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Ski tour along the world famous Haute Route from Chamonix, France to Zermatt, Switzerland with the IFMGA Mountain Guides of the Colorado Mountain School.

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Overview:

Join us this Spring to take in the fantastic skiing, unrivaled European culture, and breathtaking mountain scenery, in a hut-to-hut ski trip across the ‘Roof of The Alps’, along the famous Chamonix to Zermatt Haute Route !!

This sought after European backcountry ski trip, traverses across the French and Swiss Alps for 7-days, skiing amidst the glaciers and high mountains of the European Alps, while staying in the comfort and convenience of high mountain guardianed huts along the way.

Spend your days ski touring through some of The Alps most scenic glaciated mountainous terrain! As we move from cozy mountain refuge to cozy mountain refuge, we will travel through across glaciers, amidst towering peaks, and enjoy ski descents through sweeping alpine vistas and steep mountain valleys, on one of the world’s most famous ski experiences….’The Chamonix to Zermatt Haute Route’. Experience a change in culture and scenery as we work away from the bustling alpine village streets and cafes of Chamonix France, to the large scale resort of Verbier, Switzerland, and finally down into the carless streets and small countryside homes below the mighty Matterhorn of Zermatt, Switzerland.

Details:

Begin in the alpine village of Chamonix, France, at the base of Europe’s highest peak Mont Blanc, and ski tour along this ‘high-mountain route’, eventually finishing by skiing down the slopes of Zermatt resort, below the mighty walls of the famous Matterhorn.

Along the way, enjoy true European mountain hospitality by staying in guardianed huts and mountain refuges, enjoying large home cooked meals, sipping cold beers or glasses of wine on the stone terraces, and socializing with other excited, enthusiastic, and enjoyable ski tourers from all over the globe!

Sample Itinerary:

7-Day Excursion

  • Day 0: Arrive and check in to your hotel in Chamonix in the early evening we will have a meeting to check kit, talk about expectations for the week, weather and conditions.
  • Day 1: Explore what Chamonix’s slopes have to offer while sharpening up some skills. We aim to ski the classic Valley Blanc before staying a night in Chamonix.
  • Day 2: Begin the Haute Route ski tour in Argentiere by skiing off the Grand Montet cable car down to the Argentiere Glacier and the Argentiere Hut for the evening, where we will enjoy French cuisine and views of the north face of Mont Blanc and the Aiguille Verte Mont Dolent. 
  • Day 3: Ski over the border into Switzerland via either the Col du Chardonnet or Col du Passon and on across the Trient Plateau into the high alpine Trient Hut for the evening. Spend the evening admiring the views across the vast plateau of Glacier du Trient to Aiguilles Dorées and Aiguille du Tour
  • Day 4: Ski down the Val d’Arpette and into the small village of Champex where we will take a van transfer over the ski resort village of Verbier. At this stage we will make one of two choices we will either continue on to the Prafleuri hut or we will ski in the afternoon using the lifts in Verbier and stay at the Mont Fort Hut high on the Verbier Resort.
  • Day 5: From either hut we will traverse around the Lac des Dix and ascend to the iconic Dix Hut below the impressive North face of Mont Blanc du Cheilon.
  • Day 6: The highest point of the Haute Route, we will summit and ski off the Pigne d’Arolla (12454 ft / 3796 m), on down to the impossibly perched stone shelter of the large Vignette Hut.
  • Day 7: The final day, and quite possibly the biggest, as we ski traverse across 7 different glaciers to enjoy a huge descent into the quaint village of Zermatt, while skiing directly below one of the most iconic peaks in the world, the mighty Matterhorn. We will wrap up in Zermatt with a final group celebratory dinner before going to bed in the comfort of a hotel!

Meeting location:

Chamonix, France evening of March 21st for a Welcome Meeting, Equipment Check, and Group Dinner.

 

Notes:

Payment Schedule:
· 50% deposit due with an accepted application
· Balance due 90 days before Day 1 of trip

Expedition Cancellation Policy:
· A refund minus a 10% administrative fee can be issued 120 days prior to trip start.
· 50% will be refunded 90 to 120 days before trip start.
· 25% will be refunded 75 to 90 days before trip start.
· Inside of 75 day, no refund is available.
· The Haute Route expedition requires a minimum of three clients, but may be booked individually. If we cancel a trip prior to its start for low enrollment, we will fully refund your payments. You will be notified at least 75 days prior to the trip. We recommend you confirm your flight itinerary with Colorado Mountain School before booking travel.

 

All Upcoming Dates and Locations:

  • No dates found

Prerequisites:

Participants on the Haute Route Ski Tour should be advanced intermediate or stronger skiers, have a high level of cardio vascular fitness, and have experience skiing in the backcountry. Skiers should feel comfortable ascending and descending 3,000 – 4,000 feet per day. The days are not super long, typically 6-9 hours, but the high mountain environment can be taxing and the weather can be challenging, making for potentially more difficult and longer days then planned.

