Running with passion – Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt

Tours

38:17 h

123 mi

43,775 ft

The Haute Route is a legendary trail that connects the famous mountain towns of Chamonix in France and Zermatt in Switzerland, as well as two of the most iconic mountains in the world. You can expect seven days of epic running from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn.

Whether in winter with touring skis or in summer on foot, there are many different variations of this unforgettable route. This Collection shows you the best trails as well as the most technical passes and peaks for mountain running that don’t require any special equipment.

You stay the night in valley villages or mountain huts. In the valleys, you have a wide choice of accommodation, from campsites to five-star hotels. In mountain huts, on the other hand, you sleep in simple dormitories alongside other athletes who share your passion for the high mountains.

The stages are between 17 and 35 kilometres (10.5 and 21.7 mi) long. For those who run ultramarathons, this may seem short. However, the technical challenges of this route and the altitude should not be underestimated. Several sections are over 3,000 metres (9,842 ft) above sea level. If you want to make it a little easier or shorten the route, you can use mountain railroads or buses to save you a few metres of climbing or travel from one valley to the next.

Your adventure starts in Chamonix, which you can reach by car, train, bus or even by plane. Geneva airport is only an hour's drive away. On the way back from Zermatt to Chamonix, I recommend catching the train, which takes about four hours. If you are travelling in a larger group, it might also be worth organising a private ride with a cab company.

It’s definitely worth planning at least half a day to explore the two historic towns at the start and finish of the Haute Route. Take your time to soak up the atmosphere and history of these cities, and enjoy the numerous cafes, restaurants, bars, and spas. You've definitely earned it.

Have fun!

On The Map

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Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt

123 mi

43,725 ft

41,825 ft

Last updated: May 2, 2023

Tours & Highlights

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Stage 1: Chamonix to Col de Balme – Haute Route
Expert
03:12
10.6 mi
3.3 mph
4,100 ft
250 ft
Expert run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
The first day of this Haute Route des traileurs is the easiest and the shortest, only 17 kilometers with 1250 meters of elevation gain. This can be done in half a day, if you take the morning to explore Chamonix.

For the purists among us, myself included, your day starts in the center of Chamonix. The…
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Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Stage 2: the Col de Balme to Orsières – Haute Route
Expert
03:49
13.3 mi
3.5 mph
3,575 ft
7,950 ft
Expert run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
Departing from the Refuge du Col de Balme, this second day of the Haute Route des traileurs covers 21 kilometers with just over 1,000 meters of elevation gain and a long descent of nearly 2,500 meters of negative elevation. For very trained trail runners it is possible to combine days one and two.

By…
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Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Stage 3: Orsières to Cabane du Mont Fort – Haute Route
Expert
04:25
14.0 mi
3.2 mph
6,850 ft
1,800 ft
Expert run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
On this third day of the Haute Route des traileurs, it's going to climb! From the small village of Orsières, you follow a rolling path that climbs slightly for seven kilometers, crossing small villages and typical mountain pastures.

A short descent brings you to Le Châble, gateway to the famous upscale…
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Stage 4: Cabane du Mont Fort to Arolla – Haute Route
Expert
05:53
19.9 mi
3.4 mph
4,825 ft
6,050 ft
Expert run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
This fourth day of the Haute Route des traileurs is not the longest but it is probably the most technical. A little over thirty kilometers in distance with approximately 1,500 meters of positive elevation and 1,800 meters of negative elevation. Don't fall into the trap of thinking it's a relatively easy…
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Stage 5: Arolla to Zinal – Haute Route
Expert
05:42
19.4 mi
3.4 mph
6,575 ft
7,600 ft
Expert run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
On the fifth day of this Haute Route des traileurs, you will find yourself in the heart of the typical Swiss Alps, surrounded by turquoise blue lakes and snow-capped peaks. The finish line is in sight, even if you still have three days to get there! With just over thirty kilometers and about 2,500 meters…
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Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Stage 6: Zinal to Saint Nicholas – Haute Route
Expert
07:25
22.1 mi
3.0 mph
7,425 ft
9,300 ft
Expert run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
The sixth day of this Haute Route des traileurs is the longest, with more than 35 kilometres, almost 2,500 meters of elevation gain and 2,800 meters of negative elevation. Luckily, the spectacular scenery and excellent running trails will keep you entertained all day.

Between Zinal and the picturesque…
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Stage 7: Saint Nicholas to Zermatt – Haute Route
Expert
07:52
23.7 mi
3.0 mph
10,425 ft
8,925 ft
Expert run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
It's the last day of this Haute Route des traileurs. With tired legs, you have 35 kilometers to cover with 2,500 meters of elevation gain. From Saint-Nicolas, it takes about two hours to climb to reach a balcony path facing Zermatt, which unfolds towards your final destination.

The path climbs in laces…
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