The classic Haute Route via Verbier is today the most travelled variant of the ski traverse from Chamonix to Zermatt. It links striking glacier landscapes, high alpine cols and huts rich in tradition into a varied tour through the Western Alps. It usually takes six to seven days.
From Argentière, the route first crosses the Glacier d’Argentière into the Trient massif. After crossing the glaciated area around the Col du Chardonnet and the Cabane du Trient, it descends to Champex. From there, a road transfer leads to Le Châble, and the Verbier lifts then take you up into the ski area at Mont Fort.
From here, the traverse continues past the Cabane de Prafleuri and the Lac des Dix to the Cabane des Dix. One of the highlights is the ascent of the Pigne d’Arolla (3796 m), the highest point of the classic route. Its summit opens up an impressive panorama of the surrounding four-thousanders before the descent to the Cabane des Vignettes.
The last stage is one of the most impressive, but also one of the longest days of the whole traverse. Over the Col de l’Évêque, the Col du Mont Brulé and the Col de Valpelline you reach the vast glaciers above Zermatt. On the final descent across the Stockji and Zmutt glaciers, the Matterhorn draws ever closer before the tour ends in Zermatt.
Despite its popularity, the classic Haute Route is a demanding high alpine ski tour. Long days, heavily crevassed glaciers, steep cols and changeable conditions demand excellent fitness, sound ski technique and solid alpine experience. Rope, crampons and ice axe may be needed.
Thanks to the lifts and a road transfer, this variant is shorter than the original routes done entirely on skis. It nevertheless offers an exceptional high alpine experience, and many ski tourers consider it the classic way from Chamonix to Zermatt.