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Haute Route Backcountry Skiing: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You

Discover the stunning scenery and ski some of the most iconic landscapes in the Alps!

Stretching 180 kilometers from Chamonix to Zermatt, the Haute Route is the most classic ski touring route. Spend anywhere from 5 to 10 days exploring the stunning alpine scenery between the two idyllic resort towns, skiing over glaciers, mountain peaks and pristine valleys en route. Compare and book a certified guide for your trip on Explore-Share.com: 1500+ guides, 70+ countries and more than 8000 different programs to choose from. Take a pick from our selection of Backcountry Skiing trips in Haute Route. The mountains are calling!

Top backcountry skiing trips | Haute Route

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FAQs: Backcountry Skiing in Haute Route

What should I know about Backcountry Skiing Haute Route?

For any avid winter adventurer, the Haute Route is likely at the top of their bucket list. Along with the traditional route, which takes 6 to 7 days and passes over thee Col du Chardonnet, Grand Combin, Glacier du Mont Burand en route to the Matterhorn, before descending into Zermatt.

Other variations of the route exist as well. The Verbier variation is the most frequently done one and involves the most skiing – and the least mountaineering – It diverges from the classic route at Grand Combin. Instead of climbing, the route descends toward Rosablanche and passes over Pigne d’Arolla en route to Zermatt.

The Grande Lui and Reverse Haute Route are to w other variations. The Grande Lui is the longest and toughest of the three variations from Chamonix. Meanwhile, the reverse Haute Route follows a slightly different path, starting from Zermatt and passing through the Aosta Valley before reaching Chamonix.

Why should I choose Haute Route for my Backcountry Skiing adventure?

Stunning scenery

The Haute Route arguably passes through one of the most scenic sections of the Alps. Breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn dominate either end of the trip. In between are even more incredible views of alpine valleys, glaciated mountain peaks and thick forests.

Climb mighty Mont Blanc

Many adventurous ski tourers opt to start off their Haute Route adventure by summiting Mont Blanc. At 4,808 meters, the peak is the highest in the Alps and Western Europe. From its summit, plenty of great views of the surroundings are available. Get a sneak peak at the rest of the Haute Route from the top before skiing down and starting the adventure.

It’s a classic

The first successful ski touring traverse of the Haute Route took place back in 1911. Since then millions of avid ski tourers have followed in their ski tracks. The original one requires some mountaineering gear during the winter and makes for quite the adventure. Other routes are a bit lower in elevation and do not require mountaineering skills

What can I expect from the weather during my Backcountry Skiing trip in Haute Route?

During the winter, average daily temperatures on the Haute Route hover around -5 ºC, but may feel colder due to wind chill. Winter is also the driest time of year, but the mountains still receive plenty of snowfall, with an average of 80 to 93 millimeters of precipitation falling each month.

How to get there

Most trips on the Haute Route begin in Chamonix. The best way to get here is to fly into Geneva International Airport (GVA) and make the one hour drive in a rental car or the two hour bus ride to Chamonix.

Which language is predominantly spoken in the Haute Route region?

French/German, Italian, English

What's the country code for the Haute Route region?

+33/+41

What currency is accepted around Haute Route?

Euro/Swiss franc (CHF)

Best time to climb

January to April

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Need Assistance?

Our knowledgeable team is here to assist you at any moment throughout your adventure.

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