The Walker's Haute Route is a classic journey passing through the Alps from Chamonix in France to Zermatt in Switzerland.
Skirting technical glacial terrain, this long distance trek is more accessible and achievable for most trekkers, while still rewarding you with endless panoramic views, unique and remote mountain huts and a route steeped in alpine history.
The original or Classic Haute Route was first developed as a summer mountaineering route by the British Alpine Club in 1861. Then known by its English name, the High Level Route, the trail traversed from Chamonix to Zermatt via glacial passes through the Pennine Alps. In 1911, the journey was completed as a winter ski tour for the first time, after which it became better known by its French title, the Haute Route. As the European trail system advanced over the 20th century, the Walker’s Haute Route was developed as a trekking alternative to the Classic route, avoiding the difficult glaciated terrain. Always staying
under 3,000m/10,000ft, it is regarded as the most magnificent hut-to-hut hiking trail in the Alps.
Because we want you to remember this trek for being so much more than just a hike, we at Adventure Consultants have taken enormous pleasure in planning a fusion of all the best components that we know make this a truly memorable experience.
We are renowned for our quality of service and the strategy applied to our treks. Our reputation is attributed to meticulous planning and experienced logistics coordination.
We have a philosophy of investing in every trip to offer our trekkers the best possible experience.
We employ strong and specialised trek leaders, who are some of the most pre-eminent in the industry. We pride ourselves on operating with small teams and the best back-up and support available, to promise you an experience of a lifetime!
Many of our team members come to us because they have seen us in action on a previous trip and decide to opt for our level of service and proven experience. Others return because they know we do our very best to make our trips safe and successful.
Inclusions
The price of your trip includes the following:
Exclusions
The price of your trip does not include:
Account Information
For our European treks, prices are in Euros and must be settled in Euros. All prices are subject to change.
All payments should be made by bank transfer to the following bank and account:
Bank of New Zealand
Offshore Branch
42 Willis Street
Spark Central
Wellington
New Zealand
for the account of Adventure Consultants Limited
Account Number: 1000-594771-0002
Account Type: Euros
Swift Address: BKNZNZ22
We can also accept your deposit and balance payments by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) plus a 3% credit card transaction fee.
Please note that in order to reserve a guide we recommend that you book well in advance. This especially applies to the high season period (early-July to end of August).
Deposit
In order to confirm a guide and your trip, we require a completed Booking Form and a deposit of €500.
Balance Payment
Full payment is due 60 days prior to the start date for your trek. We will send you receipts for all payments.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Once you have paid your deposit your trip is confirmed, subject to payment of the balance of fees owing 60 days prior to your trip commencement date. A trekker may then cancel their participation on the following basis:
We recommend you take out trip cancellation insurance via your travel agent.
The Trip Notes provide detailed information and background for Adventure Consultants Walker's Haute Route.
You can view the trip notes online by clicking the image or download a pdf by clicking the following link:
Our Guides
Adventure Consultants trekking guides are International Mountain Leaders or qualified under the BMG/NZMGA and/or IFMGA/UIAGM. They are professional trekking guides and operate to the highest industry standards.
Our standards demand that our trip leaders are great guides with good people skills as well. You will find your guide friendly, approachable and focused on providing a safe and enjoyable trip in line with your objectives and comfort level.
Success with the highest margin of care is always a hallmark of our approach; promoting the realisation that even extreme pursuits such as high altitude mountaineering can be undertaken safely.
Head Office Support Team
Running successful journeys and expeditions is more about experience, knowledge and strategic management than any other factors. As an organisation, we place a substantial amount of time and resources into ensuring our trips are well planned and supported. You can be assured that the AC staff will provide you with friendly advice and knowledgeable support throughout the planning stages of your trip and we will be there to provide backup while the trip is running.
Hayley Furze, Client Liaison
Hayley joins the AC team with a wealth of experience working in the tourism and hospitality industry along with a love of travel. She works as Client Liaison on a number of our European and international treks, ascents and expeditions.
Your Health
Our registration form requests that you advise us of any medical problems you may have and if you are on any medication. Any information you supply will be treated as confidential.
Difficulty Rating
Each of our trips is individually rated according to its physical and technical difficulty, displayed in the icons towards the top of each trip page. You can click on the accompanying question mark for additional descriptions and the full run-down of our grading system is available on our Difficulty Ratings page.
