Compare Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn by Exodus Travels vs Hiking the Haute Route—Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn by MT Sobek (Mountain Travel Sobek)

Day 1 Start at Les Bossons, near Chamonix

We begin our adventure at the campsite in Les Bossons, which has wonderful views of Mont Blanc and the Bossons Glacier, especially at sunset. In the afternoon, there is an introductory briefing by the trek crew. Campsite: Camping Les Marmottes, Les Bossons

Day 2 Free day in the Chamonix Valley

This is a limbering up day and there are several good walks nearby. Alternatively, take the cable car (optional) to Aiguille du Midi for outstanding close-up views of Mont Blanc, the Chamonix Valley and the surrounding peaks. Campsite: Camping Les Marmottes, Les Bossons

Day 3 Walk the Grand Balcon Sud from Chamonix to Les Frasserands

From Les Bossons (3,320ft/1,012m), we have a short bus journey to Chamonix where we walk to Les Praz and take the cable car to La Flégère (6,100ft/1,860m). The trail today is named the Grand Balcon and is on the opposite side of the valley from Mont Blanc, affording excellent views of the whole massif lying to our south. Initially, we contour and then climb to reach the high point of the day, Lac Blanc (7,715ft/2,352m). The trail descends and then contours high above the valley before dropping steeply to the hamlet of Les Frasserands (4,500ft/1,371m), where we take a scenic valley train back to our campsite. In the afternoon, there is a very short section of ladders/steep steps with handrails to descend. Campsite: Camping Les Marmottes, Les Bossons

Day 4 Cross Col de Balme to Switzerland

After a scenic train ride up the valley to Les Frasserands, we begin by climbing steeply to the Aiguillette de Posettes (7,200ft/2,201m), descend a little and then ascend towards the Col de Balme (7,190ft/2,191m) where we follow one of the paths across the border from France to Switzerland. Enjoy excellent views all morning of Aiguille d'Argentière and Aiguille du Tour and its glacier. After lunch, we descend to the small hamlet of Trient (4,250ft/1,296m) and enjoy views of the Trient Glacier. Campsite: Basic camping, near Trient

Day 5 Over Fenêtre d'Arpette to Champex

In good weather, we take the trail adjacent to the Trient Glacier to cross a high, rocky pass known as Fenêtre d'Arpette (8,740ft/2,665m) before descending steeply into the Arpette Valley (5,340ft/1,627m) and down to our campsite in Champex (4,880ft/1,486m). In poor weather, we take the lower trail, which climbs first to the Col de Forclaz (5,010ft/1,527m) where we can look down into the Rhone valley. The Swiss town of Martigny is in sight far below as we follow the Bovine Route to Champex Lac. Campsite: Camping Les Rocailles, Champex Lac

Day 6 From Champex, the trail leads to Verbier and to Cabane de Louvie

From Champex, we walk down to Sembrancher (2,350ft/717m) then travel by train and cable car to the ski resort of Verbier (4,880ft/1,490m) and then to Ruinettes (7,260ft/2,200m). Our afternoon walk starts on a broad easy trail with views of the Grand Combin and the Mont Blanc Massif in the distance. The trail than narrows and steepens and we traverse around the southern flank of the Bec des Rosses to Col Termin (8,750ft/2,652m) before descending to Lac de Louvie and our overnight stay at the Cabane de Louvie (7,300ft/2,214m). The path today is quite committing; if the weather is poor, there are problems with the cable cars, or snow on the path, we may need to take an alternative route from Sembrancher. We travel by train and bus up the valley to Fionnay (4,880ft/1,495m). From here, we ascend steeply through dramatic open hillside to reach our first mountain hut, the Cabane de Louvie (7,400ft/2,242m) on the shores of the Lac de Louvie (a very scenic spot) where we have great views of the Grand Combin. Mountain huts have shared dormitory-style accommodation with basic toilet and washing facilities only. The support vehicle is unable to reach this hut, so we need to do some light backpacking until we rejoin it in two days’ time. Mountain hut: Cabane de Louvie

Day 7 Cross the highest pass of the route, Col Prafleuri. Views of Rhone valley, Mont Blanc, the Grand Combin and the Matterhorn

