Chamonix to Zermatt Glacier Run

Run the Chamonix to Zermatt high level “Haute Route” through the valleys and over the high glaciers under your own power

with no cable cars, taxis or shortcuts…

The worlds most famous high level route attracts skiers in the spring and walkers in the summer. Both of whom take different routes between the two mountain towns

Our unique guided running challenge blends the two approaches, tackling the high glaciers as well as some stunning trail running in the valleys between

This mix of mountaineering and trail running will be a great adventure and you’re in safe hands with our experienced and highly qualified mountain guides.

By staying in high alpine huts, it’s possible to run quite long distances each day as well as enjoying some fantastic descents

This will be a tough challenge and is suited to experienced trail runners although no prior mountaineering experience is required. We will instruct and coach along the way and on all glacier sections you will be roped up with fellow runners along with your mountain guides.

General Info

The whole route is over 120km and features more than 10,000m of ascent from start to finish. There are a mixture of longer and shorter days so there will be time to relax and recover (a little!) during the week. We stay in a mixture of hotels, mountain huts and one tipi/camping night.

Your kit bag will be transported between each village, so when you’re at a valley base you will have access to your spare clothes, extra kit etc. On the glacier days we stay in huts and for that you will need to be self-sufficient and carry your own mountaineering equipment. The huts provide our meals as well as comfortable beds with blankets or duvets.

If your not sure about your current ability or fitness level, please do contact us for some advice.

How technical is the route?

Although the glacial sections are considered non technical by mountaineering standards they feature all the aspects of high mountain terrain such as hard ice, soft snow, crevasses etc. Safety is paramount and you will be in small teams with a mountain guide, roped up for these sections along with mountaineering equipment.

For these glacial sections, you will need sturdy mountaineering “B1” boots as well as crampons. These can be rented from us when required. Another option would be to use gore-tex running shoes with an integral gaiter and walking crampons. La Sportiva, Salomon and other brands all produce shoes that would be suitable.

You do not need prior climbing or ropework experience, there is a safety briefing on the welcome evening and a practical lesson on the glacier on the first day as well as ongoing tips during the week.

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Trip Highlights:

• A unique and impressive challenge on this most famous of alpine traverses.

• Run and hike through alpine meadows, river valleys and high alpine terrain.

• Cross a total of nine glaciers over the course of the week.

• Stay in high mountain refuges in the heart of the alps.

• Enjoy some of the best unknown trails off the beaten track.

• Run with passionate alpine guides with the highest level of qualification.

How fit/fast will I need to be?

Although no single day is too long the cumulative fatigue and ascent does add up over the week to produce a major challenge. You don’t need to be a super fast road runner for this trip and a well rounded trail running and hill walking background is much more important.

As a general rule of thumb you would have completed a rugged trail marathon or short ultra (50km+) either as a race or in training.

During the trail sections it is ok to move at your own pace and we will have regular meet up points to regroup. This is a personal as well as a team challenge rather than any sort of race.

During the glaciated mountaineering sections we move roped up as a team at a speed appropriate for the whole group.

There will be time guidelines and cutoffs during the trip and if you miss these then we would ask you to cut short or sit out the following day to ensure your safety on the mountain sections.

As with any mountaineering trip we reserve the right to refuse continuing participation if we feel your speed is affecting your or the groups safety and/or the ability of the group to complete the trip. In such cases no refunds or postponements are due.

What will I need to carry?

A full kit list is coming soon.

We aim to have you run fairly light on the trail sections, but you will carry a full set of waterproofs and spare warm layer as well as some emergency equipment.

During the glacial sections you will need a little more space for your crampons, harness etc as well as some extra warm layers. You could use a bigger bag for this, around 20-25ltrs recommended.

On every day including the glacial sections there is a mixture of trails and rougher terrain. One option is to carry your trail shoes and swap into those for the trail sections and carry your heavier boots.

Haute Route Glacier Run Itinerary:

This seven day itinerary is designed to be flexible and it’s possible to shorten or lengthen the days in case of bad weather or conditions along the Haute Route. GPX track coming soon.

Itinerary is subject to change without notice due to weather, conditions, accommodation availability etc.

Day 0

Saturday 2nd July

We base ourselves from the in Chamonix and you need to arrive for the obligatory briefing and kit check at 16:00 the day before our trip starts.

We talk through the programme and logistics and there is time for questions. Then there is a kit check for everyone with enough time for you to go into town to pick up any last minute items or supplies before the shops shut in the evening.

We have an evening meal at the Vert hotel before its off to bed for a good nights sleep before the running the following morning.

Day 1

Sunday 3rd July Total 17km, 2100 height gain. 400M descent.

After breakfast at the hotel and a final kit faff we make our way to Chamonix centre to the traditional start from the church in the centre. Undulating trails lead us up through the valley bottom past a few small villages to the head of the valley at Le Tour after approx 13km and 800m of ascent.
Here we can resupply and pickup equipment for the hut and the glacier for the following day from our support vehicle.

Now its a steep climb up to the Albert premier refuge of 1300m in 4km. A tough climb but the excellent hut awaits. After refreshments we give you additional briefings for the following day.

No access to kit bag

Day 2

Monday 4th July Total 19km – 950m ascent – 2700m descent

Crossing the Glacier du Tour and the Plateau de Trient is spectacular. We take an early start along with the other climbers to catch the glacier in good condition before the heat of the day. A climb of 600m takes us to the first col before a superb crossing of the Trient Plateau. We drop down past the Trient refuge and towards the end of the glacier section we reach the Cabane d’Orny. Another top hut and we stop here for a coffee and cake after a total of 8km and 750m ascent from the Albert premier.

Now its all trails as we drop down into the valley again to reach the picturesque Champex Lac and then our accommodation for the night in Orsieres.