Preparing for Your Trip
The Walker's Haute Route is suitable for trekkers with a reasonably high level of fitness. The trek requires participants to be able to walk between 7–9 hours per day, with daily ascents and descents of around 1,500m/4,900ft or more. It is imperative that you are able to carry a 10kg/22lb daypack each day and a bag with overnight gear on Days 2 and 3, where you won’t have access to your main luggage. Your guide will be attuned to your fitness levels and will regulate the pace accordingly. See our Fitness Training Programs for information on how we can help you prepare for your trek.
Food
Adventure Consultants will provide breakfasts and picnic lunches for the duration of the trek and evening meals on the hut/refuge nights while the trip is running. Should the group decide to take a restaurant lunch that is not in the programme this will be at your own expense. Evening meals on hotel nights are not included, so that you have the option to explore many of the wonderful restaurants in the region. Any additional food, beverages or meals you purchase that are not mentioned in the inclusions will be at your own expense.
We provide nutritious lunches and a supply of snack food throughout the trip according to the programme. It is a good idea to bring a small selection of your favourite snack food and hydration drinks with you to ensure you are fuelled by your preferred brands. Actual amounts depend on your consumption but 2 per day in addition to the lunches that we provide would seem reasonable.
If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise us at the time of registration. If your dietary requirements are especially strict, you are advised to bring a sufficient supply of your required food types with you to ensure you are provided for.
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided on a twin share B&B basis from the evening of the first night (Day 0) through to the morning of Day 8 after breakfast. Accommodation in the mountains is in alpine huts in shared bunk rooms or dormitory rooms. Blankets are provided and no sleeping bag will be required. There is no single supplement (or private rooms) available in the mountain huts, but we can arrange this for you at additional cost for the hotel nights during the trek. Please ask about costs at time of enquiry.
Luggage Transfers
We will arrange for your main luggage bag to be transferred between your accommodation destinations each night, meaning you only have to carry a light daypack with the essentials you will need for the day. Please note that due to the remote locations of the Cabanes de Louvie and Prafleuri, we are unable to offer this service on nights 2 and 3 and you should be prepared to trek with overnight gear on these days.
Clothing & Equipment
Climbing and trekking in the European Alps require you have high-quality clothing and equipment due to the extremes of weather conditions. Our focus is on having the essential clothing and equipment to keep you warm and comfortable during the trek.
You will be sent an equipment checklist on confirmation of your booking. Your guide will go through an equipment checklist with you at the beginning of your trip. You can rent technical equipment for the trek but you must provide your own clothing appropriate to trekking as per the equipment list.
Communications & Messages
Our guides are in cell phone communication with our operations base throughout the trip. This assists us with schedule and weather forecast updates, lift/taxi and accommodation co-ordination and safety back up. Your own mobile phone should work in the region though you may want to check with your own service provider first. Local mobile phones can be rented at the international airports.
Trekking Season
We operate in the Alps mid-June to mid-September and other times as conditions allow. Europe has a continental climate which in general encourages more stable weather. However, the weather in the high mountains can be changeable and at times, very severe. June may still bring some cooler weather and even snow, whilst July and August bring settled hot weather.
Travel
We commence our Walker’s Haute Route from Chamonix in France. The closest international airport is at Geneva, just over the border in Switzerland. Regular shuttles operate between Geneva airport and Chamonix, with the trip taking about 1½ hours. Your shuttle driver will drop you directly at your accommodation.
The trek ends in Zermatt, Switzerland. The closest major airports are in Zürich and Geneva, which both offer services to a wide range of international destinations. Trains are easily the cheapest and fastest mode of transport from Zermatt to these hubs. Services transfer at Visp and will see you arrive in Zürich in 3½ hours and Geneva in 4 hours.
Alternatively, taxi/shuttle services are available from the airports, and offer a door to door service to your accommodation. Transfer costs are at your own expense, but we can provide advice and assistance with your transfer arrangements.
| Day | |
| 0 |
We arrive at the La Chaumière lodge in Chamonix, where the guide will undertake a briefing to go over the details of the trek, check equipment and answer any questions. |
| 1 |
Aiguillette des Posettes to Trient |
| 2 |
Col de la Forclaz to Lac de Louvie |
| 3 |
Cabane de Louvie to Cabane de Prafleuri |
| 4 |
Lac de Dix to La Sage |
| 5 |
La Sage to Zinal |
| 6 |
Zinal to Gruben |
| 7 |
Gruben to Zermatt |
| 8 | It is our final day to enjoy breakfast before departing for home. |
Are you arriving early into Chamonix? If so, we can recommend some fun activities that have been tried and tested by our Chamonix team. If interested in any of these options, please do let your client liaison know and this can be arranged in advance. If you are in Chamonix and find you have extra time, this can be arranged through your guide or our fabulous Chamonix liaison, Karoline.
