This is an advanced ski tour requiring strong skiing skills and good fitness. You should be accustomed to 1,000–1,300 m of daily ascent and be able to ski in all types of snow.

You must be independent when changing between uphill and downhill modes, confident using an ice axe and crampons, and have basic avalanche-transceiver search skills and familiarity with a shovel and probe.

If you are unsure about your ability, arrange an outing with one of our guides so that they can assess whether this route is suitable.

The Alpine Haute Route programme follows normal ascent routes with an emphasis on mountain travel and adventure. The technical difficulties are generally moderate, but the itinerary still requires ski-touring experience, familiarity with mountain equipment and the fitness for sustained days.

Groups of 1–6 participants are accompanied by a high mountain guide, who briefs the group each day, helps prepare the following stage and supervises progression in the mountains.

Included

• Five days with a high mountain guide.
• Mountain hut booking arrangements.
• Photos and video of the activity.
• Travel assistance and rescue insurance.

Not included

• Participants’ accommodation and transport.
• The guide’s accommodation.
• Personal expenses, including drinks and meals in the valley.
• Travel to the meeting point in Chamonix.
• Picnics and lunches.

What you need to bring

• Complete ski-touring equipment.
• Ice axe and crampons.
• Harness.
• Avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe.
• Helmet.
• Gore-Tex or equivalent waterproof jacket and trousers.
• Hiking trousers and a 200-weight fleece or equivalent.
• Thermal base layer.
• Gloves and a spare pair.
• Warm hat, sun cap, sunglasses and ski goggles.
• 45–50 litre backpack.
• Sun protection.
• Sleeping bag liner.
• Food you enjoy for the practical outings and 1.5 litres of water.

Outline programme: acclimatisation in Italy or France

Day 1: Meet in Cervinia, take the lift and make a short ski descent to Teodulo hut for the night. Alternative: meet in Chamonix, ascend by lift to Aiguille du Midi and ski to Cosmiques hut.

Day 2: Climb Breithorn and Central Breithorn, two 4,000-metre peaks, and stay at Teodulo hut. Alternative: climb Mont Blanc du Tacul and stay at Cosmiques hut.

Day 3: Descend to the vehicle and transfer to Chamonix. Rest, prepare equipment and make any last-minute purchases. Overnight in a gîte or similar accommodation.

Day 4: Take the Aiguille du Midi cable car to Plan de l’Aiguille, then continue to Grands Mulets hut.

Day 5: Climb Mont Blanc and descend to Chamonix. End of the activity.