Today’s stage marks the beginning of the end of the Walker’s Haute Route. With only three stages to go, things once again ramp up in both alpine views and physical challenge in terms of the trail. Opening up to Mattertal valley and passing through a large hamlet, Stage 12 has little shortage in excellent views. However, with its long ascent …
There are several reasons why the hike to Lac Blanc is one of the best in Chamonix. For one thing, this alpine lake is beautiful. A series of gondolas and chair lifts lop off the first big climb, making this hike doable for most ages and ability levels. But one of the best reasons to do this hike is for …
Stage 11 of the Walker’s Haute Route is another challenging mountain climb and descent. Yet, it is a great and rewarding hike with beautiful views over the Turtmanntal valley, the glacier-capped mountains of Weisshorn and Bishorn to the south, and the Rhone Valley and Bernese Alps to the north. This is one of the most beautiful days on the Haute …
Climbing to the summit of Breithorn is one of Zermatt’s most adventurous experiences. Standing at a height of 4,164 meters (13,660 feet), Breithorn is one of the highest peaks in the area and it is one of the easiest 4,000+ meter peaks to summit in the Alps. Thousands of hikers come to Zermatt to summit Breithorn every year. Hiking across …
Having completed a segment of Stage 10 on yesterday’s hike, we found ourselves with another short day today. However, that did not make it easy. Today’s hike finds you crossing over another mountain pass as you hike from Lac de Moiry to Zinal. As is the same for other days of the Walker’s Haute Route, today once again offers incredible …
Stage 9 of the Walker’s Haute Route starts in Les Haudères or La Sage and from these two villages, it is a challenging hike up to Col du Tsaté. From Col du Tsaté, it is an easier and scenic downhill walk to Lac de Moiry. There are beautiful views as you look out over high snowy peaks and the valley …
The Croda da Lago Circuit is one of the most underrated hikes that we did in the Dolomites. With a beautiful walk through the woods, a visit to an alpine lake (Lago Federa), close up views of Croda da Lago, and panoramic views of the Dolomites, the scenery is constantly changing, making this one of the most interesting trails in …
Stage 8 is both the easiest and shortest of the 14 stages that make up the Walker’s Haute Route and it is a great chance to catch your breath and rest your legs before heading into the final stretches of the Haute Route. Beginning in Arolla, you will hike up and over hillsides, passing through several quaint hamlets and around …
Stage 7 is one of our favorite stages of the Walker’s Haute Route. This is a beautiful walk from start to finish. Today’s trail covers a wide variety of landscapes, from glacier-covered mountains, a lovely milky-blue lake, forested hills, and wide open grasslands. In terms of difficulty, today’s stage is relatively easy. You will have one long climb, but for …
The Hörnlihütte (Hörnli Hut) is a lodge built at the base of the Matterhorn. For thrill seeking rock-climbers, the Hörnlihütte marks the start of the ascent up to the peak of the Matterhorn. Even if you do not wish to stand on top of the Matterhorn, simply hiking to and from the Hörnlihütte makes for an unforgettable day hike. The …
On very tired legs we started Stage 6 of the Walker’s Haute Route. Today’s hike is a quintessential day on the Haute Route. In about 7 hours, you will cross several cols, hike past glacial lakes, and enjoy views of spectacular alpine scenery. In fact, Stage 6 is the most scenic day yet. This is another challenging day but we …
Riva del Garda is a picturesque town located on the north end of Lake Garda. With colorful buildings, medieval towers, and narrow alleyways, this is a wonderful place to go for leisurely stroll. From Riva del Garda, you can also take your pick from short hiking trails that lead up into the mountains, visit medieval towns and archaeological sites, and …
Hopefully you are feeling well rested, as Stage 5 of the Walker’s Haute Route includes one of the largest climbs of the entire route. Beginning in the valley in Le Châble, you will work your way up into the high alpine mountain ranges where you will spend the night. Be prepared for wild changes in scenery, as the views only …
The hike to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint is one of our favorite short hikes in the Dolomites. This is a gorgeous hike every step of the way, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, a unique view of the “backside” of Tre Cime di Lavaredo, and of course, an awesome view of the Cadini di Misurina. We did this …
After two long, strenuous climbs and steep descents offered by the last two stages of the Walker’s Haute Route, Stage 4 provides a much needed day of recovery. Although you will still end up hiking roughly 14 km (8 miles), Stage 4 is much less challenging and one of the easiest days of the entire Walker’s Haute Route. Taking a …
Stage 3 of the Walker’s Haute Route is the most challenging stage yet, but also one of the most rewarding. A massive, steep climb takes you up to the top of a mountain pass, Fenêtre d’Arpette, and along the way, you will have fantastic views of the Trient Glacier. It is a hard hike, and one of the toughest climbs …
After an easy, somewhat unexciting walk from Chamonix to Argentière, the hike gets to be a lot more interesting on this stage. It also gets a lot more challenging. Stage 2 of the Walker’s Haute Route is the first time you really get to test out your legs and enjoy the alpine views for which this trek is famous for. …
Stage 1 of the Walker’s Haute Route is the shortest, easiest day of the entire trek. It’s a mostly flat walk between Chamonix and Argentière and for most of this stage, you are either walking through town or through an evergreen forest. If you spent any time in Chamonix or Argentière prior to starting this trek, as we did, you’ll …
Riding the series of lifts to Rothorn is one of the best things to do in Zermatt. Rothorn is one of the highest viewpoints in Zermatt, and from here you get a spectacular view of the Matterhorn and the surrounding mountains. On the journey to Rothorn, you will pass through two stations, Sunnegga and Blauherd, both offering more great views …
For jaw-dropping views of the Dolomites, and drinks (or a meal) with a view, it’s hard to beat Rifugio Nuvolau. The only way to get here is by hiking, and along the way, you will pass by Rifugio Averau and the Cinque Torri. Rifugio Nuvalou sits on top Mount Nuvolau. At an elevation of 2,575 meters (8,500 feet), you have …