Fly Chamonix Tandem Paragliding
Enjoy a 20-minute flight and who could think of a more fun way to get a scenic bird’s eye view of Chamonix and the Mont Blanc Massif. Overall this activity takes an hour from meeting your pilot, riding up the lift, take-off and then landing. No age limits apply!
Peak Powder Mountain Biking
Peak Powder offer a huge variety of mountain biking trips that cater for skill levels, whether it be downhill riding at one of the biking areas; Balme Le Tours and Les Houches, a ride between France into Switzerland, and into Italy or you would like some biking instruction, Peak Powder offer it all.
Rafting or Canyoning with Cham Aventure
An array of water activities are on offer with Cham Aventure and including rafting or canyoning down the L’Arve River, or rafting the Dora Baltéa River In Italy.
Your family or friends may wish to join you on your holiday but don't like the idea of actually climbing a mountain. Let us know if this is the situation and we will be able to put together an itinerary that keeps them busy while you are up high. There are so many wonderful things to do, so have a chat with us and we will help to organise the perfect programme.
Adventure Consultants recommends the following travel insurance insurance options for trekkers, although this is only just a start! Once you book on a trip with AC, your Client Liaison will help you by sending through advice on travel insurance including trip interruption and cancellation cover.
COVERMORE INSURANCE
Indulge your spirit of adventure, but protect yourself against all of those unforeseen events that can occur prior to or whilst on your trek with Adventure Consultants. Together with Cover-More Insurance, Adventure Consultants are now offering advice and assistance in purchasing Cover-More policies. With quality travel insurance cover, comes peace of mind and the freedom to venture around the world with confidence, in the knowledge that you will have the support and assistance of Cover-More, if you need it.
Adventure Consultants highly recommends the YourCover Plan as this gives you the highest level of cover and benefits available. This includes cover benefits for trip cancellation and amendment which protects your travel investment, medical and dental emergencies, lost luggage/personal belongings and travel delay, amongst other things.
You can tailor your cover further by adding choosing your own excess amount and additional benefits such as ‘cancel for any reason’, adventure activities and snow sports cover, increased luggage limits, annual multi-trip cover, scooter riding and working holidays to name a few.
Why Cover-More?
Who and what trips is the policy suitable for?
For more information or assistance, please contact your Client Liaison at Adventure Consultants. Policies can also be purchased directly at Cover-More.
The following is to serve as a helpful guideline on our European Treks. Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions. Our team is here to help!
info@adventure.co.nz
NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm PST + 19 hours)
How long has Adventure Consultants been in operation?
Adventure Consultants started in 1990 and we have been guiding internationally ever since. You can read more on the history of Adventure Consultants here.
A few outfitters claim to have the same level of experience and prestige as Adventure Consultants. In this league, what makes you the first choice for your trekkers?
On all of the European treks, courses and ascents that we operate, we offer focused guide attention throughout the trip to ensure consistency across the programme. Whilst other operators combine you with large groups we know your safety will be better protected and the trek more enjoyable with the attentive care of your guide.
Adventure Consultants trek guides are International Mountain Leaders or qualified under the BMG/NZMGA and/or IFMGA/UIAGM. They are professional mountain leaders and operate to the highest standards. Our guides are not only highly experienced climbers and trekkers, but they are great guides with good people skills hence you will find that your guide is friendly, approachable and focused on providing a safe and enjoyable trip.
What food will be available?
We provide nutritious meals and a supply of snack food throughout the trek (please see specific meal inclusions in the 'Payment Conditions' section above). If you do have a favourite snack food that you like to eat while trekking, feel free to bring along a small supply. We can cater for vegetarians as well as many other special diets as long as we are informed of this prior to the trip.
What is the food like?
Breakfast in the huts typically consists of European-style breads with jam, cheese etc. Lunch on trekking days tends to start right after breakfast(!) and continue through the day as we keep energy levels high with nuts, fruit, chocolate, muesli bars and baguette or crackers with cheese, ham and other fillings. Evening meals are provided when staying in the huts; a typical menu would include a hearty soup followed by a pasta dish or stew and also dessert. If you feel like a glass of wine or beer with your meal then please bring some cash or credit card accordingly.