Full access to Kit bag at hotel.

Day 3

Tuesday 5th July Total 24km, 2640m ascent – 876m descent.

Today is a trail day, and we can pack a bit lighter. It’s a long one though as we connect the valleys towards Zermatt. We pass over the summit of Mont Brule before traversing around to the Cabane Brunet for a welcome resupply. From here we traverse into the spectacular Corbassiere glacial valley, across the bridge and up to the well positioned Panossiere refuge for the night.

No access to kit bag

 

Day 4

Wednesday 6th July Total 12km – 2643m ascent – 1780m descent.

Its time to get back into the mountains and into position for the next glacier crossing. We head for the Cabane de Chanrion after making our way up to and past the huge Mauvoisin reservoir via the col des Otanes.

We drop to the head of the Mauvoisin briefly for coffee and a break before crossing the dam itself and heading towards the next refuge. We aim to arrive at the hut in the early afternoon, giving everyone time for rest and recovery.

No access to kit bag.

Day 5

Thursday 7th July Total 18km – 1200m ascent – 1537m descent

Another big glacier day awaits crossing the main Swiss alpine chain from south to north. This is definitely an early start with head torches to beat any midday heat which can be intense on the glacier.

After some trails we reach the Ottema glacier which we follow for more than 10km to the head of the glacier valley and the Vignettes hut. After a swift drink stop we have a short glacier on the north side and then trails to the Swiss village of Arolla.

Full access to Kit bag at hotel.

Day 6

Friday 8th July Total 18km – 1200m ascent – 1537m descent

This is a shorter stage and we have time for a proper breakfast before setting off. We climb up to the Bertol refuge which is mostly trails with a short section of glacier towards the end.

The Bertol is a proper climbers hut, you’ll have to climb a few ladders to get into the front door! It’s a great viewpoint and sits right on the high glacier plateau between the Arolla and Zermatt valleys. We will have time to rest and recover in the afternoon.

No access to Kit bag.

Day 7

Saturday 9th July Total 20km – 800m ascent – 2500m descent

This is often the crux of the Haute Route with a high glacier crossing and crevassed section later on. We need good weather and visibility. After steady glacier walking to the col de la Tete Blanche we drop onto the more crevassed Stockjiglacier.

With the Matterhorn as our backdrop we continue downwards and onto the rocky slopes of the Stokji before reaching the Schonbielhutte for a drink. With the hard work now done its trails all the way to the Zermatt church, the end point of the traverse from Chamonix.

Obligatory ice cream and perhaps a beer before catching the train to Tasch and our transport back to Chamonix for a final evening meal.

Day 8

Sunday 10th July

Departure after breakfast and return flights.

Can I skip any days or cut them short?

It is possible to cut a few days short by taking taxis or cable cars. We may be able to accommodate this but usually it will incur an extra cost depending on the location and other factors

If you wish to skip a mountain day we can arrange transport to the next village with accommodation although again this will involve additional expense depending on accommodation availability etc.

In all cases our aim is to help you complete the trip and if this means taking an easier day or two we can help you do that.

In all cases we have pre-booked accommodation for you and there will be no refunds on this or guiding expenses for any missed days or if you have to abandon the trip.

2022 Haute Route run trip

Saturday 2nd July to Sunday 10th July 2022.

  • 2150€ before 31st January
  • 2250€ 1st Fenruary to 31st March.
  • 2350€ 1st April onwards

This trip requires a minimum of four bookings.

Book your place now

What is included:

  • Guiding fees and logistics
  • Eight nights accommodation on a twin sharing basis
  • Breakfast and dinners at hotels and huts.
  • Six packed lunches whilst on route
  • Return travel from Zermatt to Chamonix according to itinerary
  • Small baggage transport between hotels whilst on the trip.

Not included:

  • Any and all other expenses are not included for example:
  • Flights and Airport transfers to Chamonix
  • Personal equipment
  • Personal rescue insurance
  • Drinks including water at hotels & huts
  • Any extra food or snacks at huts/hotels etc
  • Day 1 lunch and snacks (lots of choice in Chamonix)
  • Personal running snacks in addition to packed lunches
  • Additional snacks/drinks at cafes/huts etc on route. There are a few of these so some cash is a good idea!
  • Equipment hire
  • Extra expenses due to a change in itinerary or in the event of you having to cut the trip or day short, including personal return trips to airport/Chamonix etc.

Covid cancellation policy

To be read inconjuction with our main terms and conditions here. A few Covid points highlighted below.

    • • If you are unable to travel due to international restrictions for France and/or Switzerland then you will receive a full refund for all monies paid to Vertical Frontiers Ltd.
    • • If we are restricted in our ability to provide guiding services to you in France or Switzerland and we have to cancel the trip then you would receive a full refund for all monies paid to Vertical Frontiers Ltd.
    • • If your country of residence or destination has a long quaratine period (see main terms) you can cancel your trip.
    • • Vertical Frontiers is not liable for any other monies lost due to the trip being cancelled such as flights, transfers etc

Booking & Enquiry Process

• Browse the scheduled trips above and click View Details to check dates, guide ratios, and indicative pricing.

• Depending on the trip, you can enquire about your preferred dates (so we can confirm suitability and availability) or book online with a deposit (with the balance due six weeks before departure).

• Each participant reads our Terms & Conditions and completes a short medical form (sent by email).

• Once confirmed, final meeting details and logistics are sent out ten days before your trip.

Last-Minute Bookings & Custom Dates

Call us on +33 (0) 787371926 or send us an enquiry for last-minute availability or private guiding.

Please note that indicative prices shown are subject to change and are valid for bookings made at least one month in advance. Last-minute bookings may be subject to an additional charge depending on hut or lift availability.

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