a group kitty at the beginning of your stay (no obligation).
Supplied equipment
- Collective equipment (ropes) is provided
- Slippers, blankets and covers are at your disposal in refuges
- Individual safety equipment (DVA batteries not included, shovel, probe) : thank you for letting the agency know if you have your own.
Vital equipment
Skis
- A pair of sharpened touring skis with adapted fixations as well as a break or safety straps
- A pair of ski touring shoes with VIBRAM soles
- A pair of adhesive seal skins adapted to your skis
- Knives adapted to your fixations
- Large washer sticks
Other
- Safety equipment : DVA, shovel, probe
- Crampons with "Antibott" system
- Ice axe
- Harness and screw carabiners
- Survival blanket
- A head lamp with extra batteries and bulbs
- A pocket knife
- A thermos or a reusable bottle
Material
Head
- A bonnet
- A hat or a cap
- A scarf or a "buff" neck strap
- Sunscreen and lip protection
- Glacier sunglasses category 4 + ski goggles
Upper body
- 2 technical and breathable long sleeves underclothing type "Carline" : no coton that takes time to dry
- 1 technical and breathable undershirt
- 1 thick fleece jacket
- 1 down jacket
- 1 wind-stopper and waterproof jacket type Goretex
- 1 pair of mittens (fleece or wool)
- 1 pair of wind-stopper gloves (fleece or wool)
- 1 pair or under-gloves
Lower body
- 1 pair of technical and breathable tights type "Carline"
- 1 pair of comfortable mountain trousers
- 1 pair of wind-stopper and waterproof trousers type "Goretex"
- 1 pairs of socks : 1 thin and 1 thick
Other
- 1 sleeping sheet for nights in refuges
- 1 small toilet bag
- 1 small fast drying towel
- Biafine (for sunburns)
- Reusable toilet paper
- 1 or 2 100L plastic bags and a bag cover to protect your belongings and your backpack
- 1 waterproof folder in which you will put you identity papers, your phone, your money and your insurance contract with all of your emergency phone numbers
Luggage
- A comfortable mountaineering 40L backpack with attachments for your skis
- A second bag that will stay at the hotel with your replacement clothes
Medicine
You guide will be carrying a collective first aid kit. However, it is important for you to bring your individual pharmacy, checked with your general doctor :
- Personal medication
- Pain killers (preferably Paracetamol)
- Double skin
- Elastoplast (excellent to prevent blisters)
- Bandages
- Disinfectant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antispasmodic
- Anti-diarrheal
- Anti-vomiting
- Intestinal antiseptic
- Eye drops
- Light sleeping pills
- Ear plugs
Non exhaustive list
Passport
Please make sure your passport and travel documents are valid.
Visa
- Up to 90 days visit in Switzerland : citizens from most countries do not need a visa to visit Switzerland.
- Over 90 days visit in Switzerland : non-EU or non-EFTA citizens must have a visa to visit Switzerland over 90 days.
For further information, please check the following website : https://www.swiss-visa.ch/
Identity card
For EU and EFTA citizens, you can use your identity card to travel to Switzerland.
Mandatory vaccines
No required vaccination.
Health information & recommendations
- It is important to consult your doctor for medical travel information well before departure.
- We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please keep in mind that we are often in remote areas, away from medical facilities.
- Please carefully read the brochure and itinerary when selecting your trip, to make sure our style of travel suits you.
- Please note you will travel to high altitude. Most people can travel to 2 500m with minimal effects. However, everyone reacts differently to altitude and altitude sickness can occur.
For details on how to best prepare your trip, please consult your physician.
Weather
The Swiss climate is moderately continental in the plateau, Alpine in the mountains, and more temperate in the Canton of Ticino. In the mountains, the climate varies with altitude and slope exposure, but in winter, they are located above the blanket of fog and low clouds that often covers the plateau, so they are also sunnier in this season. The cold wind, which in Switzerland and in central France is called Bise, blows from the north-east and is more frequent in winter and spring.
Late winter and early spring (February-March) are recommended for a ski holiday, since the days are longer than in December and January.
For further information on the wether during your trip, please check the following website : https://www.meteoswiss.admin.ch/
Electricity
The electrical current in Switzerland is 230V, 50Hz. Swiss sockets are recessed, three-holed, hexagonally shaped and incompatible with many plugs from abroad. They usually, however, take the standard European two-pronged plug.
Most refuges have electric plugs, but some haven't. If you are scared of running low on battery, bring an external battery with you.
Local time
Switzerland is in the Central European Time Zone (CET). Central European Standard Time is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+1).
Sustainable tourism
We do our best to offer trips subscribed to the principles of responsible and sustainable tourism. Our aim is to allow visitors to discover the many facets of the Mont Blanc massif by taking you off the beaten path and getting you in touch with its nature and residents, while ensuring that your visits do not have a negative effect on its natural environment and people.
- Most of our accommodations are run by locals, thus ensuring that the largest part of the revenue generated through your trip will stay within the region.
- France is known for its exquisite cuisine. The art of cooking and the joy of eating are part of everyday life. Each region has its particular foods and flavors which we would like you to explore and appreciate.
- Water is a precious and rare good. Our team and those travelling with us are thus advised to use it with consideration and avoid excessive water use where possible.
- Please try to recycle your waste whenever possible, even though recycling may not be a well-known concept in all areas.
- Be cautious and respectful when hiking. Make sure to wear suitable footwear and avoid picking flowers, moving stones or lighting fires.
My local agent
Alexandre
- Skieur, cycliste et passionné de voyage, Alexandre sillonne les vallées alpines depuis plusieurs années à la recherche des plus beaux spots et des bonnes adresses. Avec une expérience de terrain et un vif intérêt pour les sports de montagne, il sera ravi de vous accompagner dans votre choix de séjour.
- Region
- France Switzerland
- Activity
- Ski touring Ski touring expedition
- Duration
- 6 days
- Group
- 4 to 6 people
- Code
- SRCZ
- Price
- From €1,590
- Level
- 5/5
- Comfort
- 3/5
- Language(s)
- English / French