Should you decide to take a restaurant lunch that is not in the programme, this is at your own expense. Evening meals on non-mountain nights are not included, and this allows you to experience the exciting local culinary options.
What is the accommodation like?
For nights in town, hotel accommodation is provided on a twin share B&B basis. In the mountain huts, this is on a shared bunkroom or dormitory room basis. A single supplement is not available in the mountain huts, but we are happy to arrange a single supplement for an additional cost for your hotel nights. Washing and shower facilities are also not available in the huts.
On our Luxury Tour du Mont Blanc Treks, we utilise a range of high-quality accommodation providers including 5-star hotels.
If you wish to upgrade to a higher grade of hotel accommodation on one of our standard treks, then please contact us to discuss the many fabulous options available.
Do I need to arrive the day before the trip starts? And when should I book my flight to leave?
No, our trip programmes all have an arrival day and a departure day built into them. You are welcome, and encouraged, to arrive a bit earlier to explore the local area if you have the time.
My travel agent says I can just get an e-ticket (electronic ticket) and will not need to be actually issued a physical ticket.
E-tickets are the standard practice these days and are now acceptable in most locations. Do ensure you print your itinerary and have your booking number with you, as this allows you to change your flight in the event that this is required.
When should I book my ticket?
We generally ask you to wait until 60 days prior to your trip start date to ensure your trip has met the minimum numbers and will operate. If you are on a private trip, feel free to book this whenever suits. If you see a good deal and want to book your flights then ensure you can make changes to your ticket and it is a good idea to purchase trip cancellation insurance, in the event that you need to cancel.
Can I get a cheap ticket online?
The problem with these tickets is that you usually end up having to pay quite a lot more if you have to make any changes to your ticket. We do recommend using a travel agent as there are many intricacies that they can help you with. In the long run, they save you money!
Where do we meet? Will I be picked up?
We recommend that you fly into Geneva International Airport, which is located in Switzerland, just over the French border. Regular shuttles and train services operate up to Chamonix and Lauterbrun or Grindelwald. We are happy to assist in arranging any transfer requirements and the driver will meet you at the airport and drop you off at your accommodation.
What if I am arriving early or departing late?
Adventure Consultants can make reservations for you and can often make recommendations for attractions you can enjoy while waiting for your trip to begin. Please let our office know your specific plans.
Do you have a recommended list of clothing we should bring?
Yes, you will get be sent a personal clothing and equipment list once our office has received your trip registration form and deposit.
Do I really need all the equipment on the equipment list?
Yes, these lists have been carefully prepared. Please bring everything on the list!
How warm do we need our sleeping bags to be? Will there be extra blankets available if required?
This will be clearly stated in your recommended gear list. It will depend on where you are going, but in general you will not need a sleeping bag in the European mountain huts as bedding is provided. Adventure Consultants have an experienced equipment coordinator, so should any questions arise as to what is required, please do let us know.
I will be trekking at altitude, does Adventure Consultants take this into consideration?
When planning our trek programmes, we seriously take into consideration the altitude and ensure that all of our itineraries allow for sufficient acclimatisation and rest days, if required.
How many guides will be assigned to our group?
The ratio of trekkers-to-guides is stated on each trip’s webpage in the downloadable 'Trip Notes' section.
Who goes on your trips?
Our trekkers come from a wide variety of backgrounds, interests, countries and skill levels. From those seeking skill development to those seeking purely adventure, we provide courses, expeditions, treks and guided ascents for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts.
I would like to arrange a private trip, is this possible?
We are happy to arrange a private group trip to the destination of your choice and we have run many successful private trips and expeditions including summits of Europe's more technical and challenging peaks and trekking destinations. There is no specific group size, but obviously larger groups are more cost-effective. Please contact the office for more information or visit our Private Customised Expeditions page.
What kind of physical condition should I be in for a trek?
We invite you to check out our Fitness Training Programs page and recommend checking with your physician before embarking on strenuous physical activity. For our treks, you should be comfortable walking for 6-8 hours with a medium weight pack. Walking an hour a day, then 6 or more hours on the weekends is generally a good realistic training programme.
How do I know this is the right trip for me?
We offer trips to suit all levels of ability and ambition, from your first mountain experience to extreme ascents and everything in between. To help you navigate the choices available, our trips are graded by both the level of physical exertion and the level of skill required, allowing you to find your perfect expedition match. These ratings are displayed in the icons at the top of each expedition page, with a further explanation available by clicking on the accompanying question mark. A full run-down of the categories can be found on our Difficulty Ratings page and our team is more than happy to discuss your experience to find the right trip for you.
