Perhaps you’ve started planning your itinerary, putting together a packing list, and booking your accommodation, but have you thought about your physical preparation? By taking the time to prepare in advance, you’ll enjoy the anticipation of your upcoming trip and completing your trek will be immensely rewarding. Who we recommend it for: This trail is for everybody (with some caveats)! If your fitness regimen already includes this kind of thing, just keep on keeping on! The route traverses below the summits of 10 out of the 12 of the highest peaks in the Alps, and crosses several high passes.  If you aren’t planning on camping along the Haute Route, you don’t need to take an overnight trip, but you should still try to fit in two back-to-back days of long, hard hiking. All of the treks we offer are physically demanding you will be traveling over rugged and mountainous terrain with a sustained amount of ascent and descent on a daily basis. You can achieve this a lot of different ways, but the important factor is that you’re frequently and consistently doing cardio exercise. The Walker's Haute Route is a 14 day trek from Chamonix to Zermatt, or in different words from the base of the Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn, one of the most iconic mountains in the world.. The trail crosses 11 mountain passes with a total elevation gain of 14,000 m / 46,000 ft. Hikers will see alpine lakes, magnificent glaciers and desolate, rugged landscapes. 1-3: 50k of lea, Babies. He, Guide to Camping on the Tour of Mont Blanc, Guide to Hiking from Aspen to Crested Butte, Guide to Camping on the West Highland Way, Guide to Camping on the Walker’s Haute Route, The Ultimate Guide to the Coast to Coast Walk, The Complete Guide to Snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park. Although demanding at times (and slightly harder than the Tour du Mont Blanc), the Walker's Haute Route is a non-technical trek from Chamonix to Zermatt and is suitable for regular hill walkers. One final consideration involves the health of your knees and overall leg strength. Although demanding at times (and slightly harder than the Tour du Mont Blanc), the Walker's Haute Route is a non-technical trek from Chamonix to Zermatt and is suitable for regular hill walkers. Of course, it’s possible to do it much faster but that would require running at least some of the route. Originally a mountaineering route which could be attempted by skiers (known as the Classic Haute Route) the hiking route is referred to as The Walker … Use a luggage transfer service to eliminate the extra demands of carrying your heavy pack (note that these do not service all stops along the Haute Route). Nutrition & hydration: One of the most important things in addition to fitness is your nutrition & hydration during the trek. The same applies if this is you then you will have absolutely no problem, keep up the good work & enjoy! So you’ve decided to trek the Walker’s Haute Route. You will spend the nights in comfortable private rooms and we will transfer your luggage between hotels on all walking days. Simply put, your body needs to be accustomed to sustaining low(ish)-intensity exercise for longer than an hour. The difficulty of the terrain is often underestimated and previous hiking experience in mountainous regions is essential. Get on a treadmill and walk at a brisk pace. Along the way, the trail passes by 10 of the 12 highest peaks in the Alps, as it winds its way through glacial valleys, alpine meadows, and enchanting villages. Each day you will be burning lots of calories & loosing essential fluid so it is imperative you carry the right kinds of food & enough water with you to avoid dehydration & malnutrition. As an added bonus, these hikes/walks are a great opportunity to start breaking in new hiking boots and other gear. Col de Prafleuri is the highest point up here and of the entire route, and sits at a breathtaking 9,727 feet (2,965 meters). GRADE 2 DEMANDING: Chamonix treks: A reasonable level of fitness is required for example, at home you do regular exercise each week. We’ve known plenty of people who’ve become incredibly strong hikers without the benefit of mountain training. It is not really a trek for first-time hikers, and we'd recommend tackling something … During the day walks you will experience a degree of height gain & descent in addition to a distance of between 12-18 kilometers each day. You have taken trekking holidays in recent years and coped well. The Walker's Haute Route is a long and demanding trip requiring very good physical fitness and preparation. Okay, so hopefully the first section of this post convinced you that yes you CAN complete the Walker’s Haute Route, but also that you really, really should take our advice and train ahead of time. Keep up your established aerobic and strength training until 10 days to one week before the hike. If you can’t hit