An Introduction to Ski-Mountaineering (or Introduction to Mountaineering) with CMS (or other climbing school) will ease the learning curve of ski-mountaineering. Completing an AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course is also strongly encouraged.

*** Due to the traversing nature of many of the days on this tour splitboards are highly discouraged.***

Preparation:

Trip Participants should have a solid background of being an advanced blue or above resort skier, with at least a minimum of 10-days of backcountry ski touring experience. The Haute Route has some days that are more committing then others, and the unforgiving high mountain glaciated terrain does not make retreat or ‘bail out options’ easy on all the days, so therefore participants need to come properly prepared in regards to physical fitness, mental stamina, and technical skiing and touring ability.

*** For those that are interested and enthusiastic, and or are wondering if they meet the requirements to join, CMS can offer guided backcountry ski training days here in Colorado (or potentially elsewhere) to help assess current skill levels and to also help people develop the skills they need to enjoy a successful experience on this tour. ***  

Time:

8 Days

Maximum Ratio:

4:1 max / 8 people total

Minimum Age:

18
Trip Dates

Mar 20-27, 2021, Mar 28-April 4, 2021

Price Includes:

  • All IFMGA/UIAGM Licensed Mountain Guides from Colorado Mountain School
  • Lodging in Mountain Huts for 6 nights w/ breakfast and dinner
  • 2 nights lodging in Chamonix at the start
  • 1 nights lodging in Zermatt at the finish
  • Luggage transfer from Chamonix to Zermatt
  • All transfers and lift tickets associated with the ski tour
  • Backcountry Access Avalanche Transceiver (Beacon), Shovel & Probe Rentals

Price Excludes:

  • All airfare to and from Geneva (or elsewhere)
  • Meals while in Chamonix & Zermatt
  • Global Rescue Insurance
  • Equipment rentals (if needed)

Item Description Quantity Example Purchase At Rent At Equipment Type
Approach Shoes

These are “hiking” shoes specifically made for approaching and descending from a climbing venue where scrambling is necessary, or even for climbing an entire route. They have sticky climbing rubber on the bottom and a formed fit to influence better climbing abilities while scrambling. Consider high-tops for additional ankles support if needed. Regular hiking boots or athletic shoes may be acceptable for many climbs.

1

Men: La Sportiva TX3 Men
Women: La Sportiva TX3 Wmn

Neptune Mountaineering

Clothing
Avalanche Beacon

Modern, digital, three-antennae beacon with fresh batteries.

1

BCA Tracker 3 or 4

Neptune Mountaineering

Colorado Mountain School or Neptune Mountaineering

Equipment
Avalanche Rescue Shovel

Ski specific shovel used to dig pits and avalanche rescue. A metal blade is mandatory.

1

BCA B1 Ext

Neptune Mountaineering

Colorado Mountain School or Neptune Mountaineering

Equipment
Backpack: 20-40 liter

Packs smaller than this tend not to be able to carry the necessary amount of equipment and clothing.

1

CAMP M3 30L

Neptune Mountaineering

Colorado Mountain School

Equipment
Baselayer Bottoms

Synthetic or Merino Wool, Lightweight or mid-weight are recommended.

1

Men: Rab Syncrino Leggings
Women: Rab Syncrino Leggings

Rab

Clothing
Beanie or Fleece Hat

Should cover the ears and fit under a helmet. Hats with fluff balls on top do not fit under helmets.

1

Filament Beanie

Rab

Clothing
Belay and Rappel Device

Plaquette style devices with auto-block mode are ideal.

1

CAMP Piu 2

Neptune Mountaineering

Equipment
Climbing Harness

UIAA or CE approved; With belay loop and gear loops. The waist belt should fit over multiple layers of clothing.

1

CAMP Laser CR

Neptune Mountaineering

Colorado Mountain School

Equipment
Compass

Used for navigation and orientation. A compass with adjustable declination is preferrable.

1

Silva Ranger CLQ

Neptune Mountaineering

Optional
Face Mask – PPE

Optional; Look for a mask with a bendable border at the top so you can mold the mask to fit the bridge of your nose and prevent your glasses from fogging.

1 Clothing
First Aid Kit

Your guide will have an emergency First Aid Kit. You should bring a small kit including blister prevention and care products such as a role of athletic tape and Moleskin. Your kit should also contain a few Band-aids, some Tylenol and Ibuprofen.

1

Neptune Mountaineering

Optional
Floatation (Skis, Snowboard, or Snowshoes)

Students are welcome to participate on snowshoes, skis, or Splitboard. Skis should have touring bindings; lightweight tech bindings are ideal. Splitboards are ideal for snowboarders. Snowboarders using resort snowboards will need to have snowshoes. All students will need poles.

