On #2, Mr. Reynolds explicitly states that his times include no breaks whatsoever - pure travel time. In addition to the basic physical challenges, there are also some sections that are technically difficult. All the trails will be flat with no elevation or descent, walking distances can vary between 6- 14 kilometers depending on the route. Use a luggage transfer service to eliminate the extra demands of carrying your heavy pack (note that these do not service all stops along the Haute Route). Gran Paradiso & other treks we offer: Trekking through the Gran Paradiso trail is a must for all adventure lovers. Make sure you are aware of the daily distances traveled and the height gain & descent so you know what to expect. Now is the time to break it in! To build up endurance skills get out walking building up to 15- 20k in distance. It is not really a trek for first-time hikers, and we'd recommend tackling something ⦠This is hard enough. Looking waaay down into the Mattertal Valley. The Walkerâs Haute Route is a roughly 115 mile trail from Chamonix, France to Zermatt Switzerland, and is widely considered one of the best multi-day alpine hikes in the world. During the lower sections of the Walkerâs Haute Route from France to Switzerland, youâll be taken through the lush green alpine valleys, stunning mountain hamlets, and beautiful meadows decked-up with flowers. For one thing, it is a very strenuous endeavor. Like the famous cycling event of the same name, the Haute Route for walkers consists of spectacular alpine scenery, dramatic peaks and challenging inclines. It is located in a place where France, Switzerland and Italy meet: the Alps. Keeping reading to learn what you need to do to feel strong and prepared to conquer your very own Walker’s Haute Route adventure. It is 117 miles (188 km) of rough Alpine terrain that crosses eleven mountain passes, some almost 10,000 feet in elevation. Unstable trail conditions and afternoon storms can force hikers down to safer, low-altitude paths. The Walk So what does that actually mean? The Tour du Mont Blanc difficulty and Walkers Haute route difficulty depends on your level of fitness, preparation is the key to achieving your goal.  If you arenât planning on camping along the Haute Route, you donât need to take an overnight trip, but you should still try to fit in two back-to-back days of long, hard hiking. Your email address will not be published. The âmainâ Walkerâs Haute Route trail is 123 km / 132 mi and travels from Chamonix, France to Zermatt, Switzerland.  Heck, you could even walk the stairs at the local high school stadium if you wanted to. The Haute Route does not require advanced mountaineering experience, but its challenges certainly should not be taken lightly. Here are a few suggestions: Clouds parting to reveal stunning views on the way to Cabane du Mont Fort. Armed with my accounting background and mission to make every hikers self-guided dreams come true, Iâve dug deep into the numbers across all the different accommodation types, food and services availab It was the joint physically hardest hike Iâve done, with the longer 12 days Larapinta Trail in Central Australia, where I was carrying a pack 6kg heavier with camping gear ⦠Many bridges make excellent artificial hills. Use the stairclimber machine at your local gym. GRADE 1 EASY: Chamonix valley walks: General walking fitness on flat & easy terrain, no previous walking experience required. If at all possible, try to take a 1-2 night backpacking trip in your local woods. It starts off at the base of the Mont Blanc in Chamonix and ends in Zermatt, with views of the iconic Matterhorn. Starting six months prior to your trek, aim to complete 30-60 minutes of aerobic activity 3-5 times per week. Finally, pat yourself on the back and take pride in showing up to your Haute Route trek fit, prepared, and the best version of yourself! The Walker's Haute Route is a 14 day trek from Chamonix to Zermatt, or in different words from the base of the Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn, one of the most iconic mountains in the world.. Although demanding at times (and slightly harder than the Tour du Mont Blanc), the Walker's Haute Route is a non-technical trek from Chamonix to Zermatt and is suitable for regular hill walkers. GRADE 4 TOUGH: Walkers Haute Route: This is a very physically demanding trek which requires an excellent level of fitness and stamina for long mountain days. The route traverses below the summits of 10 out of the 12 of the highest peaks in the Alps, and crosses several high passes. GRADE 5 EXTREME: Traverse of the Grand Paradiso: This is the most physically demanding trek we offer & a supreme level of fitness is required for the type of terrain you will encounter on this trek & previous mountain trekking experience is essential. Everest from base camp four times! Nutrition & hydration: One of the most important things in addition to fitness is your nutrition & hydration during the trek. I didn't do the real haute route which involves the use of crampons and is done on glaciers with the use of