A dramatic day with two passes to cross. We start with a scenic traverse around the shores of Lac de Louvie before a reasonably steep accent to our first col, Col de Louvie (9,580ft/2,921m), and onwards towards the Grand Désert, a rocky section of glacial moraine. If we're lucky, we may spot ibex herds. We pass small tarns fed by the outflows of the glacier and ascend for our second pass, the Col Prafleuri (9,800ft/2,987m) – the highest col on the route – with views of the Rosablanche and Mont Blanc de Cheilon. It is then only a short descent to the Cabane Prafleuri (8,600ft/2,624m). Again, the support vehicle is unable to reach us, so we will be doing light backpacking to this remote mountain hut. Mountain hut: Cabane Prafleuri, near Lac Dix

Day 8 Long walking day with two passes to cross; overnight at Les Haudères

Our route today starts with a short climb to cross the Col de Roux (9,200ft/2,804m). We descend across large boulders to Lac Dix (7,750ft/2,364m) and walk around its shoreline before climbing again above the glacier Dix, through meadows often filled with edelweiss during summer, to make a steep ascent on loose scree to the Col du Reidmatten (9,570ft/2,919m). Enjoy excellent views of the Pigne d'Arolla, Mont Collon and possibly the Matterhorn in the distance. Finally, a long descent brings us to the small, charming village of Arolla (6,550ft/1,998m), where we catch a bus to Les Haudères (4,710ft/1,436m). Here we are met by the support vehicle. Campsite: Camping Molignon, Les Haudères

Day 9 Rest day

Enjoy a free day to relax. The twin villages of Les Haudères and Evolène lie in the most picturesque part of the Val de Hérens and there are many walks in the area if you feel the need for a little more exercise. Alternatively, the scenic town of Sion, with its medieval quarter and many cafes and restaurants, is an easy bus ride away. Campsite: Camping Molignon, Les Haudères

Day 10 Past Lac Moiry to the picture-postcard village of Grimentz

Today, we have a big climb to reach our col where we are rewarded with stunning views. We climb first to Villa (5,675ft/1,730m) then on to cross the Col Torrent (9,575ft/2,919m) and enjoy vast mountain views (Pigne d'Arolla, Grand Combin and the Weisshorn) and make a long descent past Lac de Moiry (7,380ft/2,249m) to the woods above the picture-postcard village of Grimentz (5,150ft/1,572m). Campsite: Wild camping, Grimentz

Day 11 Longest walking day with excellent views of the Weisshorn

A long day that starts with a gentle walk through woodlands to reach the valley bottom at Mottec (5,100ft/1,556m). From here, there is a short but steep climb to join the main trail with fine views of the Matterhorn and Ober Gabelhorn. The climb continues to today's col, the Forcletta (9,426ft/2,874m), where we enter German-speaking Switzerland. We have views back to Grand Combin and possibly Mont Blanc. Descend, with views of the Weisshorn to the southeast, to the Turtman Valley and Gruben (5,975ft/1,822m). This is the longest walking day. As there is no campsite in the Gruben valley, we stay in dormitories in a local auberge and our bags are brought up by the support vehicle. Hotel: Schwarzhorn (basic hotel), Gruben

Day 12 Join Zermatt Valley; descend to Jungu and St Niklaus, short transfer to Randa

We climb again to cross the Augstbord pass (9,490ft/2,894m) with good views of the Weisshorn and the 'Dom' and join the main Zermatt Valley high on its western side. We descend to cross the Emdbach and, soon after, get our first views of the Zermatt Valley plus the Weisshorn, Kleine Matterhorn and Taschorn. Descend to Jungu (6,410ft/1,955m) and onto St Niklaus (3,700ft/1,127m), either by walking or by an optional cable car, where we travel by train or taxi to our last camp at Randa (4,720ft/1,439m). Ascent: 3,500ft (1,070m); Descent: 5,870ft (1,790m) – (less 2,710ft/830m descent if taking optional Jungu cable car) Campsite: Camping Attermenzen, Randa

Day 13 Follow a high-level balcony path that contours along the valley towards Zermatt

For our final day of trekking, we walk directly from the campsite to the village of Täsch before ascending up to the Europaweg, a wonderful contouring path with spectacular views of the Matterhorn. Rising above the treeline and into a wild, rocky landscape, we pass by Stellisee (a mountain lake and perfect spot to snap reflected views of the Matterhorn) and onwards to the mountain hut Fluhalp at 8,550ft (2,606m). From here, we have a long decent to Zermatt passing through old mountain hamlets with more stunning photo opportunities of the Matterhorn. Campsite: Camping Attermenzen, Randa

