I'm hoping to tackle the second part of the Chamonix-Zermatt Haute Route / High Level Route (the glacier walking version) next July with friends (no guides). We plan to start at Mauvoisin and go via the Dix, Vignettes, Bertol and Schoenbiel Huts.
I think the best start would be to ascend from Mauvoisin to the Chanrion Hut and then tackle the "4 saddles" (sometimes called "3 cols") route from there to the Dix hut the next day. Unfortunately the Chanrion Hut is closed this summer for renovation.
I wonder if anyone on here has done this route in one day from Mauvoisin to Dix. Was it a long day (it would be our first day)? Did you stay in Mauvoisin? How did you get to the start of the walking?
Many thanks in advance for any advice.
A further question. We would quite like to extend the walk from the Schonbiel Hut by crossing the Col Durand to the Mountet Hut and from there to Zinal. Does anyone have knowledge of this crossing in recent years? I understand it might be problematic.
I should say that we are competent to tackle PD terrain in reasonable conditions. I actually did some of this route with a university group in 1971 (which gives you an idea of one of our possible limitations!)
Many thanks
Martin