Arolla · Val d'Hérens · 2,070m
On the Haute Route.
Chamonix – Zermatt. 180 km across the Alps. Arolla, a stage on the most celebrated alpine traverse.
180 km.
Two iconic summits.
The Haute Route links Chamonix (Mont Blanc, France) to Zermatt (Matterhorn, Switzerland) across 180 km through the highest massifs of the Alps. It is one of the most celebrated alpine itineraries in the world, both on ski and on foot.
The ski version was first completed in 1911. It takes approximately 7 days at an average altitude of 3,000 m. The Walker's Haute Route takes around 12 days and requires no technical mountaineering equipment.
Pigne d'Arolla.
3,796m.
On the classic ski Haute Route, Pigne d'Arolla (3,796m) is the highest summit on the itinerary. This peak towers above the village of Arolla and marks the fifth day of the classic route. Arolla serves as the base village for the Arolla–Zermatt segment, the final section of the traverse.
Stage 7.
Arolla, 2,035m.
On the Walker's Haute Route, Arolla is Stage 7 of the route (arriving from Cabane de Prafleuri, 17.4 km) and the starting point for Stage 8 towards Les Haudères. The village provides a natural recovery stop at the midpoint of the route, before the final stages to Zermatt.
A hotel on the route.
Since 1896.
The Grand Hôtel & Kurhaus is located in Arolla at 2,070m altitude, at the foot of Pigne d'Arolla. Founded in 1896, it is one of the historic hotels of the Val d'Hérens, member of Swiss Historic Hotels.
Specialist alpine touring operators use the hotel as a stage stop on their Haute Route circuits. Ski-in/ski-out, buffet breakfast included, 61 rooms with mountain views. Reception open 9am–7pm, 7 days/week: +41 27 283 70 00.
The Haute Route
in practice.
What is the Haute Route?
The Haute Route is an alpine traverse of 180 km from Chamonix (Mont Blanc) to Zermatt (Matterhorn). There are two versions: on ski (approximately 7 days, first completed in 1911) and on foot, the Walker's Haute Route (approximately 12 days, non-technical). It is one of the most celebrated alpine itineraries in the world.
Is Arolla on the Haute Route?
Yes. On the Walker's Haute Route, Arolla is Stage 7 (arriving from Prafleuri, 17.4 km) and the start of Stage 8. On the ski Haute Route, Arolla is the base village at the foot of Pigne d'Arolla (3,796m), the highest summit on the classic route, and the starting point for the Arolla–Zermatt segment.
Do I need experience to do the Haute Route?
It depends on the version. The Walker's Haute Route on foot is non-technical (no ropes or crampons) but physically demanding. The ski Haute Route is a serious high-mountain itinerary: roughly half of participants do not complete the full traverse. A certified guide is recommended for the ski version.
How do I book a night at the hotel on the Haute Route?
Call the Grand Hôtel & Kurhaus reception at +41 27 283 70 00 (9am–7pm, 7 days/week) or book directly at grandhotelkurhaus.com. The hotel includes buffet breakfast, ski-in/ski-out access and local certified guides.
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