Wilderness-Travel-2017-Catalog

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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.
We bring you to the most spectacular parts of this classic high trail from Chamonix to Zermatt. PHOTO: BENJAMIN BARTHELEMY FRANCO COGOLI
FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY: 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL 18
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