HAUTE ROUTE HIKING
Guided Hiking Along the Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt Resting Comfortably in Luxury Hotels
An epic hiking journey from Chamonix to Zermatt, in the shadow of Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn.
Nowadays the Haute Route is better known as a ski traverse, but its origins stem from a hiking route undertaken by the British Alpine Club in the mid-1800’s. At Epic Europe, we still enjoy exploring the route on foot during the summer months, when the masses of ski-randonneurs vacate, leaving us to explore the high-alpine trails from Chamonix to Verbier, and then on to Zermatt.
Rest comfortably in 4 - 5* accommodations along the route, with one night at a Swiss Alpine Club Mountain hut along the route. While this does not allow us to cover the exact route, we feel that a good night’s sleep and opportunities to enjoy the local food and wine elevate the experience, and allow you to truly relax along your journey. Visits and tastings with local producers round out the package.
Starting in Chamonix, we will get our legs on, and immerse ourselves in the historic mountaineering and hiking in the surrounding peaks. A Michelin-starred feast prepares us for the days ahead. From Chamonix, we’ll cross the border into Switzerland and head for Verbier, a great base from which to explore the many variations of the Haute Route; Grand St. Bernard Pass, Chanrion and the Mont Fort.
Gaining strength throughout the week, we’ll make the transfer to Zermatt largely on foot, staying at a SAC mountain hut en route (note: it is also possible to stay in private accommodations if you do not wish to do the longer traverse). We finish the week in Zermatt, soaking up the Matterhorn and all of the wonderful history of this fairytale village and region.
Highlights
- Chamonix Mont-Blanc, the center of alpinism and mountaineering
- Verbier, explore the renowned ski station during the summer months when it is home to more cows than people
- Val d'Anniviers, this lesser known valley is home to authentic villages, filled with idyllic swiss chalets and warm hospitality
- The Turtmanntal, one of Switzerland's secret valleys is home to wild mountains, and a small summer traditional farming community
- Zermatt, the mountain resort all others try to mimic, relax and celebrate your pursuit in the shadow of the Matterhorn
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WHAT WE DO
Epic Europe is a luxury experiential adventure travel operator based in the Swiss Alps.
Epic Europe specializes in private bespoke itineraries for small groups. Experiencing the best of each region, from interacting with the local people and enjoying authentic regional food and wine, as well as time-honored traditions and festivals, to recreating in the alpine landscape, and truly understanding why the Alps are the birthplace of adventure travel. From custom ski, hiking, or cycling trips to building in city tours, cultural itineraries, or gastronomic discovery, these award-winning, multi-dimensional trips are tailored to our clients' wishes every time, and are not packaged tours. From Switzerland, Italy, and France's Alps, to world-class cultural cities and larger towns, Epic Europe can design a tailored adventure that fulfills your every need.
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"I would have to say that Verbier and Zermatt might be the best places I have ever ridden a mountain bike, and I couldn't imagine going without the help of Epic Europe's guides. It was a dream trip for sure." - B.S., PA USA
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"I have done trips in the Alps and surrounding regions with Epic Europe for the past 4 years, and every one has been unique and surpassed the last. The experiences that they deliver due to their personal relationships are a window into the real life in these incredible locations, and they share these friendships with us." - K.B., CT USA
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"Epic Europe's custom road biking trip that they put together for my buddy's bachelor party was great - the right combination of killer rides, great hotels, and outstanding restaurants. Great guides, and overall a perfect trip." - A.S., London UK
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"Epic Europe has coordinated several corporate events for us over the past 5 years, and I cannot imagine a more professional operation to handle all of the details. From a team-building event for 50 people in a 17th-century castle atop a mountain pass, to marketing conferences and catalog shoots, their knowledge of the best locations in the Alps is second-to-none, and they are as good as it gets at being creative." - E.P., Lugano CH
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"Hiking in the Alps has always been on my bucket list, but I wasn't sure that a typical trip was my style. Epic Europe designed a custom route for our group, staying in the best little inns and hotels, and we felt like we had the trails to ourselves. I will come back again and again to explore new trails with their guides every year that I can!" - R.B., NY USA
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“The team at Epic Europe created the most incredible trip for us, where everything came together seamlessly, and we never had to think about what came next - it just magically happened as if it was meant to be. That takes real talent, and they make it look easy." - B.N., WY USA
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"A day of heliskiing in Italy culminated with a sunset run off the Breuil saddle of the Matterhorn - one of the most thrilling runs of my life - and we left our tracks in a place where they remained for a week afterward, reminding us of the best day of skiing in our life!" - WG, CT USA
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"Our family spent last Christmas in Zermatt on a bespoke Epic Europe ski trip. The special thought and care that they put into our holiday made it our best yet." - L.M.; CA USA
PROCESS
Would you like more information, or to have us create a tailored trip for you? We would be glad to begin the design process for your ultimate experience in the Alps.
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