Chamonix to Zermatt - The Walker’s Haute Route

• Location
• Description
• Contents
• Introduction
• Sample Route
• Maps
• Updates
• Reviews
• Further Reading

July 2008

Stage 1; p44
The Gite Belvedere in Argentiere isn't closed as previously stated, but under different management and with a different website:
 www.gitelebelvedere.eu

The previous owners of the Gite Belvedere have accommodation in the Rusticana apartments above the pharmacy in the centre of the village.
Check the following website for rates: www.gitebelvedere.com
Email: psch296049@aol.com or telephone 04 5054 0259

November 2008

Grand Hotel Kurhaus - Arolla
This hotel has asked to be mentioned as they are aimed at Haute Route walkers. They offer dortoir places, have shoes for walkers to relax inside the hotel, free internet access (wireless and a computer for customers'use), real fresh meals...etc.

www.hotel-kurhaus.arolla.com   tel: 027 283 70 00

Update, August 2009

Stages 13 & 14, the Europaweg

The unstable nature of the Europaweg, which takes the Chamonix to Zermatt route on its final two stages from Gasenried (above St Niklaus) into Zermatt below the Matterhorn, cannot be overstated.  During the summer of 2009 it was closed for a while due to further rockfall, and any detailed description of the route is likely to be out of date before next season.

Major changes have affected the route beyond the Europa Hut, with more tunnels being created and cable safeguards put in place; but in some areas the former path has been destroyed and a new (temporary?) trail been made.

The Europaweg remains a tough, challenging but rewarding finalé to the Walker’s Haute Route, with numerous scenic highlights. But all who tackle it should only do so after careful consideration of the risks involved. Before setting out, you are advised to phone the Europa Hut to see that the route is open, and to book accommodation if it is – the phone number is listed in the guide. 

Should the route be closed, or you decide against tackling it, Alternative Stage 13 describes the valley option from St Niklaus to Zermatt.

September 2011

The notorious Europaweg used by trekkers on the final two stages of the route to Zermatt has suffered yet more damage from rockfall. Trekkers are warned that the 250m suspension bridge south of the Europa Hut (p210 of the 2011 updated reprint) was destroyed just 2 months after it was opened at a cost of 350,000 Swiss francs. Currently the route has been diverted downhill for quite some way before climbing back to rejoin the 'old' route, but the unstable nature of the Europaweg will ensure that more changes will occur almost week by week. Great caution is needed by all who tackle it.
 
Note: the valley route from St Niklaus to Zermatt (Alternative stage 13) remains the safest option; it takes just one day to walk, as opposed to the two days of the Europaweg.

September 2011

Stage 4   Please note that the campsite in Sembrancher mentioned on p74 of the latest (4th) edition of the guidebook, no longer exists; the site now being used for housing.  There are no camping alternatives nearby.

With thanks to reader David Taylor from Australia for this information.