In this email, we answer some of the most frequent questions we receive regarding food, water, and huts (and money!) on the Walker's Haute Route. We know that no FAQ is exhaustive, so if you have any other questions just respond to this email.
Best regards,
Pygmy Elephant
WHAT ARE MEALS LIKE?
Refugios, or mountain huts, on the Walker's Haute Route are booked by default on half-board basis, which means that breakfast and dinner are provided. Accommodations in Chamonix, Le Châble, and Zermatt usually provide only breakfast.
Important: If you have dietary restrictions or food allergies, you should check in with the front desk at your hotel or mountain hut to make sure that they can meet your dietary needs. We include any dietary restrictions when we make your initial booking, but it is always best to double check directly with your accommodation.
Refugio dinners are typically a three-course affair, including a salad or starter, a main dish (meat, cheese, or vegetarian), and dessert. Dinner includes water; any other drinks are an additional charge. Breakfast is simple and meant to put calories in your body. It usually consists of bread or rolls, butter, jam, cereal or muesli, yogurt, cheese, and fruit.
As hotels in Chamonix and Zermatt don't provide dinner by default, you are free to choose from the many restaurants in both cities. You'll find a wide selection of cuisines here, and you'll be able to better control for price and personal preference.
You must organize lunch on your own. There are lunch options—supermarkets and at least one restaurant—in Chamonix, Argentière, Champex, Le Châble, Les Haudères, Zinal, Grächen, and Zermatt. You can also eat lunch or pick up a snack at gîtes, auberges, and huts along the way. Many huts and some hotels offer a packed lunch for sale, which ranges in price from $10 to $20. If you haven't already requested one, you can ask about availability when you arrive at your night's accommodation.
Water is easily accessible on most parts of the main Walker's Haute Route. You can refill at mountain huts, inns, restaurants, and public water fountains. If you choose to refill from a stream or other natural water source, make sure that it is not below pastureland or human settlement. We recommend you filter and treat this water before drinking.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT IN MOUNTAIN HUTS?
Each mountain hut has its own distinct feel, but there are some common themes, like dinner options, which often include stews and regional cheeses. Many huts have beer or wine for sale, some with a very good selection.
Remove your dirty boots in the mud room before entering a hut. Some huts will have slippers or crocs for you to put on, but it's a good idea to bring your own.
For many hosts, these huts are like their home. They often spend entire summers here, sleeping multiple nights, cooking hundreds of meals, and cleaning up after hikers. Be courteous when asking for a service from hosts; they may not appreciate demands for service.
Although huts provide bedding, many require that you bring a bed liner with you for sanitary reasons. We recommend silk bed liners, as they are the lightest and very comfortable.
WHAT ABOUT MONEY?
France uses the euro (€) as its currency. Switzerland uses the Swiss franc (CHF). Check the current currency conversion before starting your trip. We often use XE.com. All prices below are approximations in USD based on our experience and made in good faith. Actual prices in local currency may vary.
You should budget approximately $25 to $50 per day for lunch, snacks, drinks and public transport. A simple sandwich may cost $5, and lunch in a restaurant, $20. Cable cars cost around $20 one way, per person. While buses in Chamonix are free, buses in Switzerland around $5 to $20, depending on distance travelled.
Most restaurants and hotels accept credit cards, but only a few of the mountain huts do; most demand cash. Always have an emergency cash reserve for these situations. We recommend you carry around 50€ in France, and up to 150 CHF in Switzerland. Whatever you don’t spend on the trail can surely be used afterwards for other expenses.
Important: ATMs are available in Chamonix, Argentière, Champex, Le Châble, Zinal, Grächen, and Zermatt.
Most establishments in Switzerland will accept euros in a pinch, but the exchange rate will be quite bad. Consider withdrawing some CHF in Chamonix or Argentière, before you cross the border.
For inquiries regarding your specific itinerary, please contact your group leader or key travel builder. If you have any questions about the content of this email, feel free to reply here.
Pygmy Elephant, 306 S Washington, Royal Oak, MI 48067
