Le Tour and Vallorcine, Chamonix Valley
Le Tour is a small, quaint little village at the far end of the Chamonix valley in the 'Domaine de la Balme' area with access to some great hiking and mountain bike trails.
Haute Route Ski Tour
7 day ski tour from Chamonix to Zermatt
The winter Haute Route (or "high route") from Chamonix to Zermatt, is one of the most well know ski touring traverses in the world after Doctor Payot and his friends first skied the route in January 1924.
There are now multiple variations of this route, but this is the classic 7-day route, starting above Chamonix in Argentiere, through some of the Alps' most spectacular scenery, arriving in Zermatt at the foot of the famous Matterhorn.
The evening before you will meet your guide at your hotel in Chamonix centre (3* Hotel Pointe Isabelle) for a briefing and equipment check. Your guide will bring any equipment you have requested, or accompany you if you need to purchase or rent any additional items.
Itinerary
Day 1: Grands Montets to Albert 1er hut (4-5 hours) Altitude range: -900m/+540m
From the top station of Les Grands Montets cable car, descend from the Rognons glacier on to the Argentière glacier.head to the Col du Passon through easy south and sunny slopes, a beautiful climb facing the impressive north face of the Argentière basin. Once at the bottom of the couloir, you will put your skis on your back-pack, put crampons on and ascend the 80m of the couloir, to arrive at the Col du Passon (3030m). Here you can admire the Tour Glacier and the north face of the impressive Chardonnet mountain, after which you ski down to Albert 1er hut by crossing the glacier plateau.
This first day is not that long and will be a good occasion to practice ski touring skills and avalanche safety.
Day 2: Albert 1er to Champex (5-6 hours) - Altitude range: +1041m/ 1100m
Climb the Col supérieur du Tour pass (3388m) then have an easy ski down the Trient glacier into Switzerland to reach the Col des Ecandies (2796m). Here you will have some short steep sections and will most likely use ropes and crampons. A superb ski descent takes you to the picturesque lakeside village of Champex, where you spend the night in a gite.
Day 3: Champex to Prafleuri hut (4-5 hours) - Altitude range: +400m/ -2372m
We take a bus or taxi a short distance to Chable, part of the vast Verbier ski area. We can ski a few runs here before taking the skilift up as far as the Gentianes pass (2903m), and ski tour up to the summit of the Rosablanche (3336m). Here a panoramic view of peaks surrounds us, before we ski down to the Prafleuri hut (2624m).
Day 4: Prafleuri hut to Dix hut (6-7 hours) - Altitude range: +730m/-430m
A 6am departure to cross the short col des Roux is followed by a long traverse above Dix Lake which you will follow to the Pas du Chat and then climb up to the Dix hut (2928m) opposite the imposing north face of the Mont Blanc de Cheilon.
Day 5: Dix hut to Vignettes hut (6-7 hours) - Altitude range: +868 m/ -602m
A climb to Serpentine pass (3423m) - most likely using crampons - leads to the Brenay pass (3639m) and finishes with the spectacular Pigne d'Arolla (3796m). Here you can admire the view stretching from the Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn before skiing between seracs down to Vignettes.
Day 6 : Vignettes hut to Bertol hut (6-7 hours) - Altitude range: + 1100m / - 852m
Descend to the Mont Collon glacier then climb to the Evêque pass (3392m) dominated by the peaks of the Evêque and the Cardinal. Followed by a traverse of the Col Collon and a superb descent on the Arolla glacier to Plan de Bertol (2615m). An 800 m ski tour up brings you to the Bertol hut (3311m) perched on a rocky spur facing the Dent Blanche and the Matterhorn.
Day 7: Bertol hut to Zermatt (5-6 hours) - Altitude range: +400m/-2000m
Cross the Mont Miné glacier to ski up to the Tête Blanche (3724m) to take in the awe of the Matterhorn pyramid. Then you will have the final descent to Zermatt on the famous Stockji and Zmutt glaciers. You can then choose to stay and rest in Zermatt, or join the other group members who plan to head back to Chamonix.
Due to variations in clients arrangements from Zermatt, the cost of transport from Zermatt or additional accommodation will be at the charge of each individual.