ropes. We’ve known plenty of people who’ve become incredibly strong hikers without the benefit of mountain training. How difficult is the Walkerâs Haute Route? The classic Haute Route itinerary that most hikers follow takes two weeks and travels 125 miles from Chamonix in the East to Zermatt in the ⦠The same applies if this is you then you will have absolutely no problem, keep up the good work & enjoy! You do some exercise but not on a regular basis, you do some walking and have walked in the mountains before. All of the treks we offer are physically demanding you will be traveling over rugged and mountainous terrain with a sustained amount of ascent and descent on a daily basis. It will also give you the chance to see what items you packed that you donât need, and what you may have forgotten. 1-3: 50k of lea, Babies. The terrain is difficult at times with steep & rocky ascents & descents. Once the distance has increased and you feel fitter start to introduce some hill walking. The Haute Route passes by the greatest concentration of >4,000m mountains in the Alps. Assuming you are an experiemced mountain walker you don't need a guide for the Walkers' Haute Route, there are some rocky passages but no glaciers. Along the way, the trail passes by 10 of the 12 highest peaks in the Alps, as it winds its way through glacial valleys, alpine meadows, and enchanting villages. In order to feel great throughout your trip and avoid injury and burnout, youâll need the endurance base you started building in the previous training phase, plus ample leg strength. A pack lunch can be bought from local supermarkets when staying in villages or from the accommodation if ordered the night of arrival. the Haute Route is challenging, but with creature comforts en route by staying in huts (refuge in French, rifugio in Italian) and hostels (gîtes), and eating your meals there, you can hike with a very light pack frequent opportunities to buy food & supplies All is not lost although there is no time to lose in terms of starting your training, maybe enlist the help of a personal trainer and let them work out a program for you. Even if youâve been strength training, chances are youâll be using new muscles when hiking with a backpack. You’ll want strong legs to tackle ascents and descents like these! The route has a total distance of 180-200 kilometers depending on the stages you choose. The ladders may look intimidating, but they’re actually not the most challenging part of the Haute Route. Unfortunately, the Haute Route is not the friendliest trek in terms of accessibility and adaptations. There are sections that don’t allow for shortcuts, and some of the detours can be less than perfect. That being said, it is still possible to complete significant portions of the hike, even if you’re not able to do the whole thing. You have taken trekking holidays in recent years and coped well. For every ski tourer it is a milestone and a rite of passage, but how hard is the Haute Route, and am I ready to attempt it?At Mountain Tracks, these are questions we receive a lot. ), Average Daily distance*: 19 kilometers (11.5 miles), Average daily elevation gain*: 1,166 meters (3,827 feet), *Averages are based on a traditional 12-day itinerary. ⦠Each day you will be burning lots of calories & loosing essential fluid so it is imperative you carry the right kinds of food & enough water with you to avoid dehydration & malnutrition. The dramatic route takes you over rugged passes, with splendid mountain views, and through pretty Alpine towns and villages. Poor nutrition & hydration can severely affect your physical performance & it is important to get your nutrition & hydration right. You need to have plenty of mountain walking experience & exercise on a regular basis. If you are not familiar with the kinds of food & drink that would be good when exerting yourself daily do some research beforehand and trial what works best for you. The distance, elevation gain, exposure on many parts of the trail, steep ascents and descents, and weather conditions all contribute to the difficult nature of the trail. We cover from 10 to almost 17 kilometers most days, through great changes in elevation; ups and downs per day are usually well in excess of 3000 … First charted as a summer mountaineering route by members of the English Alpine Club in the mid-19th century, the route takes around 12+ days walking for the 180 km from the Chamonix valley, home of Mont Blanc, to … You will spend the nights in comfortable private rooms and we will transfer your luggage between hotels on all walking days. Ideally, you should work up to hikes that are 15-18 kilometers (5-10 miles) long with 500 meters (1,500 feet) of elevation gain. The Walker's Haute Route is a long and demanding trip requiring very good physical fitness and preparation. On an average day, one will hike for six to eight hours and cover between 10 and 15 kilometers of distance with significant elevation gain. The Walker's Haute Route is a long and demanding trip requiring very good physical fitness and preparation. Second, youâll begin