1

Dynafit Free 97; Dynafit ST Radical 100

Weston Backwoods Splitboard

 

 

Neptune Mountaineering

Weston

Skis and Splitboards: Neptune Mountaineering
Snowshoes: Colorado Mountain School

Equipment
Food

Proper lunches that are prepared ahead of time are recommended (sandwich, burrito, leftover pizza, etc), along with an assortment of snack bars, gels, or trail mixes. Feeze-dried meals are acceptable on overnight trips, but not day trips.

1

Made in Nature, Thrive Tribe

Neptune Mountaineering

Equipment
Goggles

Protect your eyes and face from wind and sun burn.

1

Zeal Beacon Goggles

Zeal Optics

Neptune Mountaineering

Equipment
Hardshell Pants

These should be non-insulated pants with ankle cuffs wide enough to fit over your ski or ride boots.

1

Men: Rab Khroma Kinetic Pant
Women: Rab Women’s Khroma Kinetic Pants

Rab Stores

Clothing
Headlamp

Load with fresh batteries. Critical for hiking before sunrise and great to have in the pack in case you are caught out after dark.

1

Neptune Mountaineering

Equipment
Heavyweight Waterproof Glove

This glove comes out when the winter going gets cold and wet or at higher altitudes.

1

Men: Pivot GTX Glove
Women: Pivot GTX Glove

Rab Store

Clothing
Hot Drinks

Coffee, tea, hot cocoa are great for warming up when it’s cold outside.

1

Cusa Tea; Alpine Start Coffee

Neptune Mountaineering

Optional
Lightweight Baselayer Top

Synthetic or Merino Wool; Worn against the skin and is considered a “wicking” layer that facilitates the movement of moisture away from the skin and through the layers. Hooded base layers add extra versatility.

2

Men: Rab Syncrino Base LS Tee
Women: Rab Syncrino Base LS Tee

Rab

Clothing
Lightweight Gloves

Synthetic; Thin gloves used when hiking the early morning approach. Belay gloves can suffice if full-fingered.

1

Rab Vapour-Rise Glove

Rab Store

Clothing
Lip ScreenSPF 15 or higher.

Non-SPF rated lip balms can actually increase your chances of getting burned.

1

Rocky Mountain Sunscreen Lip Balm

Neptune Mountaineering

Optional
Midweight Baselayer Top

Synthetic or Merino Wool; Adds extra warmth and protection from the cold and wind without creating a moisture barrier as a jacket would. Having at least one base layer that is hooded adds versatility, protecting the neck and ears from cold winds.

1

Men: Rab Ascendor Light Hoodie
Women: Rab Ascendor Light Hoodie

Rab

Clothing
Midweight Softshell Glove

This is the workhorse glove and is most often worn on warmer days when mountaineering. Softshell gloves are water-resistant and durable. They often have leather palms and fingers.

1

Rab Khroma Tour Glove

Rab

Clothing
Mountaineering Axe

Utilized in ascending or descending snow slopes. Ideal length is variable based on terrain and height of person.

1

CAMP Alpina

Neptune Mountaineering

Colorado Mountain School; Neptune Mountaineering

Equipment
Mountaineering Crampons

Steel crampons with horizontal front points are ideal. Must be semi-rigid and compatible with your boots.

1

CAMP Alpinist Universal

Neptune Mountaineering

Colorado Mountain School; Neptune Mountaineering

Equipment
Neck Gaiter

“Buffs” are quite versatile in their uses. They can be used as light beanies, neck warmers, and can offer face protection from the cold wind or sun.

1

CMS Neck Gaiter

Neptune Mountaineering

Clothing
Pajamas

It can be nice to have something clean to change into each night for sleeping in your sleeping bag.

1 Clothing
Personal Care Items

Medications, glasses or contacts, feminine products, etc.

1 Optional
Personal Toilet Kit

At minimum, bring a small Ziploc with toilet paper. Consider bringing a travel sized package of hand-wipes. Idealy, purchase, or for free from the RMNP Backcountry office, bring a “Rest Stop.” The Rest Stop, known as “Blue Bags” in the Pacific Northwest, or the “Wag Bag” in other areas, are poop-in-a-bag systems that include toilet paper and a sanitizing hand wipe.

1

Neptune Mountaineering

Optional
Rock Climbing Helmet

UIAA/CE approved; Should be large enough to fit over a beanie. Plastic helmets are more durable, but heavier. Foam helmets are lighter, but more easily damaged when carried in a pack.

1

CAMP Titan

Neptune Mountaineering

Colorado Mountain School

Equipment
Ski Crampons

Each binding style has ski crampons that fit them specifically.

