Self-guided · France · Switzerland
Six days on the
Haute Route,
to the Matterhorn.
A shortened version of the great Chamonix–Zermatt Haute Route — five high Alpine passes, glaciers close on both sides, and a finish under the north face of the Matterhorn.
- Days
- 6
- Distance
- 89 km
- Ascent
- 5,730 m
- Grade
- Moderate to challenging
Trip Essentials
The walk
The classic Haute Route,
the Swiss half,
in six days.
The full Haute Route between Chamonix and Zermatt is usually walked over ten days or more, and even then people say it isn't enough. This six-day version starts partway along it, at Sion in the Val d'Hérens, and takes on the finest and wildest stretch — the string of high Swiss passes that lead, one after another, into the country the French call the 'Pays des 4000' and towards the most photographed mountain in the world.
You start at the foot of the Grande Dixence dam, one of the largest gravity dams in Europe, then climb pass after pass — Riedmatten, Col Torrent, Col de la Forcletta, Augstbordpass — each one a full day's walk between quiet valley villages, glaciers rarely out of sight. The route finishes with a circuit above Zermatt itself, a long balcony trail with the Matterhorn's north face filling the view the whole way round.
It's a comfort trip: a twin or double hotel room every night, half-board throughout bar the last evening, and luggage transfer available if you'd rather walk with just a daypack. You need a good level of fitness and the confidence to read a 1:50,000 map and hold your own on exposed high passes, but there's no technical climbing involved.
The route, day by day.
A fixed self-guided package: every stage, every night's accommodation and every luggage transfer is arranged before you set off.
- 01
Sion → Grande Dixence dam
5.5 h · +680 m / −650 m · 16 kmBus transfer from Sion up to Thyon 2000, then a balcony trail overlooking the Val d'Hérémence to one of the largest dams in Europe, the Grande Dixence. Night in a hotel at the foot of the dam.
- 02
Riedmatten Pass → Les Haudères
7 h · +900 m / −1000 m · 18 kmFollow the top of the Grande Dixence dam, then climb alongside the Dix Glacier to the Riedmatten pass (2,855 m). Descend to the village of Arolla, then a bus transfer to Les Haudères. Night in a hotel.
- 03
Col Torrent → Zinal
6 h · +1200 m / −700 m · 12 kmClimb through pastures dotted with traditional mayens to the Col Torrent (2,915 m). Descend past the turquoise Moiry dam, then a bus transfer to Zinal. Night in a hotel.
- 04
Col de la Forcletta → Gruben
7.5 h · +1250 m / −1110 m · 17 kmA long climb to the Col de la Forcletta (2,870 m), then down into the tiny alpine hamlet of Gruben, tucked in its own side valley. Night in a hotel.
- 05
Augstbordpass → Zermatt
6 h · +1100 m / −950 m · 13 kmClimb to the Augstbordpass (2,900 m) — good odds of a chamois sighting along the way — then descend to Saint-Niklaus. Cable car and train onward to Zermatt. Night in a hotel.
- 06
Zermatt — balcony circuit under the Matterhorn
5 h · +/− 700 m · 13 kmA circular walk above Zermatt on a superb balcony trail facing the Matterhorn, before descending into the village and finishing at the train station. Trip ends in the afternoon.
Where you'll stay
A good bed at the end of every day.
Five nights in hotels in twin or double rooms, in the valley villages along the route. All comfort-grade, all pre-booked. A version without luggage transfer is available if you'd rather carry your own kit and keep costs down.
Getting there
Nearest arrival point: Sion, reachable by train from Geneva (about 2 hours) or Milan. The trip finishes in Zermatt, a rail hub with onward connections across Switzerland; note that Zermatt itself is car-free.
What's included?
A fixed self-guided package — accommodation, luggage transfer and route notes all taken care of before you arrive.
Five nights in comfort hotels on a half-board basis (bed and breakfast on the final night in Zermatt)
A printed roadbook with route description and maps, one per group
Digital route notes on your phone for every participant
Tourist taxes
All planning, booking and support before and during the walk
Luggage transfer between accommodations (optional add-on, minimum group size applies)
Not included
- Picnic lunches
- Bus, train and cable car transfers on the trail (approx. £50–60 per person)
- Dinner in Zermatt on the final night
- Personal expenses, drinks, cancellation insurance
- Guiding — this is a self-guided tour, you are responsible for your own safety
Book your Chamonix–Zermatt — 6 days (comfort) adventure.
- Free cancellation to 60 days
- Confirmation within 24 hrs
- ABTOT financially protected
We'll start planning your trip right away. Not happy with anything? We'll adjust it or refund you — no questions asked.
The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 for Big Trail Adventures (member 5690). Protection is provided for non-flight packages. Full details in our booking conditions.
Things walkers ask us.
Is it really self-guided? What if something goes wrong?
Yes — you walk without a guide, using a roadbook and 1:50,000 maps. You'll have a contact for the whole trip and support in case of weather changes, injury or a booking issue. Big Trail Adventures is your first point of contact from the moment you enquire.
How fit do I need to be?
Level 3 out of 4. Expect five to seven hours of walking a day with 600 to 1,250 metres of ascent, crossing high passes above 2,800 metres on trails that can hold snow into early July. If you're used to long mountain days already, you'll manage well; regular cardio training beforehand — three to four hours a week — makes a real difference.
Can I book for one person?
Yes, with a single supplement. Tell us on the enquiry form and we'll quote accordingly.
When can I start?
The season runs from late June to mid-September, with daily departures. Give us a few preferred dates on the enquiry form and we'll confirm availability.
Do you handle payments and refunds?
Yes. You book with Big Trail Adventures, pay us, and we handle the rest. Cancellation terms are set out in our booking conditions.