Trekking Chamonix to Zermatt : The classic Walker's Haute Route

Traverse towering peaks, wildflower meadows, and remote alpine hamlets, discovering a landscape shaped by centuries of mountain tradition. With welcoming mountain huts, picturesque settlements, and ever-changing high alpine scenery, this 215km (134 miles) trek across France and Switzerland offers an unforgettable adventure for experienced trekkers. This comprehensive guidebook presents the complete Walker's Haute Route in 14 day-long stages, organised west to east with 9 alternative variants to match your ambitions and timeframe. Each stage clearly details distance, ascent and descent, and estimated walking time, ranging from 9–20km (6–12 miles) with nearly 14,000m of cumulative ascent and descent. Practical advice for condensing the route into 12 stages is also included for fit and experienced walkers. The route is best enjoyed from mid-July to mid-September, when trails are clear of snow and flower meadows are in bloom. Packed with 1:50,000 mapping and free downloadable GPX tracks for every stage, this guidebook ensures confident navigation on alpine paths and remote descents. At-a-glance information boxes provide start and finish points, high points, accommodation, and refreshment options for each stage. Essential planning guidance covers fitness requirements, equipment, travel, public transport, mountain safety, accommodation options, wildlife, plants, and local customs—everything you need to prepare for and fully enjoy this legendary trek from start to finish.