Details of the trip:

Following the fire that hit the cable car of les Grands Montets, the itinerary will be modify; with an extra vertical ascent of 300 m. Starting from Bochard lift (2766m), we join Lognan glacier (2700m). Skin up to Les Grands Montets glacier (3050m) through the Rachasses pass. Here, we join the normal route.

Duration
6 DAYS

Day 1: We begin with the handsome descent of the Rognons glacier from the top of the Grands Montets cable car (3300m). Having arrived at the Argentière glacier (2550m), we put on our skins and head for the Argentière hut (2771m). Throughout the climb there are spectacular views of the neighbouring north faces. The remainder of the day is devoted to basic mountaineering (cramponing) and safety (avalanche rescue) techniques.
Vertical ascent: 225m / Vertical descent: 750m

Day 2: We start with a short climb up to the Passon moraine (2380m). We cross the moraine on foot and may have to use crampons. The climb now continues on skis to the foot of the Col du Passon (3028m), which we reach using crampons. We now ski beneath the north face of the Chardonnet. We put our skins back on to cross the Tour glacier to reach the Col Supérieur du Tour (3289m). We are now in Switzerland. A long descent of the Trient glacier followed by a short, technical climb in crampons takes us to the Col des Ecandies (2796m). There is now a magnificent descent through the Val d’Arpette to the village of Champex (1480m) where we spend the night in a comfortable gîte.
Vertical ascent: 1100m / Vertical descent: 1850m

Day 3: We go by minibus to the Verbier ski area. The ski lifts take us to the foot of the Col de la Chaux (2940m), which is our first climb. Next we reach the Col de Momin (3003m), which gives access to the magnificent Grand Désert glacier. We continue to the lower slopes of the Rosablanche (3336m), which we can climb as a round-trip from here, before descending to the charming Prafleuri hut (2662m).
Vertical ascent: 700m / Vertical descent: 900m

Day 4: We start the day with a short climb to the Col des Roux (2804m) from where we can see the rest of the day’s route. A long descending traverse leads us to one end of the Dix lake. From here we climb up via the Pas du Chat (2385m) to the Dix hut (2928m), which is dominated by the Mont Blanc de Cheilon (3869m).
Vertical ascent: 850m / Vertical descent: 400m

Day 5: Our days begins with a short descent to reach the Tsena Refien glacier, along which we make our way up to the Pigne d’Arolla (3796m). At around 3600m we might have to use crampons on the ‘passage de la Serpentine’. The summit of the Pigne d’Arolla is one of the best viewing points on the Haute Route, with panoramic views across the Alps. This stunning glacier stage concludes with the beautiful descent to the Vignettes hut (3160m).
Vertical ascent: 1000m / Vertical descent: 640m

Day 6: We start with a short descent to the Mont Collon glacier, which we climb up to reach the Col de l’Evêque (3392m). We next descend the upper Arolla glacier to the Vierge where we put on our skins to reach the foot of the Col du Mont Brulé (3213m), which we climb using crampons. After a short descent, we go to the Col de Valpelline (3554m), which is our last climb. The time has come to commence our descent to Zermatt and probably one of the most beautiful descents in the Alps, passing beneath the Dent d’Hérens (4171m) and the Matterhorn (4478m). We reach Zermatt mid-afternoon.
Vertical ascent: 1130m / Vertical descent: 2730m

This programme is meant as a guide only. Depending on the abilities of the group and the conditions in the mountains, your mountain guide may alter the route.

Included in the package:

• IFMGA English speaking mountain guiding service,
• Half-board in mountain huts (dinner, breakfast and night),
• Take out lunches and daily snacks,
• Ski lift access as per programme,
• Transfers as per programme,
• Rental of full safety kit (avalanche transceiver/DVA, shovel, probe).
  

Not included:

• Personal drinks in huts and other personal expenses (we recommend you bring Euros and Swiss Francs),
  
  

Equipment

- Comfortable frameless rucksack of 35l on which you could fix your skis & ice-axe,
- Ski touring skis & shoes,
- Adhesive climbing skins & ski knifes adapted to your skis,
- A pair of poles with large discs,
- A security pack including harness, DVA, shovel & probe - this pack will be lend by your guide.
- A pair of light crampons & an ice-axe.

Clothing checklist

• Waterproof and windproof, non-insulated parka with hood (Gore-tex or equivalent),
• Waterproof and windproof, non-insulated pants,
• Thick polar-pile fleece jacket or equivalent,
• A light down jacket,
• 1 long-sleeve shirt,
• Medium weight thermal underwear (top + bottoms, silk or polypro, double as pyjamas),
• Warm ski socks,
• Warm ski hat and light sun hat with brim,
• Warm ski gloves or mittens,
• A pair of adjusted gloves (in leather or fleece),
• Neck protection,
• Spare thermal underwear (for sleeping and change).

Accessories

• High-altitude sunglasses (grade 4 is recommended),
• A goggle,
• 1.5 quart water bottle,
• An isotherm bottle,
• A mini toilet bag including: sun block for face and lips, aspirin, elastoplast, 2nd skin kit, earplug, toilet paper,
• A headlamp with spare batteries,
• A cotton or silk sleeping sheet: compulsory in every hut. - Hut provide blankets, slippers or clogs
• A plastic bag contains your ID card & Euros for extras.
  
  

Details of the trip:

Following the fire that hit the cable car of les Grands Montets, the itinerary will be modify; with an extra vertical ascent of 300 m. Starting from Bochard lift (2766m), we join Lognan glacier (2700m). Skin up to Les Grands Montets glacier (3050m) through the Rachasses pass. Here, we join the normal route.

