Time to take a walk
I first heard about the "Walkers Haute Route" a couple of years ago when I was hiking the AV2 in the Dolomites. It was mentioned as another long, alpine "hut to hut," meaning no need to carry tent, bedding, and food. The advantage of this kind of trip is that you can keep your pack light and move more easily through challenging terrain with lots of elevation changes. This one is a walk between the two iconic mountains of Mt Blanc, and the Matterhorn. It is less well known (and significantly more demanding) than the Tour de Mt Blanc, but shares some sections. It boasts 140 miles, 46,000 feet of elevation gain and loss, and 11 high alpine passes. You can't get too focused on those numbers. One step at a time.
It feels like I have been prepping for this trip forever, weighing the value of every item in my pack, considering all the variants, trying to get current on trail closures, checking weather, temperatures, discussing potential dangers and adaptations with chap gpt. This is high alpine territory, which can be scary and unforgiving. It is also always my inclination to choose the higher/ harder option, but I am committed to evaluating every choice in real time, informed by weather, my condition, and local advice. I don't love attempting this route alone, but I figure there will almost always be others hiking in the vicinity, and there are infinite opportunities to bail if I am uncomfortable. Mirabel will track me daily, so there is little chance of disappearing off the side of a cliff without someone noticing.
I have spent a day here in Chamonix, the French mountain town that is a destination for mountain bikers, climbers, hikers, white water rafters, parachute jumpers, and runners, just to name a few. Also, many vacationers and families who want to ride the gondola up to the top and take in the scenery.
The town is bustling here in high season. The amount of food and drink disappearing all around me is staggering. The babble of French, German and English of all varieties is constant. Children, dogs, suitcases, sand volley ball, motor cycles, drones, cameras, and the swiftly moving glacial run off create a constant flow of sound. It is festive and lively, and I can't wait to get back up into the mountains.
So it's an early start tomorrow on this long awaited chapter.
