🥾 Swiss Alps Trails - Walker's Haute Route: Refuge de la Flégère - Col de Balme
High-altitude alpine hiking route through the Mont Blanc massif
📋 Fast Facts
- Distance: approximately 200–225 km (124–140 miles) total route
- Elevation gain on this section: 300m+ to Lac Blanc, then descent to Col des Montets
- Location: French and Swiss Alps, crossing the France–Switzerland border
- Difficulty: Challenging; suitable for experienced hill walkers with mountain experience
The Walker's Haute Route is a long-distance alpine hiking trail connecting Chamonix and Zermatt through the French and Swiss Alps. The section from Refuge de la Flégère to Col de Balme traverses high-altitude terrain with extensive views of Mont Blanc, offering a demanding but rewarding day's journey. This stage crosses the France–Switzerland border and includes optional variants that add significant elevation gain ...