The Haute Route

Make your own way to the famous climbing village of Arolla (1998m). It is a tiny place with a small supermarket, a post office and a couple of hotels. At this altitude, you are already almost up among the glaciers and if there is time you could walk up the valley for a bit from the hotel towards the glaciers of Mount Colon. Accommodation:You spend 2 nights at Hotel Melezes is our 3* hotel and is located at the entrance of the village and is close to all amenities.

You start your day with a bus ride to Arolla (approx 20 mins). The famous peaks of Pigne d’Arolla, Mont Colon and Aiguille de la Tsa dominate the morning views as you begin your walk from Arolla along the Val d’Arolla. You follow a contouring path just above the treeline to the beautiful Lac Bleu (2090m). From here you can decide whether you want to extend the route for another couple of hours or to descend through meadows and farmsteads to Les Hauderes and our hotel. The higher option is possible from Lac Bleu which will take you high into the alpage under the peak of L’Etoile, before a steep descent into Les Hauderes. 15 km/9.3 miles, 7 h. Ascend 150m / Descend 690m / Maximum height 2090m.

A longer, but rewarding day takes you over the Col de Torrent (2918m). Walk or bus up to the village of Villaz, then it is steep into the pastures where many bird species can be seen. From the pass you can see the interesting expanse of glacial water backed up by the Barrage de Moiry. You can also see a beautiful tarn called Lac des Autannes, which would be an ideal stop for lunch. Descend with views south of the Moiry glacier. From the dam you descend to the picture-postcard village of Grimentz below the Lac de Moiry. Ascend 1475m / Descend 1357m / Maximum height 2918m. Accommodation: The 3* Hotel de Moiry is our stop for the next two nights and is in the heart of the old village.

Grimentz is an excellent base from which to explore the upper reaches of the Moiry valley, using the public bus to save time. The tumbling iceblocks of the Moiry glacier present a stunning spectacle from the terrace of the Cabane Moiry (2825m). Another equally impressive walk crosses the Col de Sorebois (2896m) to Zinal, with fine views of the Weisshorn and Zinal Rothorn. Return from Zinal to Grimentz by bus or walk along forest tracks. There are other walks that you can take by taking the Gondola above the village.

Contour through pleasant forest to Mottec (1556m) in the Zinal valley to begin your ascent to the Hotel Weisshorn (2337m). Ascend 900m / Desend 100m / Maximum height 2430m. Accommodation: The Hotel Weisshorn is a chalet-style hotel in a prime position to offer stunning views. This Victorian hotel has a wonderful view from its restaurant with excellent cuisine. All rooms have shared facilities. *Today your luggage will be send on to Gruben, so you'll need to carry what you require for 1 nights stay at Hotel de Weisshorn.

Walk over the Meidpass (2790m), enjoying marvelous views of the Schwarzhorn, Gletschhorn and the Weisshorn. At the col, enter German-speaking Switzerland. The shore of the lovely alpine Meidsee Lake makes an excellent lunch spot. A long descent brings you to Gruben (1822m) in the peaceful, unspoilt Turtmanntal. Ascend 589m / Descend 1104m / Maximum height 2790m. Accommodation: Schwarzhorn Mountain Hut - There are a few twin-bedded rooms. If these are not available, dormitory-style accommodation is the only alternative. Mattresses, blankets and pillows are provided but you should have a sleeping bag liner. We will always book the basic twin rooms when possible.

Take the track beside the hotel up to the Augstbordpass (2894m). It is a long path to the last col of the trek. The path from the pass contours along a rocky track with a further slight ascent and emerges above the Mittertal Valley to a viewpoint called Tara where one of the best panoramas in the Alps has been laid out. On a good day you can see as far as the Jungfrau to Lyskamm. The pleasant descent takes you down to Jungu, where the path turns the corner into the Mittertal valley. From Jungu (1955m) you can either walk or take the cable car down to St Niklaus (1116m). It is too far to walk on from St Niklaus to Zermatt today, so take the hourly train service or bus. Ascend 1072m / Descend 1767m / Maximum height 2894m. Accommodation: Two nights at our 3* Hotel Capricorn in Zermatt. This is a typical Swiss chalet-type building. This hotel is very comfortable, informal and family run. It has a pleasant terrace garden and a sauna as well as spacious rooms with private facilities. The excellent restaurant has views out to the Matterhorn and a nice bar.

Various inspiring walks around Zermatt await you today, from easier to harder options and varying lengths taking in the classic sights of the valley from various vantage points. The only difficulty is deciding which to choose. Zermatt is electric vehicles only and is dominated by the imposing, distinctive shape of the Matterhorn. All around Zermatt there is a wonderful panorama of mountain peaks. For a less energetic day, you can take the exciting cable car ride to the top of the Kleine Matterhorn (3820m). This is one of the highest cable cars in the Alps. There are many more walks and activities to choose from in Zermatt to fill your day(s) and of cours , you can extend your stay there.

Depart from Zermatt after breakfast.