the trails, you can achieve similar results by doing anything that involves incline; bike uphill, set a treadmill to high incline (4-12% grade), or spend some time on the step machine at your gym. Congratulations! The Haute Route is hard, plain and simple, but the scenery is fantastic and rewarding. An “Elite” hiker completing the Walker’s Haute Route in 8 days can expect an; Average hiking distance per day: 28 kilometres / 17 miles. Be sure to check out our entire series on the Haute Route to learn everything you’ll need to know to prepare for this incredible adventure! Ideally, at this point in your training you should begin to increase the frequency and intensity of your hiking. Your main goal is to continue to build your aerobic endurance while also training your leg muscles for long-distance hiking.  Think of it as a “dress rehearsal” for your trek. Once the distance has increased and you feel fitter start to introduce some hill walking. This important step allows you to try out different ways of packing your backpack for maximum fit and comfort, practice setting up camp, and get your body used to hiking consecutive days in a row. Estimated Cost of Camping the Haute Route. You’ll be glad you used this training plan when you’re climbing up steep mountain passes like this one! This challenging 200.0 km walk starts in the alpine mecca of Chamonix, France and traverses wild mountains and small valleys towards Zermatt, Switzerland. ... (1 being relatively easy & 10 being extremely hard), each trek receives a grade depending on the difficulty of terrain and numbers of days of sustained trekking. You do some exercise so that’s a good start, from now until the trek start date make sure you get out at least a couple of times a week. Average hiking time per day (breaks not included): 8 hours . How Much it Cost Us to Hike the Haute Route-Make it work for your budget! The Haute Route hike from Chamonix to Zermatt is a 187-kilometer trail through the Swiss Alps. The classic Haute Route itinerary that most hikers follow takes two weeks and travels 125 miles from Chamonix in the East to Zermatt in the West. Well, Walker’s Haute Route is indeed a high route trek. Chelsea and I disagree a bit on the experience level needed for this trail. Unstable trail conditions and afternoon storms can force hikers down to safer, low-altitude paths. The Walker’s Haute Route (WHR) is the more demanding close cousin of the popular Tour du Mont Blanc ().While the vistas, the natural beauty and the pretty vales are very similar, the fact that the WHR take the high passes most of the time, makes if more arduous and taxing. Each day the trek has continued and substantial height gain and decent of over + or -1500 meters per day for a period of 11 days without a break. How difficult is the Walker's Haute Route? Haute Route Trip Report: Know what to expect! You have taken a trekking holiday before but not for many years. For every ski tourer it is a milestone and a rite of passage, but how hard is the Haute Route, and am I ready to attempt it?At Mountain Tracks, these are questions we receive a lot. Everest from base camp four times! It is advisable to drink plenty of water before you sent off on each day so you are fully hydrated. Here are a few suggestions: Clouds parting to reveal stunning views on the way to Cabane du Mont Fort. Plus, the time and effort you spend working towards your goal will make the real thing that much sweeter. Ultimately, walking long distances on hilly terrain is the best way to prepare for the Haute Route. Walker’s Haute Route Packing List-Make sure you don’t forget anything!  Heck, you could even walk the stairs at the local high school stadium if you wanted to. Day 9 La Sage to Barrage de Moiry/Grimentz 6.5 miles / 10 km. It’s also a popular ski trail in the winter called the Classic Haute Route, hence the summer trip having the distinction of being the Walker… #quarantinegarden #patiogarden #container, Celebrating one incredible year since this perfect, Finally catching up on sharing photos from the las, Another latergram, this time from Angkor Wat, Camb, Still trying to get caught up on these updates. If possible, consider adding an extra day or cutting out a segment to reduce the average distance you’ll need to cover each day. If you are not familiar with the kinds of food & drink that would be good when exerting yourself daily do some research beforehand and trial what works best for you. Ideally, you should work up to hikes that are 15-18 kilometers (5-10 miles) long with 500 meters (1,500 feet) of elevation gain. Having just completed the Haute Route using only this guidebook (no supplemental topos or even a compass), I can attest to what an excellent purchase it was. The terrain is difficult at times with steep & rocky ascents & descents. The Haute Route (high road) is the quintessential ‘must do’ ski tour and appears frequently on bucket lists. If that’s not possible, try to complete a weekly long walk (5-10 miles) while wearing your pack and with as many hills as possible (see the previous section for more ideas on this).  