Copyright © 2010 Mountain Pro LLC.
Mountain Pro is excited to offer packages for the classic Chamonix to Zermatt Haute Route, as well as other custom itineraries with affiliated IFMGA/UIAGM qualified guides during the winter/spring 2010. Also, be sure to check out our Bernese Oberland program for the ultimate ski mountaineering experience.
photo: High-Alpine
2010 Dates:
March 21-March 29 & April 3-10 Join Geoff Unger IFMGA and Mike Bromberg for a more powder oriented Haute route experience… The early(er) season trips typically hold cold powder snow on shaded aspects and often smooth spring corn on the more solar slopes.
April 10-18 Spaces have just opened up during the peak Haute-Route time. This trip will be run by Mike Bromberg and IFMGA Guide Steve Banks, both of Crested Butte Mountain Guides. Contact us today as this trip may have a discounted rate for joining this group!
April 25- May 1 Join Michael Silitch’s High-Alpine Mountain Guides and Mike Bromberg for a later season version of this European ski mountaineering classic. More reliable weather and less crowded skiing make spring the perfect time to experience this magnificent high route tour.
Overview: Traverse the Western Alps starting in Chamonix, France in the heart of the Mont Blanc Range and travel on skis to the foot of the majestic Matterhorn of Zermatt, Switzerland.
This is a moderately strenuous tour in which you will need to climb uphill on skis with climbing skins, climb steep slopes with crampons on your ski boots and ski down moderately steep terrain. A lot of the uphill techniques can be taught and picked up fairly easily by people with a good level of cardiovascular fitness. The downhill skiing element can be coached and encouraged by your guide, but a reasonable level of innate ability is required. It is recommended that you can comfortably ski any ‘Black Diamond’ ski run at larger western ski areas in almost any conditions. Thus Haute route program is open to strong intermediate skiers able to travel on skis for up to 10 hours per day. Unsure of your abilities? Sign up for a backcountry ski day stateside as Haute Route preparation.
Huts: The vast network of fully staffed and stocked huts throughout the Alps allows us to move with light ski touring backpacks and enjoy the skiing without having to think too hard about where your next meal will come from. Breakfast and dinner are generally provided by the hut and it is possible to ask for a sack lunch for the day of touring. The huts also have mattresses, pillows and blankets or comforters to keep you warm through the night. Drinks, snacks and souvenirs cost a little extra, but can be well worth the added expense. The huts are open to everyone and generally offer mixed dormitory style accomomodation.
Basic Itinerary:
Day 0: Meet in Chamonix for dinner, itinerary and thorough equipment check.
Day 1: Vallee Blanche Ski: From Chamonix, we will ski the renowned Vallee Blanche and the Mer de Glace glacier. Stretch your legs while familiarizing yourselves with the group and the breathtaking beauty of the Alps. This first day is an excellent way to finalize your system before we set off on the traverse.
Day 2: After breakfast in Chamonix we will transfer to Argentiere and take the Grand Montet lift up to the Argentiere Glacier. Cross the Col du Chardonnet to our first hut destination; the Trient Hut.
Day 3: Ski tour the Val d’Arpett into the picturesque town of Champex- take a bus to Verbier on our way to the Mont Fort Hut. Verbier is an excellent place to rest for lunch and take in the breathtaking scenery of the Alps.
Day 4: From the Mont Fort, we summit the Rosa Blanche before descending to the Prafleuri Hut.
Day 5: An excellent day of touring takes us to the Dix Hut.
Day 6: From the Dix hut we will ski the flanks of the Pigne d’Arolla and down to the Vignettes Hut.
Day 7: A long day will take us through three spectacular mountain passes and we will finish with a long run down in the shadow of the Matterhorn to Zermatt
Day 8: If you have not had enough skiing, the option exists on this final day of the trip to ski the off-piste terrain around the Matterhorn before returning home.
Our Services:
Professional Guiding and Instruction
2 nights accommodation in Chamonix
1 night accommodation in Zermatt
6 nights lodging in huts along the ski traverse including breakfast and dinner.
ALL Lift/Tram tickets and bus transfers during the tour.
Guests will be responsible for:
Personal equipment and clothing including: transceiver, shovel and probe(Available for rent in Chamonix)
Appropriate Rescue Insurance (mandatory for all guests)
All beverages (in town and in huts)
Town meals
Lunches for each day
Travel to/from Chamonix
Travel from Zermatt
*This itinerary is subject to change based on the abilities and interests of the group and the weather and snowpack conditions of the tour.
Contact Us today to discuss your Haute Route experience for the 2010 season.
Cancellation Policy:
If there is a special need to cancel your current booking, please let us know as soon as possible.
We will do everything in our control to offer the maximum refund possible.
We understand that every cancellation is unique and will do our best to accommodate you by rescheduling if possible.Our cancellation policies are listed below.
- 60-100 days before trip start 50% of booking fee will be refunded.
- 30-60 days before trip start, Guest will be charged 100% of booking fee.