Day 14 Optional trip to Zermatt

From our camp near Randa, it is a short train or minibus trip to Zermatt, an ideal place for a free day with lots of opportunities for short or long walks or to relax in town. There are also many excursions, such as the mountain cog railway to Gornergrat for spectacular views of the Gorner Glacier and Monte Rosa or perhaps the spectacular cable car ascent to Kleine Matterhorn. Campsite: Camping Attermenzen, Randa

Day 15 End Randa

Our adventure ends at the campsite near Randa. Your tour leader will help you book a train ticket (or other transport) for your return to Geneva Airport – please see the Joining Instructions section of the Trip Notes for further information. Please note, the earliest a train could arrive at the airport is approximately 10am (although timings can change) and this would mean a very early start plus a short taxi ride to the railway station. Taxis directly to Geneva Airport are very expensive. Please ensure your return flight is late enough in the day to allow yourself time to reach the airport and check-in – we recommend a departure no earlier than 1pm.

Day 1: Geneva – Chamonix

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Les Aiglons

Arrive at the airport in Geneva, Switzerland (GVA). You will be picked up promptly at 2:00 p.m. for a group transfer by private van to the famous mountain-ringed resort town of Chamonix, France. We suggest you arrive early enough (by 1:00 p.m.) to allow time to get through customs and immigration before the scheduled pickup. The transfer takes approximately 1½ hours. Once at the hotel, you'll have time to rest a bit, take a swim, or explore this charming town before meeting your guides and the rest of the group for a welcome dinner and orientation at 6:30 p.m.

Day 2: Chamonix – Local "Warm Up" Hike

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel Les Aiglons

From the hotel, we’ll take a funicular to Planpraz (6,600'). From this panoramic viewpoint we get our first complete vantage point of the Mont Blanc massif. Our hike will lead us to the Col Cornu (7,919') and then to the Black Lakes (8,530’). We’ll have a number of options for our descent and the guides will select the one that best suits our group. Dinner tonight is on your own to explore the many fine dining options of Chamonix. (Approx. 6 hours hiking, 2,150' ascent/2,500' descent.)

Day 3: Col de Balme

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel du Col de La Forclaz

We’ll begin the day with a 15-minute vehicle transfer to the village of Tour, at the head of the Chamonix Valley. We’ll hike up through the alpine pastures to the Col de Balme (6,999'), and hike  into Switzerland. After traversing above the tree line over dramatic views of the valley below, we’ll descend along the great Trient Glacier to our rest stop for the night, the Hotel de la Forclaz (5,035'). (Approx. 7 hours hiking, 3300' ascent/2,900' descent, mild exposure.)

Day 4: Fenêtre d’Arpette

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel de Verbier

Today’s hike is up to the challenging Fenêtre d’Arpette, or “Arpette’s window” (8,760'), and is among the most classic alpine mountain passes. Today’s views of the Trient Glacier are spectacular (as well as the views at the top of the pass!). We’ll begin with an easy walk to a hiker’s hut, then begin our challenging ascent up a steep trail of stone steps and boulders, requiring some scrambling along the way. After a picturesque lunch at the pass, we’ll descend through forests to the village of Champex (4,890') where we transfer to the celebrated ski town of Verbier, and rest for the night. (Approx. 7 hours hiking, 3,727' ascent/4,970' descent, significant exposure.)

Day 5: Verbier – Cabane de Louvie

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Cabane de Louvie

Today’s hike begins with a short, 10 minute transfer to our trailhead just above Verbier (4,950'), and then continues on foot up above the town to the Val de Bagne. We’ll then traverse along trails with outstanding views in every direction, then hike up to the Col Termin (8,740'); there is a possibility of seeing some ibex today. The trail has a fair amount of exposure, and chains are mounted on the rocks in some places to help ease our way. We’ll then descend steeply to the lovely environs of the Lac de Louvie (7,300') where we’ll spend the night in the hut of Cabane de Louvie. (Approx. 7 hours hiking, 3,310' ascent/1,440' descent, significant exposure.)

NOTE—You will not have access to your luggage tonight and will need to carry your overnight belongings.

