Chamonix-Zermatt, Winter Alpine Traverse
Fitness level: C Tech. level: 1 Ski/Snowboard level: 5+ |  |  |  |
The all time winter classic- an alpine ski traverse between Chamonix (France) to Zermatt (Switzerland) on skis.
About the activity
Who hasn’t heard about this magnificent adventure- from the Montblanc to the Matterhorn, from Chamonix to Zermatt; a week long traverse of the Walliser alpine range. The spring is the best time for this ski mountaineering adventure and its glaciated terrain.
More about the activity:
This high elevation ski traverse is designed as a one week activity while using the alpine huts along the way.
Required fitness level & difficulty:
This activity may suite people that have some ski touring experience and basic alpine skills; every day we will be climbing about 1000 meters elevation or more, and ski on glaciers in variable terrain and conditions; hence this week is not to be underestimated and a good level of physical fitness is required.
Good piste and off piste skiing ability - Ski & Snowboard, Level 5+.
Good fitness level, est. 4-6 hours of climbing a day, up to 1000 Meter high - Fitness level C.
Further information about the Ski & Snowboard levels.
Max. ratio guiding 1:5, Min. 1:4
Timetable
* The mentioned timetable is exemplary and may vary due to conditions, ability of the participants, safety & weather limitations.
Day 1: arrival to Chamonix and check in at the hotel; meeting Harim-Mountains Guide at 16:00, gear check and pre activity briefing.
Day 2: With the first lift we head up to the Grandes Montets glacier, a short training day on the glacier going over the essentials such as walking with crampons, using an ice axe and breaking a fall; Skiing down to the Argentiere glacier and a climb up to the Argentiere hut.
Day 3: we ski back down to the Argentiere glacier and then head up to the Col du Chrdonnet (3323 m)- about 5 hours climbing from the hut. The north side of the pass is usually very icy and steep hence we usually use a rope to lower the participants to a comfortable platform where they can put the skis back on. The Swiss village Champex is 1700 meters lower than the pass and will be our destination for the day.
Day 4: Using Verbiers lift system we go up to the Col de la Chaux- and in a two hours walk we arrive to the Col de Momin and the Rosablanche- from this wonderful Montblanc view point we descent to the Prafleuri hut where we will spend the night.
Day 5: Through the Col des Roux, we go along the Dix lake until we reach the Dix hut.
Day 6: Today we cross our traverse highest point- the summit of the Pigne de Arolla (3798 m). and ski down and then skate to the vignette hut.
Day 7: Through the three passes (Col de L'Eveque 3392 m, Col de Mnt Brule 3210 m, Col de Valpelline 3568 m) with a total of 1100 meters of climbing, we pass the impressive Matterhorn’s north face and the imposing Zmutt ridge while skiing down to Zermatt. Our ride will be picking us up at the exit from the Swiss village and drop us 2.5 hours later where we started- it Chamonix.
Day 8: Activity conclusion after breakfast.
Dates
Start Date: 26/03/2017, Return Date: 01/04/2017
Start Date: 02/04/2017, Return Date: 08/04/2017
Price
1,680 Euros Per Person
The price includes:
- Planning & guiding by an IFMGA certified guide/Aspirant.
- 8 days activity, 6 days in the mountains.
- Half a day alpine skills course.
- All the mountaineering gear (crampons, ice axe, harness).
- Complete sett avalanche safety gear.
- First and last night in a hotel in Chamonix incl. half board (breakfast & dinner).
- 5 nights in an alpine hut incl. half board (breakfast & dinner)
- Transport with a taxi/train/bus in the activity.
Price does not include: Lift passes (about 50 euro per pass), ski touring gear rental, all additional food and beverages besides breakfast in the valley and half board in the hut.