The 'haute route' or high-level
route is a six day traverse across the mountains and glaciers
between Chamonix and Zermatt
and is sometimes continued to Saas Fee.
The haute route was first crossed
on foot by an English party, at the end of the nineteenth century,
before being gradually linked together on skis in the first quarter
of the twentieth century.
Zermatt is about 70 km from Chamonix, as the crow flies, but the
actual route travelled is much further than this.
Most guided parties take the slightly easier Verbier
route but the more difficult route around the Grand
Combin may be taken if conditions, group size and ability permit.
The route has been completed in under 24 hours!