If you’re new to backpacking, you’ll be surprised by how much more challenging it is to hike with the extra weight. Travelling from Chamonix in France to Zermatt in Switzerland, you will start at Mont Blanc and finish at the Matterhorn. 10 Essentials for the Walker’s Haute Route: The need-to-know basics.Â, 10 Essentials for the Walker's Haute Route. En route, the hike crosses some of the most beautiful terrain in the Alps, culminating in the … First, you’ll be able to test your boots, backpack, socks, and so on to ensure that they fit well during longer hikes. Obviously, you’ve at least taken the first steps since you’ve found your way to this post, and for that your future self will thank you. That’s because being physically prepared for a tough trek like the Haute Route is the single most impactful action you can take to ensure your trip will be as enjoyable as possible.Â. En route, the hike crosses some of the most beautiful terrain in the Alps, culminating in the stunning Matterhorn, which rises up above Zermatt. Le Tour to Col de la Forclaz (September 31, 2010) 6.5 miles, +3482 ft, -3324 ft; … First charted as a summer mountaineering route by members of the English Alpine Club in the mid-19th century, the route takes around 12+ days walking for the 180 km from the Chamonix valley, home of Mont Blanc, to … Rain and cold weather make things tougher. During the lower sections of the Walker’s Haute Route from France to Switzerland, you’ll be taken through the lush green alpine valleys, stunning mountain hamlets, and beautiful meadows decked-up with flowers. The Walker’s Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt takes the hiker on a visually stunning journey between Europe’s two most iconic mountains – Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. GRADE 4 TOUGH: Walkers Haute Route: This is a very physically demanding trek which requires an excellent level of fitness and stamina for long mountain days. I cannot speculate on Mr. Duvall's physical condition or reading ability, but it would be unfair to strongly criticize Mr. Reynold's time … Walk or run up and down the stairs at a nearby high school stadium or similar venue. How Hard Is the Haute Route? Pitches are steep and rocks can be loose. How much it costs to hike the Walker’s Haute Route is one of the most common questions I’m asked. An overview of Walker’s Haute Route. As we alluded to earlier, you can expect to spend long days on the trail while hiking the Haute Route. Find out more information on our Guided & Self guided treks see our website: Tour du Mont Blanc: The Tour du Mont Blanc features in the world’s top ten 'must do' treks & it's not hard to understand why as this trek is outstanding with amazing views day after day. On #2, Mr. Reynolds explicitly states that his times include no breaks whatsoever - pure travel time. HERE'S TO THE FUTURE... See our latest blog. The Haute Route does not require advanced mountaineering experience, but its challenges certainly should not be taken lightly. To build up endurance skills get out walking building up to 15- 20k in distance. ), Average Daily distance*: 19 kilometers (11.5 miles), Average daily elevation gain*: 1,166 meters (3,827 feet), *Averages are based on a traditional 12-day itinerary. The Walker's Haute Route is one of Europe's best hikes, but also one of its most demanding. It starts off at the base of the Mont Blanc in Chamonix and ends in Zermatt, with views of the iconic Matterhorn. The Walker’s Haute Route Highlights. Rain and cold weather … Longer, harder and more varied than the more famous Tour du Mont Blanc , I saw so many memorable things in the nine days I spent walking it, here were the highlights, … How difficult is the Walker’s Haute Route? Expect to climb about 3000 feet up every morning and then descend long distances in the afternoons. If this is you then you will have absolutely no problem, keep up the good work & enjoy! the Haute Route is challenging, but with creature comforts en route by staying in huts (refuge in French, rifugio in Italian) and hostels (gîtes), and eating your meals there, you can hike with a very light pack frequent opportunities to buy food & supplies For further information on any aspect of trek grading or fitness preparation contact Sara at: info@montblanctreks.com. The best way to condition your body? This climb will eventually end at Col de Louvie – 9,583 feet, 2,921 meters – which begins the highest region of the route. The Haute Route is one of the most spectacular multi day walks in the Alps, ~200km through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. The only slightly dodgy section is the Grand Désert between Louvie and Prafleuri, where route finding could