1

Dynafit Ski Crampons

Neptune Mountaineering

Equipment
Ski Helmet

This item is recommended but not required. We will be skiing in the trees, and in snow conditions where rocks, stumps, and downded logs are present.

1

Camp Speed Comp

Neptune Mountaineering

Equipment
Ski or Snowboard Boots

Footwear should be appropriate to mode of travel i.e. ski, snowboard, or insulated winter boots for snowshoes. For snowshoers, a boot such as the Scarpa Mont Blanc is the minimum level of boot required. Ski Boots should have a walk mode.

1

Scarpa Maestrale RS

Neptune Mountaineering

Neptune Mountaineering

Equipment
Ski Straps

18″ Rubber or velcro straps to connect skis when attaching them to a pack. Also useful for a variety of in-the-field equipment repairs.

2

BCA Ski Strap

Neptune Mountaineering

Optional
Skis or Snowboard

Skis should have touring bindings; lightweight tech bindings are ideal. Splitboards are ideal for snowboarders. Snowboarders using resort snowboards will need to have snowshoes and poles.

1

Dynafit Beast 98; Dynafit ST Radical 100

Neptune Mountaineering

Neptune Mountaineering

Equipment
Smartphone

Great for taking photos and videos. Smartphone batteries tend to shut down in freezing temps – keep your phone in a warm inner layer. A tether is ideal in the mountains to protet against dropping your phone.

1 Optional
Softshell and Fleece Jacket

Water-resistant, windproof, yet it “breaths,” which means it allows moisture to move through. Hoods are ideal. There are multiple thicknesses of Softshell jackets. A lightweight or medium-weight jacket is preferred. Fleece jackets are acceptable.

1

Men: Rab VR Summit Jacket
Women: Rab VR Summit Jacket

Rab

Clothing
Softshell Pants

Softshell material is stretchy, wind-proof, water-resistant, and resists abrasion. Mid-weight is recommended and light-weight pants can work for warm days. Typical thin, nylon “hiking pants” are generally not tough enough.

1

Men: Rab Sawtooth Pants
Women: Rab Women’s Sawtooth Pants

Rab Store

Clothing
Sports Bra

Provides support and allows for full range of motion

1

North Face Beyond the Wall

Neptune Mountaineering

Clothing
Sun Hat

A billed hat to keep the bright mountain sun at bay.

1

Rab Trucker Logo Cap

Rab

Clothing
Sunglasses

“Wrap-Around” style sunglasses with 100% UV Protection.

1

ZEAL RAD CLIFF SUNGLASSES

Zeal Optics 

Neptune Mountaineering

Equipment
SunscreenSPF 30 or higher.

Travel size.

1

Rocky Mountain Sunscreen SPF 50

Neptune Mountaineering

Equipment
Synthetic or Down Puffy Jacket

Fits over all other layers and is worn at breaks and on really cold days. Synthetic puffies are more durable, are easily laundered, and dry out quickly if wet. Down puffies are lighter weight, pack smaller, and provide exceptional warmth, but once wet, they stay wet.

1

Men: Rab Mythic Alpine Light Jacket
Women: Rab Mythic Alpine Light Jacket

Rab

Clothing
Synthetic or Merino Wool Socks

Wool and synthetic blends are great for long days on the trail. “Ski” and “Snowboard” socks are especially useful when warmth is desired.

2

Point 6 AT Hike Light Crew

Neptune Mountaineering

Clothing
Thermos

Many ice climbers prefer to bring a thermos of hot water or soup instead of one of their water bottles.

1

Neptune Mountaineering

Optional
Toiletries

Bring enough for the trip. Toothpaste; brush, floss, deodorant, lotion, eye drops, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, etc.

1 Optional
Trash Bag

Lining the inside of your pack with a heavy duty trash bag will keep the contents of your pack dry on rainy days.

1 Optional
Watch with Altimiter

An altimeter is very useful in gauging progression of altitude gain or loss when climbing, and especially when visibility is decreased due to weather. Many Altimeter watches have compasses or GPS tracking functions.

1

Suunto Vector; Suunto Core

Neptune Mountaineering

Optional
Water Bottles

1 liter bottles are the standard. Bladders such as Camelbacks and Platypus are acceptable for above freezing temps, but only in conjunction with another bottle. Bladders are not acceptable during sub freezing temps. Sports drinks are also acceptable.

2

Nalgene, Hydro Flask

Neptune Mountaineering

Equipment
Waterproof Shell Jacket

Non-insulated, Gore-Tex, Dermizax, Event, or other waterproofing system is required. Mostly, this jacket sits in the bottom of your pack and comes out when the weather gets nasty with precipitation. This jacket should fit over all other layers.

1

Men: Rab Khroma Cirque GORE-TEX Jacket
Women: Rab Women’s Khroma Cirque GORE-TEX Jacket

Rab

Clothing

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