Will there be any access to a satellite phone? If yes then what would be the charges for usage?
In Europe, there is no need to use a satellite phone as you will find that there is cell phone coverage in most of the towns and mountain huts that we utilise (with the exception of Vittorio Emmanuele Hut). Your guide will also stay in touch with our European coordinator in Chamonix, with updates on the trip. It is very easy to purchase a European SIM card, but do remember if using a French SIM in Italy you will be charged international rates and vice versa.
I want to contact my friend or relative, who is on one of your trips, how can I reach them?
The best place to reach a loved one is through our office. As mentioned above, your guide will stay in touch with our European coordinator who is based in Chamonix and can relay messages between your guide and our NZ office.
Can I charge electronic devices while in the mountains?
Generally charging is not available so please ensure that your phones, iPods, Kindles, etc. are well charged up before leaving the hotel for your trek.
What weather report service do you use? How often do you receive a weather report during the trip?
Forecasts are posted daily in the huts and information relayed through the hut guardian to the guides. Your guide will also be in cell phone communication with our Operations Coordinator and/or Chief Guide for weather updates throughout the trip.
What insurance do we need to get?
We highly recommend comprehensive travel insurance and trip cancellation insurance, as well as evacuation and medical insurance. Read your policy's fine print to make sure it covers you for trekking and helicopter evacuation.
Do I need evacuation insurance?
Yes, it is very important. Evacuation insurance is required to cover your evacuation from the mountains in the case of your injury or illness. You must ensure that your policy covers you for trekking as some policies exclude these activities from their schedule of benefits. In the European Alps, rescues are coordinated by the local authorities and the very high costs are charged directly to the user i.e. you/your travel insurance company.
Who do you recommend for insurance?
Coverage varies based on your nationality and the trip that you are taking with us. When you have booked on for a trip with us we will send you comprehensive information on various insurance options, which will serve as a good starting point for obtaining the best coverage available for yourself.
What is trip cancellation insurance?
Trip cancellation insurance is an option that may allow you to cancel your trip without losing the total cost of the trip. Adventure Consultants highly recommends cancellation insurance for all of our treks as it is not unknown for people to have unforeseen circumstances that force them to cancel their trips (e.g. family illness, injury to self, business issues, etc.). If circumstances cause us to cancel a trip (for example minimum numbers are not reached), then we refund your fees paid but trip cancellation insurance covers your airfare and any other costs you may have incurred.
Can I pay by credit card?
We can accept both the trip deposit and balance payment on credit card. Please note that there is a 3% fee for all card transactions. Please contact our office or visit our online payment system.
What is included in the cost of my trip? Does it include airfare?
Please see the 'Payment Conditions' section above for the inclusions and exclusions for this particular trip. There is also a downloadable pdf document in the 'Trip Notes' section above. International airfares are not included in the trip price. We can however recommend excellent travel agents whom we have worked with in your country should you require help with arranging your international airfare.
Why are you sometimes more expensive than other operators?
Many of our trips are very similar in price to our competitors. Some companies even wait for us to set our prices and use ours as a guideline!! Some of our main selling points, which sometimes do cost more, are internationally qualified Western guides, proven dependable local operators, small groups sizes and safe client-to-guide ratios, quality equipment and high summit success rates, among other things. You do get what you pay for which is why we stand out from the rest. Many clients come to us after failing on one of our competitors ‘cheaper’ trips.
How do I sign up for a trip?
The best way to reserve your space on the trek is to contact our office or complete our online booking form (click 'Book Now' below). Your deposit can be submitted by bank transfer (please see 'Payment Details' in the 'Payment Conditions' section above) or via our secure online payment system.
info@adventure.co.nz
NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm PST + 19 hours)
I love the photographs in your brochure and on your website, are they for sale?
Yes, our images are available for licensing or purchase. Please contact our office for more information.
I want to become a mountain guide, where do I start?
Those with limited experience generally start by taking an alpine climbing course and then go out and climb for a few years. You generally should have at least 5 years of climbing and/or teaching/guiding experience. You need avalanche and medical training and then you can apply to do an NZ Mountain Guides Course or the equivalent in your country, aligned with the IFMGA.
Please see Adventure Consultants Mountain Guide Scholarships on our Career Opportunities page and check the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association for more information.