be extremely difficult in bad weather. Finally, pat yourself on the back and take pride in showing up to your Haute Route trek fit, prepared, and the best version of yourself! The full Walkers Haute Route incorporates 11 days in total and the walk takes you through the most stunning - and dramatically different environments each day. Hill walking experience is advisable so you have knowledge of what it takes to walk in the mountains. Walker's Haute Route: Chamonix to Zermatt The Walker's Haute Route is an incredible trek between the two most famous mountain towns in the Alps. As we’ve already said, the Walker’s Haute Route runs between Chamonix and Zermatt. Overall, the journey is about 200 … So what does that actually mean? Armed with my accounting background and mission to make every hikers self-guided dreams come true, I’ve dug deep into the numbers across all the different accommodation types, food and services availabl If you approach it with a solid fittness base and some trekking experience, you should be well suited for the Haute Route. On the way, pass the largest collection of snowy 4000m summits in … It is 117 miles (188 km) of rough Alpine terrain that crosses eleven mountain passes, some almost 10,000 feet in elevation. I didn't do the real haute route which involves the use of crampons and is done on glaciers with the use of ropes. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Privacy Policy, Advertiser Disclosure & Legal Disclaimer, Type on the field below and hit Enter/Return to search, on How to Train for the Walker’s Haute Route, It's been a darn good fall so far. You exercise a few times a week. GRADE 3 STRENUOUS: Tour du Mont Blanc, Tour of the Vanoise: These treks are strenuous & a good level of fitness needed before you arrive. frequent opportunities to buy food & supplies. With vivid colours, large ice masses and green meadows, the national park of Italy offers a fantastic glimpse of Europe’s true beauty. It is located in a place where France, Switzerland and Italy meet: the Alps. To put it simply, the Walker’s Haute Route is a challenging trek. The “main” Walker’s Haute Route trail is 123 km / 132 mi and travels from Chamonix, France to Zermatt, Switzerland. Along the way, the trail passes by 10 of the 12 highest peaks in the Alps, as it winds its way through glacial valleys, alpine meadows, and … Beautiful wildflowers along the trail near Arolla. Play around with setting the incline to a variety of levels, ranging from 5-12%. Commit to one or more of these moves and you might be shocked at the high level of hiking fitness you can build without ever leaving sea level. To prepare for extended periods of hiking, you should try to build a solid foundation of aerobic endurance. This guided trek is a fantastic option for fit walkers looking for a challenging week-long walking holiday in the Alps and showcases some of the best parts of the full route in 7 exciting days. I did the "walker's high route" from Chamonix to Zermatt. The highest point reached by the standard route is 2,987m (9,799ft) and the height gain on the route is around 15,200m (49,867ft). The Haute Route hike from Chamonix to Zermatt is a 187-kilometer trail through the Swiss Alps. Possibly do some more walking in the mountains & carrying a rucksack to get used to the extra weight. GRADE 4 TOUGH: Walkers Haute Route: This is a very physically demanding trek which requires an excellent level of fitness and stamina for long mountain days. Using the same methodology from my blog post on how much is costs to hike the Haute Route, I’ve estimated the costs for camping.I am going to assume you’ve read that blog post so will just identify which inputs from the cost table (and any adjustments) I’ve used … Even if you’ve been strength training, chances are you’ll be using new muscles when hiking with a backpack. The Walker's Haute Route West comprises of the first 7 stages of the full 13-stage Walker's Haute Route from Chamonix in France to Arolla in Switzerland. The terrain is difficult at times with steep & rocky ascents & descents. It was the joint physically hardest hike I’ve done, with the longer 12 days Larapinta Trail in Central Australia, where I was carrying a pack 6kg heavier with camping gear … Who we recommend it for: This trail is for everybody (with some caveats)! This challenging 200.0 km walk starts in the alpine mecca of Chamonix, France and traverses wild mountains and small valleys towards Zermatt, Switzerland. All clients are expected to satisfy themselves prior to booking and departure that they are mentally and physically capable of participating in the itinerary as described in the brochure, the full itinerary and all activities it demands. All the trails will be flat with no elevation or descent, walking distances can vary between 6- 14 kilometers depending on the route. Current Trail Conditions on the Walkers Haute Route - July 