Classic Haute Routes 2026
The Classic Haute Route: Three Weeks of Perfect Snow and Powder Between Chamonix and Zermatt
When the weather holds steady for weeks on end in April, the “King’s Route” through the Western Alps reveals its most impressive side. This season, we had the privilege of leading the classic ski traverse from Chamonix to Zermatt three times in a row with highly motivated groups under nearly perfect conditions.
The approach via Argentière and the couloir at Col du Passon, with its steep 45° incline, required surefootedness right from the start with our skis strapped on and crampons attached, but rewarded us with compact, packed snow.
At the tour’s key section—the traverse across the Plateau du Couloir and the subsequent Col du Sonadon (3,520 m) —setting out early paid off: Thanks to clear nights, the snowpack had frozen solid, allowing us to make swift and safe progress with crampons before the midday sun softened the slopes.
We were still able to enjoy fantastic powder snow on our descent down the Glacier du Mont Durand until mid-April.
After climbing the Pigne d’Arolla (3,790 m) and spending the night at the spectacularly situated Cabane des Vignettes, the scenic highlight awaited us: the final descent across the deeply fissured Stockji Glacier all the way to Zermatt. Six days, nearly 6,000 meters of elevation gain, and countless turns on firn snow right beneath the mighty north face of the Matterhorn made each of the three weeks of touring a true alpine experience.
Are you planning to do the Haute Route next season?
You can find detailed stage descriptions, prerequisites, and the current dates right here in our tour listings for the classic Haute Route. If you have any questions about gear or preparation, you can reach me personally at any time via WhatsApp or email.
This might interest you:
Bernese Oberland Haute Route with the Finsteraarhorn
Region: Bernese Alps, Switzerland
Prices: 3 people: 1,090 euros, 2 people: 1,590 euros, 1 person: by arrangement
Tour du Ciel with Bishorn
Region: Valais, Switzerland
Prices: 5 persons Euro 1250.-, 4 persons Euro 1450.-
Ski Touring Through the Dauphiné
Region: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Prices: 3 people: 1,590 euros; 4 people: 1,290 euros
Haute Route: Chamonix–Zermatt
Region: Wallis, Schweiz
Prices: 5 Personen Euro 1290.-, 4 Personen Euro 1490.-
