Hi fellow hiker,

Today’s email provides some information on mountain safety and a preview of the more exposed sections of the .

It's impossible to fit everything regarding mountain safety into one email, which is why we've written a short guide linked below. Some of the topics we touch in this guide are when to hike, how to deal with snow, how to deal with storms, and whom to call in case of emergency. Check it out!

Below you'll find some short videos of Haute Route sections with exposure, ladders, and chains.  If you are uncomfortable with these hazards, contact us and we will try to find a detour for you.

Best regards,

Pygmy Elephant

FENÊTRE D'ARPETTE

COL DE LA FORCLAZ TO CHAMPEX

This small section is located halfway between Col de La Forclaz and Champex. This can be a sketchy area due to the amount of piled and dislodging rocks. The trail needs to be repaired seasonally due to the effects of snow in winter and heat in summer. The trail changes its course every year. Make sure you bring your layers and keep your eyes  open.

SENTIER DES CHAMOIS & COL DE LOUVIE

CABANE DU MONT FORT TO CABANE DE PRAFLEURI or CABANE DE LOUVIE

The possible stages after Cabane du Mont Fort present a few hazards. In particular, the section of Sentier des Chamois right after leaving Cabane du Montfort for Cabane de Louvie has significant exposure; that is, you will hike close to a cliff or a drop-off. The section after Col du Louvie on the path to Cabane de Prafleuri can be a bit tricky in route finding, especially early in the season due to the remaining amounts of snow. See the video below for an example.

COL DE RIEDMATTEN & PAS DE CHÈVRES

CABANE DE PRAFLEURI TO AROLLA

The area right before Col de Riedmatten / Pas de Chèvres requires a good bit of scrambling. You can either continue the scramble up to Col du Riedmatten or take a series of ladders over Pas de Chèvres. See the video below for an example.

This section should only be done in good weather. Make sure you check the weather forecast the night before so you can plan your hike properly.

CLIMB TO CABANE DE MOIRY

This day will feature rocky terrain and hiking may be slow going, especially as you head to Col du Tsaté. The ascent from Molignon to Cabane de Moiry will be long. The last 200 meters up to the cabane is considered "hard" because of its length and the nature of the steep terrain, full of narrow switchbacks. Always follow the yellow dots painted on the trail.

EUROPAWEG

The Europaweg between Grächen and Zermatt is considered by many to be the most beautiful 2-day hike in the Alps. It's no walk in the park, though: it has very rocky terrain and is subject to rock slides. There can also be some scrambling necessary, and there are a few areas with exposure on this route. Video 1 below will give you an idea of what to expect.

The Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge shown in video 2 opened in the summer of 2017 and is approximately at the midpoint of the Europaweg. It is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world. We recommend you avoid the bridge when there is a likelihood of lightning in the area.

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.