2019. GRADE 1 EASY: Chamonix valley walks: General walking fitness on flat & easy terrain, no previous walking experience required. Now is the time to break it in! Enlist a few friends or family members to come with you and rent a car. The dramatic route takes you over rugged passes, with splendid mountain views, and through pretty Alpine towns and villages. You don’t take regular exercise and haven’t walked in the mountains for a number of years. If at all possible, try to take a 1-2 night backpacking trip in your local woods. Plan for a rest day midway through your hike. You don’t need to spend a ton of time in the gym to get results, either. For those who don't quite have the time to devote to the full Walkers Haute Route we have the 'Best of' 8 day trek which focuses on the trek highlights. Hiking along the Haute Route is rated as an intermediate to hard trip, depending on the route that is taken. Your email address will not be published. Armed with my accounting background and mission to make every hikers self-guided dreams come true, I’ve dug deep into the numbers across all the different accommodation types, food and services availab Looking waaay down into the Mattertal Valley. By the time the trek date arrives you need to be comfortable walking 15-20k per day with 1000m of height gain and descent. … The Walker's Haute Route is a walking trail through the French and Swiss Alps, for 200km (125 miles) from Chamonix in the West to Zermatt in the East. Your backpack should mirror the weight you intend to carry on your Haute Route hike, including food and water. Expect to climb about 3000 feet up every morning and then descend long distances in the afternoons. Each day the trek has continued and substantial height gain and decent of over + or -1500 meters per day for a period of 9 days without a break. In the two months before your Haute Route trek, try to complete at least one challenging hike at least once a week while wearing your pack. Gran Paradiso & other treks we offer: Trekking through the Gran Paradiso trail is a must for all adventure lovers. However, strength training plays a huge role in giving you the power needed to tackle hard climbs, build stability, stay light on your feet, and prevent injury. If you’re looking for one-on-one support in preparing for the Haute Route, we can help! Learn more about our personalized coaching services.Â. For one thing, it is a very strenuous endeavor. Expect to cover around 15km and 1,000m of elevation gain each day. Much of the hike requires walking on steep, loose, and rocky terrain. What is the Walker’s Haute Route? It starts in Chamonix, France and ends in Zermatt, Switzerland. You’ll improve your fitness and health by working towards a goal that is exciting and meaningful. The Walker’s Haute Route is a roughly 115 mile trail from Chamonix, France to Zermatt Switzerland, and is widely considered one of the best multi-day alpine hikes in the world. It will also give you the chance to see what items you packed that you don’t need, and what you may have forgotten. Average elevation change per day: 3,536 metres / 11,602 feet Use the stairclimber machine at your local gym. Additionally, some hikers opt to take a variant that involves a short glacier crossing, but that can be easily avoided. You need to have plenty of mountain walking experience & exercise on a regular basis. I don’t have mountains in my backyard…can I still get fit enough? Start easy, get out walking on flat easy routes, and build up the distance over a number of weeks. Remember all of that brand new gear sitting in your closet? Walkers Haute Route: The Walkers Haute Route also features as one of the worlds top ten treks & is approximately 180km in length, the route crosses 11 high mountain passes with 12,000m of ascent through France and Switzerland the Haute Route walk makes for a fabulous challenge. the Haute Route is challenging, but with creature comforts en route. This is hard enough. Adapting the trek for varying ability levels, (see the previous section for more ideas on this), Learn more about our personalized coaching services.Â, Guide to Camping on the Haute Route-Start with this useful guide. What is the Walker’s Haute Route? The Haute route started as a mountaineering trail connecting two great mountaineering centres. It takes most people 10 to 12 days to hike the 200km of the Walker’s Haute Route. The Walker's Haute Route is first and foremost a walk, but it is essential to note that it is graded a Black4 and is at the very top end of difficulty in terms of Alpine trekking. The Haute Route is a spectacular and demanding summer hike: a strenuous high-level traverse in the French and Swiss Alps, walking from Chamonix (France) to Zermatt (Switzerland) in 10 to 12 days. Intend to carry on your Haute Route is challenging, but that would require running at least of... 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