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In July, 2001, I went on one of
Wilderness Travel's
most demanding hikes along the famous Swiss Alps: the 13-day
Haute Route trek that starts in Chamonix, France, and ends in
Zermatt, Switzerland. This is one of the most famous mountaineering
routes, rich with tales of brave Europeans who were the first to boldly
go where no sane person would even consider going. Yet, there they are:
the Swiss Alps, with their scenic panoramas and grand vistas. As you rise
early in the morning to attack the high-altitude trail that traverses
scenic blue glaciers, snow-capped tarns, flowery meadows, and
craggy mountain passes, you often think to yourself, "Gee, I was
perfectly happy viewing this from the hotel room!" But, the challenge
compells you anyway. Besides, it's a great excuse to get those really
cool hiking boots you saw at the sporting goods store.
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Hiking the Haute Route
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Along the route, our group passed by ten of the twelve highest peaks
in the Alps, including Mont Blanc, Grand Combin, and the tourist-laden
spire of the Matterhorn. As the photos in this gallery show, the inspiring
natural beauty of the mountains gives one a new perspective on the life
of being chained to a cubicle in a large office complex that requires
an hour commute each way on a grid-locked highway enveloped by carbon
But, when you spend a fortune on mountaineering gear, you have to go
somewhere!
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Scenics
People/Places
Misc Subjects
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