Phone: 403 678 4164 - 1 866 678 4164
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Dates and Prices

Price

$3500 CDN includes certified guide, local transfers, breakfasts and dinners, accommodations Day 1 to Day 12 and basic lift passes on route. There is no GST on this program.

Not included in this program is transportation to Argentiere at the beginning of the trip and transport leaving Argentiere at the end of the trip. As well, you will be responsible for your own lunches, drinking water and alcoholic beverages on the trip which can be purchased on route from the huts or villages. Additional cost involved for program changes due to weather or conditions are also not provided.

Is it for you?

This is a challenging trip with multiple days of touring in a row. There are days of ascent over 1000m (3300ft) and you should be comfortable skiing with a pack (20-25lbs/9-11 kg) on most terrain in variable conditions. This would be suitable for people who have completed the Wapta traverse, Bow/Yoho Advanced ski week or a lodged based touring week.

Training

Understanding the prerequisites should help with your training throughout the winter. Winter ski tours and walks with a 45-50lb pack is recommended as the best training, however other activities such as cross country skiing and hiking can also be good training. Please read the itinerary and difficulty sections and be both physically and mentally prepared for the trip. If you are uncertain about your experience level, please call us.

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Home >> Skiing >> European Haute Route

European Haute Route

The Alps are the birthplace of modern alpinism and are filled with European culture which changes from valley to valley. The world famous Haute Route connects the mountain towns of Chamonix and Zermatt by a series of high glaciers and passes broken by beautiful mountain towns. This is an extended version of the Haute Route in which we will visit out of the way monasteries, quiet villages and huts off the beaten path.

Join us as we ski through France, Italy and Switzerland enjoying excellent skiing, views and European mountain culture.

Day 1: We will meet at 2pm at our hotel (included in price) in the town of Argentiere (10 min from Chamonix). This will allow us to check in, check equipment and prepare for the start of the trip.

Day 2: We will board the first lift on the Grant Montets gondola and ski the glaciers descending the Aiguille Vert to the Argentiere Glacier. This will be followed by a short climb to the Refuge d’Argentiere. We will also touch up on companion rescue this day.

Day 3: With an early start we will climb to the Col du Chardonnet. This is the first technical section of the trip which usually involves either being lowered or rappelling. This will be followed by an excellent descent to the Refuge Saleinaz. There may be opportunities for additional skiing on this day for people feeling they have the energy.

Day 4: A huge descent from the Refuge Saleinaz to the La Fouly valley will line us up for a short taxi ride to the small and beautiful village of La Fouly. There will be time to purchase additional lunch supplies and explore the quaint village where we will be spending the night.

Day 5: With an early start we will climb towards the col du Pointe de Drone. This off the beaten path section of the route will climb steep slopes past 2 alpine lakes before descending to the Historic St Bernard Monastery. The Monastery which was established in 1049 sits at the highest point between Martigny in the Canton of Valais in Switzerland and Aosta in Italy. The pass has been a trade route since well before the Monastery was constructed and yes, this is the area that made the St Bernard rescue dogs famous!

Day 6: After departing the St Bernard Monastery, we will descend to a taxi pick up and shuttle to Verbier. This will be another opportunity to resupply food and enjoy a well earned good cup of coffee. After this short break we will ride the lift and traverse to

the Cabane Mont Fort. It is possible to upgrade your lift tick to explore the world famous Verbier ski resort if interested.

Day 7: Our objective for the day will be to reach the Cabane de Prafleuri. The route crosses 3 alpine passes and descends the glacier below Mt Rosablanche. It is possible to ascend Mt Rosablanche on route.

Day 8: This day will require an early start. We will traverse above the Dix reservoir and climb to the Cabane des Dix. There are possibilities for additional touring above the Cabane des Dix.

Day 9: This is a spectacular day of touring. We will climb from the Cabane des Dix up a twisting glacier to the summit of Pigne d’Arolla which provides excellent views towards the Matterhorn and back to Mont Blanc. After we have reached the summit we will enjoy a 1300m descent to the beautiful Refuge Chanrion.

Day 10: A short climb will put us at a col straddling Switzerland and Italy. Our descent will ski us into the small commune of Bionaz where we will walk through the small village of 240 people on route to the Rifugio Prarayer. This comfortable hut has showers and an excellent cultural feel.

Day 11: This is a rarely visited area. There are a variety of options depending on conditions but our objective will be to crest the ridge separating the Bionaz Valley and the Valley d’Aosta. We will take a short taxi ride into the ski village of Cervinia where we will use the ski lift to access the high glaciers above the Valley d’Ayas and the Rifugio Guide Della Val d’Ayas.

Day 12: We will climb above this hanging hut to the and attempt to climb Mt Pollux (4092m) before making the long glacial descent into Zermatt. We will enjoy a nice hotel (included) and final dinner with the group.

Day 13: Return trip via train to Argentiere to pick up luggage and depart for the airport.

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