Wilderness Travel 2017 Catalog of Adventures

FRANCO COGOLI

We bring you to the most spectacular parts of this classic high trail from Chamonix to Zermatt. PHOTO: BENJAMIN BARTHELEMY

Hiking the Haute Route HIGH ALPS TRAVERSE FROM CHAMONIX TO ZERMATT

The celebrated Haute Route is a high-level hiking traverse across the French and Swiss Alps from Chamonix, France, to Zermatt, Switzerland. Ten of the 12 highest peaks in the Alps, including Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn, rise along this magnificent “high route,” along with glaciers, cool mountain tarns, and meadows full of wildflowers. Our unique version of this classic route provides a nonstop panorama of stunning alpine scenery and a quintessential hiking experience of the Alps. En route, we hike over seven dramatic passes, including the wild and rocky Fenêtre d’Arpette (8,750'). We combine our well-paced hiking days with overnights in charming hotels, including the 4-star family- run Bella Tola, a spa hotel with delightful Old World ambiance. Days 1-2 Chamonix, France / Champex, Switzerland From Chamonix, we hike over the Col de Balme and descend to the Col de la Forclaz. A steep but gorgeous hike skirting the Trient Glacier brings us to the top of the Fenêtre d’Arpette, then down to the rugged Val d’Arpette.

Days 3-4 Grande Dixence / Arolla Our hikes lead to the Col des Roux, with good chances of seeing ibex and chamois, then along Lac des Dix and up to the Col de Reidmatten (9,577'), with its dazzling mountain-and-glacier views. Days 5-6 St-Luc / Gruben Hiking through the traditional Valais canton, we cross the Col de Torrent (9,570'), where superb vistas include the Mont Blanc chain and the most impressive summits and glaciers in the Swiss Valais, including the towering limestone pyramid of the Dent Blanche (14,290'). We hike into German-speaking Switzerland by crossing the Meidpass (9,154') to descend into the peaceful hamlet of Gruben. Days 7-8 Zermatt After our climb to the top of Augstbordpass (9,495'), we descend into the green Mattertal, where we catch a cable car and local train to storied Zermatt, surrounded by 13,000-foot peaks and famed for its awe-inspiring views of the Matterhorn. Depart on Day 8. ON OUR WEBSITE CLASSIC HAUTE ROUTE Our classic traverse, with extra nights in Chamonix and Zermatt, plus two hike-in lodges where you’ll savor sunset alpenglow on the high peaks. Jul 12-23, Sep 3-14, 2017. From $5995.

HIGHLIGHTS • Experience one of the world’s great mountain hikes—in WT style! • Discover remote and pristine trails amid the highest peaks in the Alps • Savor the distinctive alpine cultures and cuisines of France and Switzerland • Enjoy our charming hand-picked hotels, some with spa facilities DETAILS • 8-day trip begins in Chamonix, France, and ends in Zermatt, Switzerland • 4 nights four-star hotels, 3 nights mountain inns • All meals included • All transport during the trip included (cable cars, etc.)

DATES Jul 1-8, 2017 Jul 28-Aug 4 Aug 13-20

TRIP COST $4495 (11-14 members) $4895 (6-10 members) Single supplement: $320

TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 7 hiking days on moderate to steep trails, 5-8 hours a day, altitudes between 6,000-9,600 feet, van support, team of up to 3 Trip Leaders

FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY: 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL EUROPE@WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM 18