Chamonix–Zermatt glacier trek and Breithorn ascent

Chamonix–Zermatt glacier trek and Breithorn ascent

Link Chamonix and Zermatt across the Alpine glaciers, then plan an ascent of Breithorn (4,164 m). This 11-day Haute Route programme combines seven traverse stages, a 4,000-metre summit objective and a reserve day.

The journey leaves the Mont Blanc area and approaches the Matterhorn through huts such as Vignettes, Bertol and Schönbiel. Mirando al Sur arranges the logistics and mountain guiding for a continuous Alpine journey, with the preparation and equipment that glacier travel requires.

Your mountain trip with Mirando al Sur

Each stage brings a different setting: border crossings, glaciers, mountain passes and high hut arrivals. The programme explores the Mont Blanc and Matterhorn regions without climbing either of those summits; its climbing extension is Breithorn.

The published technical rating is low relative to mountaineering routes, but the effort is sustained. Individual experience must be assessed, and altitude and mountain conditions influence every stage and summit attempt.

Trip itinerary

1. Day 1: Le Tour. Meet the guide and stay in the Chamonix valley.
2. Day 2: Le Tour to Albert I hut. Take the Col de Balme lift, then walk to Albert I (2,702 m): around 700 m ascent and three hours.
3. Day 3: Albert I to Champex. Cross into Switzerland via the Upper Col du Tour, Trient Glacier and Col d’Orny, then descend on the La Breya chairlift: approximately 680 m ascent, 1,200 m descent and seven or eight hours.
4. Day 4: Champex to Chanrion. Transfer to Mauvoisin dam and walk to Chanrion hut (2,462 m): 800 m ascent, 200 m descent and around 3½–4½ hours.
5. Day 5: Chanrion to Vignettes. Cross the Otemma Glacier to Vignettes hut (3,158 m): around 935 m ascent, 200 m descent and six or seven hours.
6. Day 6: Vignettes to Bertol. Cross the Col de l’Évêque and Arolla Glacier, continuing via Plans de Bertol to Bertol hut (3,311 m): around 1,240 m ascent, 1,050 m descent and eight or nine hours.
7. Day 7: Bertol to Schönbielhütte. Pass Tête Blanche (3,724 m) and descend the Stockji Glacier to Schönbiel hut (2,694 m): around 880 m ascent, 1,420 m descent and eight hours.
8. Day 8: Schönbielhütte to Zermatt. Descend beneath the Matterhorn’s north face: around 1,100 m descent and four hours.
9. Day 9: Breithorn. Use the Klein Matterhorn lifts for the planned ascent. The programme estimates around two hours from the high lift access to the summit; the full day also includes descent and travel.
10. Day 10: Reserve and return towards Chamonix. Time to adapt the programme if required. The final order of transfers and overnight stops is confirmed for the departure.
11. Day 11: Departure. Planned travel towards Geneva airport and the onward journey, according to the booking.

Duration, season and experience

• Duration: 11 days.
• Planned season: late June to mid-September.
• Published level: low technical difficulty and moderate physical demand, with long glacier stages.
• Published group options: four to six or seven to eight participants.
• Dates: ask for dates and availability.
• Places: contact us for current availability.

Included in the programme

• Mountain guide, including the guide’s accommodation and meals.
• Shared safety equipment and public liability and accident insurance.
• Accommodation in Le Tour, Champex, Zermatt and the huts, in the board arrangements of the confirmed programme.
• Champex–Mauvoisin transfer.
• Accommodation for the reserve day as required by the programme’s progress.

Not included

• Flights or travel to Le Tour, and transfers not expressly listed as included.
• Dinners in Zermatt and Le Tour, meals outside the stated board arrangements, mineral water, drinks and tips.
• The required FEDME, CAF, SAC or other federation card with a reciprocity agreement.
• Other services not included and the full cost of programme changes for any reason, payable by participants.

Frequently asked questions

How does this differ from the nine-day glacier traverse?

This programme adds the planned Breithorn ascent and extends the trip to 11 days. The nine-day base traverse focuses on the glacier journey; any special extension has its own objective and conditions to confirm.

Is this route on foot or on skis?

This is the summer glacier traverse on foot. It is not the ski-touring version, nor a walking route that avoids the glaciers.

How fit do I need to be?

Several stages take seven to nine hours, with daily ascents of up to around 1,240 m and descents of up to around 1,420 m. Discuss your mountain experience and fitness with Mirando al Sur.

Where do we stay?

The route combines valley hostels with mountain huts such as Albert I, Chanrion, Vignettes, Bertol and Schönbiel. Half board is planned at the stated huts, with separate arrangements for valley accommodation.

What shared equipment and insurance are included?

Shared safety equipment and public liability and accident insurance are included. The required reciprocal federation card is separate; request the personal equipment list before travelling.

Is the return from Zermatt to Le Tour included?

The return arrangements and transport must be confirmed in your departure proposal. A transfer should only be treated as included if it is expressly listed among your booked services.

What happens if mountain conditions change?

The sequence can be adapted and the programme includes a reserve day. Costs caused by changes are not included; review these conditions before booking.

Ask Mirando al Sur about dates and booking.