France + Switzerland: The Haute Route

Since there are several variations on the Haute Route, you’ll want to do your research and pick the one best suited to you for this epic journey. The ‘Classic Route’ is generally favored by ski mountaineers, as it includes several challenging ascents, including the infamous Plateau du Couloir. The ‘Verbier Route’ tends to be preferred by those who prefer skiing to mountaineering, as it crosses more skiable terrain. It’s also easier with more reliable snow conditions than the Classic Route, so it’s better for those less experienced in backcountry travel. Lastly for the most popular variations, the ‘Grand Lui Route’ allows purists to go all the way from Chamonix to Zermatt on foot, requiring an extra couple of days. The other routes include short taxi rides and ski lifts for portions of the journey.