Wilderness Travel 2018 Catalog of Adventures

Hiking the Haute Route HIGH ALPS TRAVERSE FROM CHAMONIX TO ZERMATT

TANYA PERRET

The iconic spire of the Matterhorn is one of the great peaks on the Haute Route. PHOTO: ILHAN EROGLU

The Haute Route is the celebrated high-level hiking traverse 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,” the airy realm where the sport of mountaineering was born in the 19th century. Our unique version of this famous hike provides nonstop alpine panoramas as we cross seven dramatic passes, including the rocky Fenêtre d’Arpette (8,750'). We combine our well-paced hiking days with overnights in charming hotels. Days 1-2 Chamonix, France / Champex, Switzerland From Chamonix, we hike over the Col de Balme on the French-Swiss border and descend to the Col de la Forclaz. A steep but gorgeous hike right along the edge of the

Trient Glacier brings us to the top of the Fenêtre d’Arpette, then down to the rugged Val d’Arpette.

HIGHLIGHTS • Experience one of the world’s great mountain hikes—in WT style! • Discover spectacular trails and alpine hamlets surrounded by the highest peaks in the Alps • Savor the distinctive alpine cultures and mountain 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.)

Days 3-4 Grande Dixence / Arolla Our hike over the Col des Roux (9,197') reveals the legendary summits and glaciers of the Valais Alps, and when we cross the Col de Reidmatten, we’ll have breathtaking views across the Arolla Valley to Pigne D’Arolla, Mont Collon, and the massive west face of Mont Blanc de Cheillon. Days 5-6 St-Luc / Gruben A hike through the traditional Valais canton and over the Col de Torrent rewards us with superb vistas of the towering limestone pyramid of the Dent Blanche (14,290'). Entering German-speaking Switzerland by crossing the Meidpass (9,154'), we make our way down into the peaceful hamlet of Gruben. Days 7-8 Zermatt After our climb to the top of Augstbordpass (9,495'), we catch a cable car and local train to storied Zermatt. Surrounded by 13,000-foot peaks, this town is famed for its awe-inspiring views of the Matterhorn. Depart on Day 8. ON OUR WEBSITE CLASSIC HAUTE ROUTE Do the classic! If you have the time, join our 12-day Haute Route journey, including two hike-in lodges where you’ll savor alpenglow on the high peaks. Jul 11-22, Sep 4-15, 2018. From $5995.

DATES Jun 30-Jul 7, 2018 Jul 27-Aug 3 Aug 11-18

TRIP COST $4495 (11-14 members) $4895 (4-10 members) Single supplement: $280

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

DAN PATITUCCI

FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR EUROPEAN TRIPS VISIT WWW.WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM/TRIPS/EUROPE 40