Except the Vichères rando parc, these routes are neither marked nor secure. Anyone using ski touring routes is solely responsible for their own actions. Pays du St-Bernard declines all responsibility in the event of an accident and gives no guarantee as to the topicality, accuracy or completeness of the information provided.
Be accompanied by a certified mountain guide. Find their contact details on here.
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From Chamonix (Argentière) to Zermatt. You can also extend to Saas Fee. A tour of superlatives, famous peaks, huge glaciers, impressive panoramas and descents that are second to none. Here is the route and the conditions we encountered at the beginning of April 2023.
Here is just a short description. I only want to publish the track for 1 to 2 years. It was a great fit and even took us through the crevasse zones. The situation and location changes all the time, so an update of the track is certainly necessary. In addition, it is always better to trust a mountain guide who knows the area. Nevertheless, each participant should have their own track so that they can find the next hut or back if necessary.
Itinerary
Best period to go there
Prestations
Author\s note
Always take a powerbank with you and a reliable track! Confirm daily at the next hut that you are on the way. A dream tour in good weather and good conditions. But things can change very quickly. You have to be prepared for anything and never underestimate the tour. Orientation and wayfinding on extensive glaciers and safe, experienced handling of the equipment are required, even when the temperature drops and the wind picks up. It is better to take a break at the hut for a day.
Directions
Day 1: Argentière – Refuge d’Argentière
Cable car ascent from Argentière to the Grandes Montets middle station.
Day 2: Refuge d’Argentière – Col du Passon – Col Supérieure du Tour -Col des Ecandies – Champex-Lac and bus transfer to Bourg St. Pierre
Long stage with 3 cols – endurance, early start, long descents. First test of whether you are technically and physically up to the whole undertaking.
Day 3: Bourg St. Pierre – Cabane de Valsorey
Long ascent to the hut – technically easy. Be careful if you start late or even in the afternoon, risk of avalanches.
Day 4: Cabane de Valsorey – Plateau du couloir – Col du Sonadon – Glacier du Mont Durand – Cabane de Chanrion
Key section! Up to the Plateau du Couloir. Crampons and ice axe
Day 5: Cabane de Chanrion – Col de l’Eveque – Rifugio Nacamuli al col Collon
In foggy conditions, orientation can be a challenge during this stage.
Day 6: Rif. Nacamuli – Col du Mont Brulé – Col de Valpeline – Tête de Valpeline – Stockjigletscher – Schönbielhütte
The royal stage of the Haute
Day 7: Schönbielhütte – Zermatt
Getting there
Park at the valley station of the Grands Montets cable car or in the Mattertal and then get shuttled.
- By train to Argentière;
- From Champex/Orsières by bus or taxi to Bourg St. Pierre;