They will of course reserve a hotel or taxi for you if you let them know when booking or let your guide know.
What to see
Sights in Chamonix
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Les Grands Montets, Chamonix - Argentière
The Plan Joran télécabine takes you up to Grands Montets at an altitude of 1,972 metres.
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Aiguille Rouge Nature Reserve
The Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve was created in 1974 and is a bio-diverse area of around 16,000 hectares with spectacular views of the Col des Montets. There is an information centre where you can find out about the animals and plants of the area and buy a drink or snack.
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Maison de Barberine museum
Situated in an 18th century house, the Barberine museum is dedicated to showing pastoral life of the Vallorcine people in the valley since the 18th century.
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VerticAlp funiculars and train
At the edge of the Franco-Swiss border lies the 'VerticAlp' experience, which is made up of a steep funicular, a panoramic train and a smaller funicular taking you up to the Emosson Dam.
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La Flégère, Chamonix - Le Praz
In summer the cable car at Flégère and the Index chairlift operate, taking you up to an altitude of 1,894m and then on to 2,396m at the top of the Index.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Chamonix
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La Piazza Restaurant
Italian restaurant next to the Savoy nursery ski area with an outdoor terrace and fantastic views. If you're looking for authentic Italian pizza then try out La Piazza. It's right next to the nursery slopes at the Savoy and is the ideal place to refuel after a day skiing. Enjoy homemade pizzas and Apérol Spritz whilst admiring the mountains on their incredible terrace.
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Restaurant Refuge de la Flégère (winter only)
A lovely restaurant located in the Chamonix valley, the Refuge de la Flégère is a true haven for culinary delights in the heart of the mountains.
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Bighorn Bistro Restaurant
Bighorn Bistro in Chamonix Sud is known for its homemade American-style comfort food, from stacked burgers to freshly baked desserts. You can pair your meal with a craft beer or one of their creative cocktails. With friendly service and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s a favourite with both locals and visitors, offering generous portions, warm hospitality, and a menu that consistently delivers hearty, satisfying flavours after a day on the mountain or during a relaxed evening out.
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Le Mayen Restaurant
Situated in La Folie Douce Hotel, it's the perfect place for traditional alpine cuisine with a modern twist.
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Les Ecuries de Charamillon Restaurant
Located underneath the Autannes chairlift at Le Tour, this restaurant is one of the best mountain restaurants in the resort.
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Big Mountain Basecamp Bar & Restaurant
Whether you’re hungry or thirsty after a day in the mountains, Big Mountain Basecamp has you covered. Come for fresh craft beer, a relaxed restaurant atmosphere, an on-site micro-brewery, a large sunny terrace, shady beer garden and a take-out beer shop.
What to do
Things To Do in Chamonix
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Tandem Paragliding
Discover the unforgettable sensation of flying high above the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc valley on a tandem paragliding adventure. Whether it’s your first time in the air or you’re craving an adrenaline-fuelled experience, each flight is designed to showcase the Alps from their most spectacular angle.
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Ski Mont Blanc
Mont Blanc on skis is the ultimate way to reach the highest peak in western Europe. This is an epic end of ski-season challenge!
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Cinema VOX
Chamonix's own Cinema VOX is situated right in the centre of town, slightly tucked back on the Place Balmat (main square in the centre). There are three recently refurbished screens equipped with digital 3D projectors show the latest French and International films, as well as a number of premieres and specialist mountain-sports films.
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Photography workshop - "L'Art du Regard"
Join an award-winning photographer for a half-day course focused on improving your observation, exploring light, and developing your photographic eye. This workshop is suitable for all levels, ages, and equipment types.
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Teresa Kaufman Discovery Walks & Mini-Photoshoot
An opportunity to get in the picture with Teresa Kaufman as your personal photographer, guide and story teller. This is the perfect activity accessible to everyone; children, adults, grandparents - easy walking, incredible scenery, a moment to share. Non-skiers will love it in the winter. An activity to experience with loved ones or to give as a gift.
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Vallée Blanche private guide
At the summit of the Aiguille du Midi you will find the Vallée Blanche!