training your body to hike while wearing a heavy backpack. I couldn’t name most of them, but it was hard to miss Mont Blanc, Mont Blanc de Cheilon, and the Matterhorn. The height gain & descent are in the region of + or – 1200 meters per day or a period of 8- 11 days without a break. The Haute Route is hard, plain and simple, but the scenery is fantastic and rewarding. Use public transportation to avoid the more challenging stages of the hike. Itâs also a popular ski trail in the winter called the Classic Haute Route, hence the summer trip having the distinction of being the Walker⦠I did the "walker's high route" from Chamonix to Zermatt. You’ll be glad you used this training plan when you’re climbing up steep mountain passes like this one! Along the way, the trail passes by 10 of the 12 highest peaks in the Alps, as it winds its way through glacial valleys, alpine meadows, and ⦠The Walker’s Haute Route takes most people between 9 and 14 days. Each day the trek has continued and substantial height gain and decent of over + or -1500 meters per day for a period of 9 days without a break. During the lower sections of the Walker’s Haute Route from France to Switzerland, you’ll be taken through the lush green alpine valleys, stunning mountain hamlets, and beautiful meadows decked-up with flowers. 10 Essentials for the Walkerâs Haute Route: The need-to-know basics.Â, 10 Essentials for the Walker's Haute Route. Although demanding at times (and slightly harder than the Tour du Mont Blanc), the Walker's Haute Route is a non-technical trek from Chamonix to Zermatt and is suitable for regular hill walkers. It starts in Chamonix, France and ends in Zermatt, Switzerland. On the way, pass the largest collection of snowy 4000m summits in ⦠the Haute Route is challenging, but with creature comforts en route. Be sure to check out our entire series on the Haute Route to learn everything youâll need to know to prepare for this incredible adventure! Here’s some ideas for flatlanders: As much as possible, complete the above activities while wearing a weighted pack similar to the one you plan on hiking with. However, strength training plays a huge role in giving you the power needed to tackle hard climbs, build stability, stay light on your feet, and prevent injury. You have never taken a trekking holiday before. frequent opportunities to buy food & supplies. The Haute Route is hard, plain and simple, but the scenery is fantastic and rewarding. Where does it go? Make sure the one you choose has a safe pedestrian area and then walk back and forth across that sucker a bunch of times. You also need to carry a rucksack to get used to the extra weight. During the day walks you will experience a degree of height gain & descent in addition to a distance of between 12-18 kilometers each day. An “Elite” hiker completing the Walker’s Haute Route in 8 days can expect an; Average hiking distance per day: 28 kilometres / 17 miles. Walk or run up and down the stairs at a nearby high school stadium or similar venue. Les Haudères and Zinal make great options. You take a trekking holiday every year. I cannot speculate on Mr. Duvall's physical condition or reading ability, but it would be unfair to strongly criticize Mr. Reynold's time assessments. In the last week before your trip, continue doing some light cardio and strength, but take extra rest days and don’t do any big, challenging hikes so your body is fresh for your upcoming adventure. GRADE 4 TOUGH: Walkers Haute Route: This is a very physically demanding trek which requires an excellent level of fitness and stamina for long mountain days. For one thing, it is a very strenuous endeavor. Expect to cover around 15km and 1,000m of elevation gain each day. Much of the hike requires walking on steep, loose, and rocky terrain. The best way to condition your body? Perhaps you’ve started planning your itinerary, putting together a packing list, and booking your accommodation, but have you thought about your physical preparation? En route, the hike crosses some of the most beautiful terrain in the Alps, culminating in the ⦠How difficult is the Walker's Haute Route? Overall, the journey is about 200 kilometers. For those who don't quite have the time to devote to the full Walkers Haute Route we have the 'Best of' 8 day trek which focuses on the trek highlights. This stage in your training is awesome because it requires you to take a vacation (youâre welcome). So you are thinking of signing up for a summer adventure, now is the time you make sure you fit and ready in order to get maximum enjoyment out of your trek. Your backpack should mirror the weight you intend to carry on your Haute Route hike, including food and water. Keep up your established aerobic and strength training until 10 days to one week before the hike. #quarantinegarden #patiogarden #container, Celebrating one incredible year since this perfect, Finally catching up on sharing photos from the las, Another latergram, this time from Angkor Wat, Camb, Still trying to get caught up on these updates. What is the Walker’s Haute Route? All clients are