6-day Chamonix–Zermatt ski touring traverse

The day before
Meeting at 6:30 pm at the Saint-Gervais Guides’ Office. Presentation of the ski raid and gear check.

Day 1 – Argentière → Argentière Hut (2,771 m)
Argentière > Plan Joran and then Bochard cable cars (skins on at 2,760 m). Ascent to the Col des Rachasses (3,037 m), descent onto the Rognons Glacier, then climb up the Argentière Glacier to the hut.
Elevation gain: +600 m / -600 m. Overnight at the Argentière Hut.

Day 2 – Argentière Hut → Trient Hut (3,170 m)
Depending on conditions: Col du Chardonnet (3,323 m) and Fenêtre de Saleina (3,260 m), or Col du Passon (3,028 m) and Col Supérieur du Tour (3,287 m). Traverse of the Trient Glacier and arrival at the hut.
Elevation gain: +1,200 m / -800 m. Overnight at the Trient Hut.

Day 3 – Trient Hut → Prafleuri Hut (2,656 m)
Descent on the right bank of the Trient Glacier, short bootpack ascent to the Col des Ecandies (2,796 m), then a continuous descent into the Val d’Arpette to Champex (1,470 m). Bus from Champex to Le Châble, then lifts in Verbier up to Les Gentianes (2,900 m). Via the Col de la Chaux and the Col de Momin (3,000 m), traverse beneath the Rosablanche (3,336 m) (out-and-back ascent possible) toward Prafleuri.
Elevation gain: +850 m / -2,700 m. Overnight at the Prafleuri Hut.

Day 4 – Prafleuri Hut → Dix Hut (2,928 m)
Ascent to the Col des Roux (2,804 m), long traverse and descent to Lac des Dix (2,386 m). Climb back up via the Pas du Chat to the hut.
Elevation gain: +700 m / -450 m. Overnight at the Dix Hut.

Day 5 – Dix Hut → Vignettes Hut (3,153 m)
A major glacial stage. If conditions allow, ascent of the Pigne d’Arolla (3,787 m) via the Tsena Réfien Glacier, followed by a descent to the Vignettes Hut.
Elevation gain: +950 m / -700 m. Overnight at the Vignettes Hut.

Day 6 – Vignettes Hut → Zermatt (1,600 m)
From the Vignettes Hut, cross the Col de l’Évêque (3,382 m), descend onto the Arolla Glacier, climb back up to the Col du Mont Brulé (3,231 m), make a long traverse to the Col de Valpelline (3,552 m), then a long descent to Zermatt via the Stockji Glacier. Return by taxi to Argentière.
Elevation gain: +1,250 m / -2,700 m.

The guides may adjust the program according to the weather, mountain conditions, and the participants’ skill level.