The weather is warming up but there is still a lot of snow in the high mountains. As of yesterday, hikers have completed all main trail and alternative route sections of the Walker’s Haute Route.

Alistair Crompton has now led his group across the trail, and Tui is close to finishing a solo Haute Route hike too. Tui was one of the first through the rockfall section near Pas de Chevres/Col de Reidmattern and had to navigate a foot of fresh snow when descending from Cabane de Moiry - very memorable experiences!

I now have images from nearly all the mountain passes to share. I will add the rest over the coming week as they become available.

Walker’s Haute Route TRAIL CONDITIONS

Identifying where snow is still covering the trail is always the focus of June and early July updates. The general guidance at the moment is that some snow is still present (but rapidly receding) above 2,500m (8,200 feet) on north-facing slopes. There are always exceptions in sheltered/shaded areas where a build-up of snow has occurred.

Gear Recommendation

Microspikes like the Yaktrax summit or Kahtoola microspike
Poles

If you are hiking in the next week

If hiking through a lot of snow is not your preference, have a plan B for the section between Cabane du Mont Fort/Cabane de Louvie and Arolla
Know and trust your experience and capability
Add some extra time to complete sections as the snow will slow you down
Be aware and prepared to have sections of post-holing in the Grand Desert
Be vigilant of the weather
The most up-to-date information is from hikers coming towards you on the trail so make lots of friends along the way :)

COVID-19 Travel Restrictions

If you want to understand how COVID-19 travel restrictions could impact your trip, we have a dedicated page focused on this information which you can find here;

COVID-19 Update for Hiking in the Alps

The 11 passes ON Walker’s Haute Route

Col de Balme - 2,204m

Snow free 🙌

Looking towards Col de Balme from Aiguillette des Posettes end of June. Image cred: @Alistair Crompton

Fenetre d’Arpette - 2, 665m

Hikers have started to cross through the window but there is still snow on the Arpette side.

Poles are strongly recommended and be aware there is a large boulder field to cross on the Arpette still has some covering - postholing here can be treacherous.

Starting the descent from Fenetre d’Arpette to Arpette. 4th July 2021 Image cred: @t_swinnen

Alternative Route option: Stream crossing between Alp Bovine and Champex Lac Image cred — **Alternative Route option:** Stream crossing between Alp Bovine and Champex Lac Image cred

Col Termin - 2,648m

Snow covering steep parts of the narrow balcony trail around Col Termin, however, multiple tracks have been carved into for hikers to follow.

Some snow patches covering the trail from Col Termin down to Cabane de Louvie at 2,225m. 1st July 2021. Image cred: @Alistair Crompton

Looking towards Col de la Chaux from Cabane du Mont Fort. 5th July 2021. Image cred: @t_swinnen

Col de Louvie to Col Des Roux

Some hikers have passed this section, however, no images are available to share. Still a lot of snow. Recommend checking at Cabane du Mont Fort and Cabane de Louvie for latest conditions.

Col de Riedmatten - 2,919m (/ Pas de Chevres)

Reports of a large rockfall here - this area has been challenging for years as the trail does make its way through a fairly active rockfall zone.

Between Lac Des Dix and Col de Riedmatten / Pas de Chevres. 6th July 2021. Image cred: @t_swinnen

Approaching Col de Riedmatten. 6th July 2021. Image cred: @t_swinnen

At Col de Riedmatten looking down the valley to Arolla. 6th July 2021. Image cred: @t_swinnen

Looking back at Col de Riedmatten after completing the initial descent. 6th July 2021. Image cred: @t_swinnen

Col du Tsate - 2,868m / Col de Torrent - 2,915m

Snow on the East (Zermatt) side both passes but able to be crossed.

Looking back at Col du Tsate from the Lac de Moiry side. 8th July 2021. Image cred: @t_swinnen

Looking towards Lac de Moiry side from just below Col du Tsate. 8th July 2021. Image cred: @t_swinnen

Looking toward Lac de Moiry from Col de Torrent. 4th July 2021. Image cred: @Alistair Crompton

Looking back at Col de Torrent after just descending below on the Lac de Moiry side. 4th July 2021. Image cred: @Alistair Crompton

Cabane de Moiry - 2,825m

Snow still on the steeper part on the way up. Fixed rope has been installed to assist as the permanent chains are still under the snow. A foot of new snow fell, however, it will melt quickly.