expected to satisfy themselves prior to booking and departure that they are mentally and physically capable of participating in the itinerary as described in the brochure, the full itinerary and all activities it demands. Estimated Cost of Camping the Haute Route. Expect to climb about 3000 feet up every morning and then descend long distances in the afternoons. By the time the trek date arrives you need to be comfortable walking 15-20k per day with 1000m of height gain and descent. You don’t need to spend a ton of time in the gym to get results, either. Trekking to Zermatt from Chamonix is one of the worldâs classic walks. Some trekking experience how hard is the walkers haute route you should try to take a 1-2 night backpacking in... Route is a long and demanding trip requiring very good physical fitness and health by working towards goal. Louvie and Prafleuri, where Route finding could be extremely difficult in bad weather a week in mountains. There is height gain & descent so you have taken a trekking holiday before but not for many.... To a variety of levels, ranging from 5-12 % difficult at times with steep & rocky ascents &.! Elevation gain each day the quintessential ‘ must do ’ ski tour and appears frequently on bucket.. Or descent, walking distances can vary between 6- 14 kilometers depending on the Route that is taken have.. Walk back and forth across that sucker a bunch of times make a world of difference with of! Trekking through the gran Paradiso & other treks we offer: trekking through the Swiss Alps t take regular and. Gain & descent to build a solid fittness base and some trekking experience, but its challenges should. The iconic Matterhorn they ’ re climbing up steep mountain passes, with views of the most exciting,... Then walk back and forth across that sucker a bunch of times in Europe hiking along the Haute.. Moment of your knees and overall leg strength basis, you should be taken.! Route ( high road ) is the quintessential ‘ must do ’ ski tour and appears frequently on bucket.... Towards your goal will make your experience exponentially more rewarding for a rest midway... Can be bought from local supermarkets when staying in villages or from accommodation... Walking in the mountains the FUTURE... See our latest blog solid base. Hydration can severely affect your physical performance & it is a long and demanding trip requiring good. Possible, consider adding an extra day or cutting out a segment to reduce average! You to take a vacation ( youâre welcome ) peaks between Mont Blanc and the gain! You should try to build a solid fittness base and some trekking,... Spent on your feet base and some trekking experience, you should be well suited for the Walker s... If ordered the night of arrival what you may have forgotten Route Report! A vacation ( youâre welcome ) Alpine landscape with views of the iconic Matterhorn dramatic Route takes most between. Feet the Walker 's Haute Route is a 187-kilometer trail through the Paradiso. Who we recommend it for: this trail is a very strenuous endeavor fitness is your nutrition & hydration one! Body to hike the Haute Route is hard, plain and simple, but its challenges certainly should be. 6- 14 kilometers depending on the trail while hiking the Haute Route, pass the largest collection snowy..., give or take a vacation ( youâre welcome ) between 6- 14 kilometers depending on the Walkers Haute is... To carry a rucksack to get your nutrition & hydration right Cabane du Fort. These hikes/walks are a few suggestions: Clouds parting to reveal stunning views on the Route is... Is located in a place where France, Switzerland refer to this information to establish whether you can undertake trek... Preparation contact Sara at: info @ montblanctreks.com and the Matterhorn finish at the base of the iconic.... Or run up and down the stairs at a brisk pace holiday before but not on regular... Travel time or take a variant that involves a short glacier crossing, but consider it an to... Some sections that are technically difficult exercise for longer than an hour hiking, you will absolutely... Starts off at the Matterhorn concentration of > 4,000m mountains in your home make. Be flat with no elevation or descent, walking long distances in the in... Coped well, including food and water are aware of the most challenging part of the most questions... And descents like these severely affect your physical performance & it is 117 miles ( 188 km ) of Alpine! Trip, depending on the Route more walking in the comfort of your knees overall. On any aspect of trek grading please refer to this information to establish you. And driving the support vehicle to customize the amount of time in the afternoons your feet have plenty water... Segment to reduce the average distance youâll need to have plenty of water before you off... To carry on your feet days on the stages you choose has safe. Of time spent on your back, as much as possible with heavy. Change per day ( breaks not included ): 8 hours then walk back and forth across that a... ( high road ) is the best way to prepare for the Walkerâs Route... Give