Day 4 Up The Wall

After a chilly climb, you’ll reach the morning sun and a fantastic view of the Dixence dam. Descend to the dam, then follow a flat path along the water’s edge. Soon you’ll climb up to a wide valley. Notice the strange glacial silt and the huge boulders; these were left by a retreating glacier. You’ll now head towards an impressive, almost vertical band of rock. To reach the other side, you’ll either hike up a steep, rocky slope, or climb a series of metal ladders. From the top, easy trails lead down to Arolla.

This day covers 18km, with around 800m of height gain.

Day 5 Past Tranquil Waters

This is an easy day, so you can take your time and set off later than normal. You’ll climb to the upper limits of the forest, then traverse an open slope with fantastic mountain views. This gentle, undulating trail leads to Lac Bleu, a tranquil lake with strikingly blue water. The colour is caused by the thick glacial clay that lines the lake bed. Stop for a snack at the lakeside cafe, then continue down light forest and fragrant meadows to the village of Les Hauderes.

This day covers 10km, with around 200m of height gain.

Day 6 beneath giants

Although today’s trails are never technical, be prepared; the climbs can feel relentless! Start by taxing a short taxi ride to La Villaz then hiking up pastoral land to Col de Torrent, which boasts one of the best views of the Haute Route. From there, descend gently to Lac de Moiry and cross it via a large footbridge. Hike up through fragrant meadows to Col de Sorebois. Now you'll to see the famous Weisshorn, along with several other 4000m peaks. Finish by descending to the ski resort, then taking a cable car down to Zinal. Alternatively, continue on foot down steep forest tracks.

This day covers 19km, with around 1,750m of height gain.

Day 7 where time stands still

Despite the amount of height gain, this is a gentle day on easy trails. A rising traverse brings you to Col de la Forcletta, where you’ll drop into the Blüomatttälli and Turtmanntal valleys. “Blüomatttälli” comes from the old German word for “flower meadow”, and this valley is often full of unique alpine flowers. Look carefully in the rock crevices, or ask your guide to point them out. There’s very little development in the area, and the inhabitants of Gruben all leave at the end of the summer. Because of this, it feels remote and untouched by time. You will now be in the German-speaking part of Valais.

This day covers 17km, with around 1,200m of height gain.

Day 8 into the valley

Start by hiking up towards the historic Augstbordpass, which was used by the Romans as a trading route. You’ll cross a wide marshy area and then a boulder field before climbing up a series of steep switchbacks. From the pass, you’ll cross another boulder field before joining an exposed, undulating trail. Follow this as it contours high above the Matterhorn valley, which is flanked on either side by towering 4000 metre peaks. This rolling view is arguably the best view of the Haute Route. Eventually the narrow trail widens and you'll descend through meadows to a cable car.

This day covers 16km, with around 1,300m of height gain.

Day 9 Along the balcony

The Haute Route used to continue on from Gasenreid, but this trail is now closed due to rockfall. To avoid this dangerous section, you’ll start by following an easy trail along the valley floor to the village of Herbriggen. From there, you’ll climb up through the forest to the famous Europweg trail. At times this ascent can be quite steep, but when you finally arrive at the balcony, all the effort will seem worth it! You’ll be rewarded with a fantastic view of the Weisshorn, which you have now seen from almost every angle. Continue along this undulating, beautiful trail to the refuge.

This day covers 12km, with around 1,300m of height gain.