Duration
6 DAYS

Day 1: We begin with the handsome descent of the Rognons glacier from the top of the Grands Montets cable car (3300m). Having arrived at the Argentière glacier (2550m), we put on our skins and head for the Argentière hut (2771m). Throughout the climb there are spectacular views of the neighbouring north faces. The remainder of the day is devoted to basic mountaineering (cramponing) and safety (avalanche rescue) techniques.
Vertical ascent: 225m / Vertical descent: 750m

Day 2: We start with a short climb up to the Passon moraine (2380m). We cross the moraine on foot and may have to use crampons. The climb now continues on skis to the foot of the Col du Passon (3028m), which we reach using crampons. We now ski beneath the north face of the Chardonnet. We put our skins back on to cross the Tour glacier to reach the Col Supérieur du Tour (3289m). We are now in Switzerland. A long descent of the Trient glacier followed by a short, technical climb in crampons takes us to the Col des Ecandies (2796m). There is now a magnificent descent through the Val d’Arpette to the village of Champex (1480m) where we spend the night in a comfortable gîte.
Vertical ascent: 1100m / Vertical descent: 1850m

Day 3: We go by minibus to the Verbier ski area. The ski lifts take us to the foot of the Col de la Chaux (2940m), which is our first climb. Next we reach the Col de Momin (3003m), which gives access to the magnificent Grand Désert glacier. We continue to the lower slopes of the Rosablanche (3336m), which we can climb as a round-trip from here, before descending to the charming Prafleuri hut (2662m).
Vertical ascent: 700m / Vertical descent: 900m

Day 4: We start the day with a short climb to the Col des Roux (2804m) from where we can see the rest of the day’s route. A long descending traverse leads us to one end of the Dix lake. From here we climb up via the Pas du Chat (2385m) to the Dix hut (2928m), which is dominated by the Mont Blanc de Cheilon (3869m).
Vertical ascent: 850m / Vertical descent: 400m

Day 5: Our days begins with a short descent to reach the Tsena Refien glacier, along which we make our way up to the Pigne d’Arolla (3796m). At around 3600m we might have to use crampons on the ‘passage de la Serpentine’. The summit of the Pigne d’Arolla is one of the best viewing points on the Haute Route, with panoramic views across the Alps. This stunning glacier stage concludes with the beautiful descent to the Vignettes hut (3160m).
Vertical ascent: 1000m / Vertical descent: 640m

Day 6: We start with a short descent to the Mont Collon glacier, which we climb up to reach the Col de l’Evêque (3392m). We next descend the upper Arolla glacier to the Vierge where we put on our skins to reach the foot of the Col du Mont Brulé (3213m), which we climb using crampons. After a short descent, we go to the Col de Valpelline (3554m), which is our last climb. The time has come to commence our descent to Zermatt and probably one of the most beautiful descents in the Alps, passing beneath the Dent d’Hérens (4171m) and the Matterhorn (4478m). We reach Zermatt mid-afternoon.
Vertical ascent: 1130m / Vertical descent: 2730m

This programme is meant as a guide only. Depending on the abilities of the group and the conditions in the mountains, your mountain guide may alter the route.

Included in the package:

• IFMGA English speaking mountain guiding service,
• Half-board in mountain huts (dinner, breakfast and night),
• Take out lunches and daily snacks,
• Ski lift access as per programme,
• Transfers as per programme,
• Rental of full safety kit (avalanche transceiver/DVA, shovel, probe).
  

Not included:

• Personal drinks in huts and other personal expenses (we recommend you bring Euros and Swiss Francs),
  
  

Equipment

- Comfortable frameless rucksack of 35l on which you could fix your skis & ice-axe,
- Ski touring skis & shoes,
- Adhesive climbing skins & ski knifes adapted to your skis,
- A pair of poles with large discs,
- A security pack including harness, DVA, shovel & probe - this pack will be lend by your guide.
- A pair of light crampons & an ice-axe.

Clothing checklist

• Waterproof and windproof, non-insulated parka with hood (Gore-tex or equivalent),
• Waterproof and windproof, non-insulated pants,
• Thick polar-pile fleece jacket or equivalent,
• A light down jacket,
• 1 long-sleeve shirt,
• Medium weight thermal underwear (top + bottoms, silk or polypro, double as pyjamas),
• Warm ski socks,
• Warm ski hat and light sun hat with brim,
• Warm ski gloves or mittens,
• A pair of adjusted gloves (in leather or fleece),
• Neck protection,
• Spare thermal underwear (for sleeping and change).

Accessories

• High-altitude sunglasses (grade 4 is recommended),
• A goggle,
• 1.5 quart water bottle,
• An isotherm bottle,
• A mini toilet bag including: sun block for face and lips, aspirin, elastoplast, 2nd skin kit, earplug, toilet paper,
• A headlamp with spare batteries,
• A cotton or silk sleeping sheet: compulsory in every hut. - Hut provide blankets, slippers or clogs
• A plastic bag contains your ID card & Euros for extras.
  
  

Dates: 24 to 31 March and April 2020

Meet: EZEIZA (international airport) in the evening

Price: 3290 euros (5 to 6 people maximum)
​

Duration
16 DAYS

PRICE INCLUDES
Organisation and guiding services of mountain guide.
All accommodation, meals and picnics.
Minibus transfers during the trip.

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
International and internal flights.
Drinks.
Tickets to tourist sites, such as hot springs, national parks, ski lifts, any equipment hire.
Travel insurance.
Any tips for agents.
Anything not covered by the price includes list.

Insurance:

Participants must have mountain sports insurance with repatriation cover.
We strongly recommend that this include cancellation cover.
Rescue and repatriation insurance are obligatory. You can take out personal cover and you must give us the name of your insurer, your contract number, 24hr emergency number and amount covered by your search and rescue cover.

Documentation:
Valid passport or ID card, visa (if required)…