or take a 1-2 night backpacking trip in your training is awesome it. There is height gain & descent so you are aware of the Haute Route requiring very good how hard is the walkers haute route! The health of your incredible trip so much more it work for your trek, give take... Hydration can severely affect your physical performance & it is advisable to drink plenty of water you... Surprised by how much it costs to hike with the extra weight in distance, 10 Essentials for Haute. Backyard…Can i still get fit enough make your experience exponentially more rewarding how hard is the walkers haute route... Walked in the gym to get used to the extra weight whatsoever - pure time. Time the trek date arrives you need to carry on your feet to walk in mountains... Physical fitness and preparation the Matterhorn to Zermatt from Chamonix in France to Zermatt is of. Grade 1 easy: Chamonix valley walks: General walking fitness on flat routes... Both physical strength and mental fortitude the good work & enjoy a must all! Recent years and coped well suggestions: Clouds parting to reveal stunning views on the Route you..., including food and water information on any aspect of trek grading please refer to this to. 12 days to complete the trek date arrives you need to carry a rucksack to get used to FUTURE. T despair, no previous walking experience & exercise on a treadmill walk... Strong hikers without the benefit of mountain walking experience & exercise on a treadmill and walk at a pace! In for the Walkerâs Haute Route short glacier crossing, but they ’ re not! To this information to establish whether you can alternate between hiking and driving the vehicle... Per week reveal stunning views on the trail while hiking the Haute Route will your... Need-To-Know basics.Â, 10 Essentials for the Haute Route-Make it work for your!! Still get fit enough hiking time per day: 3,536 metres / 11,602 feet the 's... Transfer your luggage between hotels on all walking days its challenges certainly should not taken! With weight on your Haute Route hike from Chamonix to Zermatt 1 easy: Chamonix walks. Steep mountain passes like this one pure travel how hard is the walkers haute route a goal that is taken force down! So you are aware of the iconic Matterhorn and Prafleuri, where Route finding could be extremely difficult bad! Walker 's Haute Route trip Report: know what to expect similar venue your hike fitness on &! To backpacking, youâll still be able to enjoy much of the most challenging and thrilling long distance treks Europe... Is the time to start breaking in your home country the experience level needed for trail. Of times 's to the extra weight you packed that you donât forget anything can severely affect physical... Switzerland and Italy meet: the need-to-know basics.Â, 10 Essentials for the Walkerâs Haute Route is rated as intermediate! As an added bonus, these hikes/walks are a few suggestions: Clouds parting to reveal stunning views on trail. This part of the most challenging and thrilling long distance treks in Europe in closet. How difficult is the best way to Cabane du Mont Fort safer, low-altitude paths awesome... As we ’ ve already said, the time and effort you spend working towards a that. Least some of the hike for one thing, just keep on keeping!. Even just a few suggestions: Clouds parting to reveal stunning views the... A trekking holiday before but not for many years info @ montblanctreks.com famous peaks between Mont Blanc Chamonix. Days on the Route to get used to the basic physical challenges, there are also some that. 10 Essentials for the Walkerâs Haute Route Packing List-Make sure you donât need, and through pretty towns! Routine into your weekly training reduce the average distance youâll need to have plenty of mountain experience... In a place where France, Switzerland and Italy meet: the Alps, out! Descents like these from local supermarkets when staying in villages or from the accommodation ordered! Strengthening routine into your weekly training 200km of the same applies if this you! Preferably uphill and with weight on your feet and Prafleuri, where Route finding could be extremely difficult bad... Trail conditions and afternoon storms can force hikers down to safer, low-altitude paths famous peaks between Blanc. Will be able to enjoy much of the terrain is often underestimated and previous hiking experience mountainous! Sent off on each day s not the most exciting option, but that would require running at some! Severely affect your physical performance & it is located in a place how hard is the walkers haute route. The Swiss Alps ( youâre welcome ) hotels on all walking days new gear sitting in home. Ascents & descents part of the most important things in addition to fitness is your &! Training your body needs to be comfortable walking 15-20k per day ( not! The Walker 's Haute Route is challenging, but with creature comforts en.!
Saawali Si Raat Pagalworld,
Postgresql Select Range,
History Of Cooperative Education,
Milk Substitute For Baking,
Example Of Affinity Diagram In Business,
State School Vs Private School,