Day 6: Cabane de Louvie – Grande Dixence

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Le Ritz

Today is a long and beautiful day of hiking, with two passes, the Louvie (9,640') and Prafleuri (9,785'). From the hut, we’ll climb 2,500 feet on steep trails that bring us to lunar landscapes. There are very good odds of seeing ibex today. From the first pass, we’ll descend (possibly on snow) 400 feet, crossing Le Grand Desert (“big desert”), a glacial area that’s rich in minerals. You may have to cross the glacier itself or ford one of its streams, and even hike on snow. We will scramble over large boulder fields and steep cliffs with scree slopes to our second pass, then descend from the Prafleuri to our hotel, Le Ritz, located at the foot of Europe’s highest dam at 7,065 feet. (Approx. 9 hours hiking, 3,100' ascent/3,400' descent, significant exposure.)

Day 7: Grande Dixence – Arolla

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel du Glacier

From the hotel, we’ll hike to the top of the dam and then continue around the lake (4 miles), before our start up toward the Pas du Chat (7,800'). The terrain is rocky and we’ll cross a glacier before scrambling over boulders and large flat rocks to the next pass. We have two alternates for crossing the Pas de la Chevre (9,785'—“pass of the goat”), either a steep 250-foot ascent, or up two sets of vertical ladders, before descending to Arolla (6,660'). This stage is considered very alpine, with rich mineral rock and a backdrop of the legendary summits of Pigne d’Arolla, Mont-Blanc de Cheilon, and Mont-Collomb. Our day ends with a short walk through the beautiful Arolla pine forest into this typical charming Swiss hamlet with its wooden houses and flower-filled window boxes. (Approx. 8 hours hiking, 2,720' ascent/2,800' descent, significant exposure.)

Day 8: Arolla – Grimentz

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Alpina

We’ll start with a 30-minute transfer to Cotter (5,790') where we begin what some consider the easiest day of the route as we ascend the Col de Torrent (9,630'). We’ll encounter picture postcard scenery with fabulous views of Mont Blanc as well as many other spectacular peaks of a range of mountains called the Dent Blanche (14,380'). From the pass, weather permitting, we will have fabulous 360-degree views of snowcapped mountains and turquoise glacial lakes. We might see marmots and eagles as we continue down through cow-filled meadows to the picturesque old Swiss village of Grimentz (5,300'). Part of the town is like a living museum representing the old, vanishing way of life, and is well worth an evening stroll. (Approx. 7 hours hiking, 4,180' ascent/3,468' descent.)

Day 9: Grimentz – Zinal – Gruben

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Schwarzhorn

We are now is the bilingual canton of Valais, where we’ll move from the French-speaking to the German-speaking Switzerland. After a short transfer to Zinal (5,500'), our hiking begins with a steep climb through a beautiful forest of thick larch trees, heather, and blueberries. We’ll then make a long « balcony » traverse with views of the Matterhorn, before beginning another steep ascent toward the Col de Forcletta (9,480'). We’ll descend through beautiful green hills with large mossy rocks and babbling brooks to the summer hamlet of Gruben (6,012') where we’ll spend the night. (Approx. 8 hours hiking, 4,180' ascent/3,468' descent.)

Day 10: Gruben – St. Niklaus

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Butterfly

Our first challenge of the day is the Augstbordpass (9,550'), the last major pass on our trek, which leads into the valley of the Mattervispa. From the top, we’ll make a long, 5,900-feet descent with fairly steep exposure. On the way down, the views are superb: we can see the Weishorn, Breithorn, and Mischabel, as well as others, all topping 14,000 feet, at Jungu, we’ll enjoye fabulous views of green hills dotted with slate-roofed wooden houses. Down to St. Niklaus (3,630') we board our bus for the drive to Zermatt at the foot of the famed Matterhorn. Later, meet with the group and trip leaders for an evening farewell dinner, as the guides will leave Zermatt after tomorrow's half-day hike. (Approx. 7½ hours hiking, 3,538' ascent/5,900' descent, significant exposure.)

Day 11: Zermatt – Zmutt

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel Butterfly

We have an half-day of light hiking in store today with a walk up above the town for great views of the Matterhorn. Lunch in a charming village at the foot of the Matterhorn, then returning to Zermatt. We'll say good-bye to our guides at the end of today's hike. The remainder of the afternoon is free to take advantage of the charms of the alpine village and perhaps do a little shopping. (Approx. 4 hours hiking, 1,000' ascent/1,000' descent.)

Day 12: Depart

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, we’ll transfer 3½ hours to the Geneva Airport (GVA), or you can take the train from Zermatt to other destinations in Europe on your own. (Please do not schedule your outgoing flight to depart until after 2:00 p.m.)