Imperial Haute Route
Ski Touring Adventure in Switzerland

Experience one of Switzerland’s most spectacular ski touring adventures through the heart of the Valais Alps.

The Imperial Haute Route combines breathtaking mountain scenery, classic alpine crossings and unforgettable descents, guided by experienced mountain professionals with extensive knowledge of the Swiss Alps.

A tailor-made ski touring experience through some of the most spectacular landscapes of the Swiss Alps.

Why the Imperial Haute Route?
A unique ski touring experience in the Alps

The Imperial Haute Route is one of the most impressive ski touring journeys in the Swiss Alps.

Crossing the high mountains of Valais, this multi-day adventure takes you through a world of glaciers, remote valleys and spectacular alpine scenery.

Unlike a traditional ski day, a Haute Route experience is about the journey itself: moving through the mountains, staying in alpine refuges and discovering places that cannot be reached by lifts.

Every itinerary is adapted to the conditions, group objectives and experience level, creating a unique adventure for each group.

Ski tourers hiking a ridge in the Val d'Anniviers

The terrain / the journey
A journey through the high Alps

From high mountain passes to unforgettable ski descents, every day offers a new challenge and a new perspective of the Alps.

The Imperial Haute Route links together some of the most beautiful areas of the Valais mountains, combining technical ski touring, incredible landscapes and the unique atmosphere of staying overnight in mountain huts.

The route and objectives are always chosen according to snow conditions, weather and the ability of the group, ensuring the best possible experience in the mountains.

Experience level
Do I have the experience for a Haute Route?

Ski touring at this level requires a good skiing background, strong fitness and previous experience outside the marked slopes.

You should feel comfortable skiing variable snow conditions, making controlled turns on variable terrain and completing several hours of uphill travel during the day.

Previous ski touring experience is strongly recommended, but the exact itinerary can be adapted depending on your goals and experience.

The right route is always chosen according to the group, the conditions and the objectives of the adventure.

Ski touring on a Valais ridge above the clouds

Experience the mountains with expert guidance

MEET OUR GUIDES →

Our approach

Why choose a guided Haute Route experience?

Ski tourers on a summit ridge above a couloir in the Valais

Mountain Expertise

High mountain environments require experience, preparation and careful decision-making.

Our guides combine technical mountain knowledge, experience and careful preparation to create safe and unforgettable ski touring adventures.

Freeride skier on a steep face in the Val d'Anniviers

A personalised adventure

Every Haute Route experience is different.

We adapt the itinerary, pace and objectives according to your group, ensuring the journey matches your expectations and experience.

Le Beau Ski mountain guide above the Saas valley at Mattmark

Safety & mountain decisions

Good guiding is about making the right decisions throughout the journey.

Weather, snow conditions and terrain constantly influence the route. Our guides manage these variables to maximise the experience while keeping safety at the centre.

Testimonials
Google reviews

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 22 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Robert Glauerdt 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The best ski days of the season. Stefano is by far the best guide we’ve had!! Great two powder days and safety always comes first.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Charlie Dunmore 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've had the pleasure of touring with Stefano the past couple of years. He has a deep knowledge of the terrain and conditions of the Val d'Anniviers based on many years of experience, and will tailor routes and itineraries to suit your skills and goals. He's a confidence inspiring presence, and great company too!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Joe Gaines 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a fantastic day out with Stefano. We were a group of mixed fitness but all keen to experience the off piste skiing Grimentz had to offer, and Stefano tailored our day superbly to ensure we were all having a good time. He found us some great snow and taught us lots while doing it! He was also great fun to be around, an absolute essential ☺️ I’d highly recommend skiing with Stefano and the team.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Gareth Ayre 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Finds the best snow, safe, infectious enthusiasm, and a great laugh to! Highly recommended
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Dr. S 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Stefano is an excellent guide and made the day truly enjoyable. He knows the area extremely well, keeps the experience fun and is always helpful and attentive. Exactly what you want from a guide on an off-piste touring day.

10/10 — highly recommended. We'll be back :) Danke!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ben Thomson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Stefano was great and we could some amazing powder even though the conditions made that hard. He also rescued me when I dislocated my shoulder.  So important to have a guide that can sort things out in an accident.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ben Salter 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Stefano was a great guide. Even in some pretty tough conditions he managed to make sure we had top quality morning in Zinal and Grimentz. Couldn’t recommend him enough!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Archie Hardyment 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great ski. In high risk conditions Stefano delivered a great day whilst keeping everyone safe.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ed Crossman 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Stefano is a fantastic guide. This year really showed that. With sketchy conditions everywhere, he gave us adventure while always staying safe. He's great company too.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   William Hardyment 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Two fantastic days touring/off-piste with Stefano in the Val d'Anniviers in January, just after large snowfall. Always fun and informative, but also safe. In difficult conditions they delivered a couple of fantastic days touring and kept the fun going. Thank you Stefano.

Frequently asked questions
FAQ

You don’t need previous off-piste experience, but you should be a confident skier who is comfortable skiing all marked slopes in a ski resort. Your guide will adapt the terrain and pace to your ability, from your first experience in powder to more technical and challenging freeride lines.

No two freeride days are exactly the same. Your guide will consider the snow, weather, avalanche conditions, your skiing level and your goals before choosing the best terrain for the day. Depending on conditions, this might mean lift-accessed powder, short ski tours, longer backcountry routes or a combination of them.

Yes. Avalanche safety equipment — transceiver, shovel and probe — is required for all our freeride days. We also recommend ski touring equipment, as it gives us greater flexibility to access the best terrain and snow conditions. An avalanche airbag backpack is also highly recommended.

Yes. Our days can range from lift-accessed freeride with minimal walking to ski touring and longer backcountry adventures. Touring equipment gives us access to considerably more terrain and allows us to search for the best snow away from the main ski areas.

Absolutely. If you are already a confident piste skier, your first freeride experience can be a great introduction to skiing beyond the marked slopes. Your guide will select appropriate terrain and introduce you progressively to off-piste technique, terrain awareness and mountain safety.

Yes. We create personalised multi-day freeride and ski touring trips in Valais, across the Alps and internationally. Trips can be designed around a specific destination or built around the type of terrain and experience you are looking for.

Our home bases are Val d’Anniviers and Saas-Fee in Valais, Switzerland, where we offer private freeride guiding throughout the winter. We also organise multi-day trips across the Alps and personalised freeride and ski touring adventures in destinations around the world.

Conditions come first. Our guides use their local knowledge, weather and snow information, avalanche conditions and your skiing ability to decide where the best options are each day. Being flexible allows us to make the most of the mountains while keeping safety at the heart of every decision.

Blog
Latest News

Temperature and Snowpack Stability in Val d’Anniviers and Saas-Fee: A Ski Tourer’s Guide

By Stefano Carlin • September 8, 2026

Every ski tourer learns to read slope angle and aspect. Fewer stop to ask why the snow underfoot behaves so differently from one week to the next —…
Want to Ski Touring in Switzerland? Here Are the Best Resorts for You

By Stefano Carlin • March 31, 2025

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Love Off-Piste Skiing? Here Are the Best Zones to Explore in the Valais

By Stefano Carlin • March 27, 2025

Explore the best terrains for alpine skiing and enjoy the perfect blend of powder, slopes, and stunning mountain scenery.