Data as of . Conditions, permits and advisories change: check official sources before you go.

Haute Route (classic summer glacier route)

France / Switzerland · Europe · Technical trek · score 76/100

At a glance

CountriesFrance, Switzerland
ContinentEurope
RegionPennine Alps (Chamonix-Zermatt)
TypeTechnical trek
Length180 km
Typical duration7 days
Difficulty5/5 (Very hard)
Max altitude3500 m
Best seasonJul-Sep
StartChamonix
EndZermatt
Permit / guideguide strongly recommended
Special gearcrampons; ice axe; rope+harness

Score

76/100
Scenery
32/35
Fame
20/25
Uniqueness
16/20
Logistics
8/20

The original high-level glacier line between the two capitals of alpinism; serious crevasse terrain requiring full alpine kit

How the score works: scoring method. Information confidence: medium.

Notes

Distance and max altitude vary by variant (cols about 3000-3600 m)

Sources

Information compiled from public sources, as of October 19, 2026. Trail conditions, permits and closures change: verify with local authorities before you go.

More trails

France · Switzerland