
HIGH ALPS QUEST HUB
Welcome to the
SEPTEMBER 6-18, 2025
This is your home base for our High Alps Quest. Please continually check back to this hub for updated information. We’ll be sure to notify you when new info is posted. If you have questions, please scroll to the bottom for FAQs or send an email to hello@tiffanygrimmfulton.com.
Any questions on policies or terms, please review the Terms and Conditions. Please visit the Traveler’s Health CDC websites for France and Switzerland to ensure your safety and health while traveling abroad.
Everything you
need to know
ACTION ITEMS
MEDICAL RELEASE FORM SUBMISSION
Please complete and upload your Medical Release Form to the WeTravel portal between July 1 and August 1, 2025.
Timely submission is essential for your participation. Forms not received by August 1 may result in cancellation of your reservation.
GROUP CALLS
All invitations are sent via email. Please reach out if you do not receive the invite.
GROUP CALL #1 - January 28, 2025 | 2:00 - 3:00pm MT
[Brief intros, timeline overview and pre-trip prep, Training Principles with Eric, communications]
GROUP CALL #2 - April 10, 2025 | 6:00 - 7:00pm MT
[Centering practice; quick intros again, overview of our guides, logistics and updates, training and packing, Q&A]. Recording will be posted here for those who must miss (but try not to miss!)
GROUP CALL #3 - June TBD
MANAGE YOUR BOOKIng
Click below to manage your booking, payment information, and uploaded documents.

Join the High Alps Playlist on Spotify
⋆
Join the High Alps Playlist on Spotify ⋆













































































LOGISTICS
ARRIVAL | September 6, 2025
Book flight to arrive into Geneva by 10:00AM
Shuttle leaves for Chamonix 12:30PM
ARRIVAL | September 5, 2025
Book flight to arrive into Geneva by 12:00PM
Shuttle leaves for Chamonix 3:00PM
DEPARTURE | September 18, 2025
Book flight to leave from Geneva NO EARLIER than 2:00PM
Train leaves from Zermatt to Geneva airport at 5:37AM
Zurich is an alternative arrival and departure option; however, it is farther away, and you will be responsible for arranging your own transfers.
Give yourself lots of extra time in case of travel delays.
GEAR
Make a copy of this team gear list and start considering your ideal pack, shoes, and poles to incorporate into your training. We'll occasionally update this sheet with recommended brands, so be sure to check back regularly.
GLOBAL RESCUE INSURANCE
You will need both travel insurance and mountain rescue insurance for this trek. We highly recommend Global Rescue as they offer comprehensive travel and rescue services. Alternatively, you can opt for their 14-day membership for rescue services only if you prefer to purchase travel insurance separately.
-
Visit this link and read the information carefully. Click the 'JOIN' button to begin the short-term Global Rescue membership. During the process, you will have the option to add on the IMG Signature Travel Insurance, where you can choose between 'Cancel for Any Reason' or standard coverage. If you have any questions or need help with the application, feel free to contact them.
-
The IMG Signature Plus "Cancel For Any Reason" option is only available if booked 20 days from your deposit. Which means that, you can Cancel for any Reason and still receive 75% of your trip costs back. Global Rescue has a new Choice option, which is less expensive for trips like ours (max coverage $10K instead of $100K)
Please View the website or reach out to Global Rescue to understand the benefits.
-
Total Care Memberships are the Concierge upgrade to the Global Rescue annual travel memberships. On top of the membership benefits, you receive telehealth urgent consults with USA based doctors, specialty consults for second opinions on imagery and diagnosis, as well as the ability to receive prescribed medication anywhere in the United States.
-
You are required to have global rescue coverage above 10,000 feet in Switzerland and France. If you choose another provider, make sure to contact them and review their policies to understand the protocol in case of injury or evacuation.
-
You may opt out of their comprehensive coverage, however, travel insurance is required for the quest, so be sure to research and select a plan that best suits your needs.
-
A Global Rescue membership Global Rescue as a service is not travel insurance. Global Rescue is a field rescue, medical evacuation, repatriation and medical advisory membership.
Travel Insurance on the other hand includes things like trip cancellation, lost luggage and emergency medical bill coverage. Global Rescue (the organization) offers IMG Signature Travel Insurance as an add-on to your Global Rescue membership.
-
No, we are not going above 10,000 feet and that option is only for 15,000 feet and above.
DOCUMENTS
Once you have your flight itinerary, please upload it to the portal along with a copy of your passport as soon as possible.
Complete and upload your Medical Release form to the portal no later than August 1, 2025.
YOUR COACH
Meet
-
Growing up in the Northeast shaped Eric into the fast-paced, passionate coach he is today. Whether preparing you to take on a 95-mile trek or making the most of limited time to focus on your health, his dynamic approach delivers results. With over 16 years of experience, Eric has trained individuals from all walks of life, including professional athletes in team and endurance sports for the last decade. His expertise spans strength, power, speed development, yoga, Pilates, rehabilitation, nutrition, mindset, breathwork, and nearly every aspect of human performance.
Eric lives and breathes high performance, thriving in the mountains through running, mountain biking, and hiking with his wife and daughter. He’s ready to help you conquer any mountains—big or small—on your path to optimal health and wellness.
Preparing for the High Alps Quest requires dedication and training. You'll need to hike multiple 8-10 mile days at 8,000 feet, demanding strength, endurance, and a determined mindset.
We've teamed up with Coach Eric, a top performance coach for professional athletes and everyday warriors, to create our High Alps Training Principles—designed to help you train effectively, no matter your location or equipment.
Download the High Alps Training Guidebook, designed specifically for this trek by Eric and Tiffany. If you would like a personalized plan based on your specific goals, Eric is offering discounted consultations, custom training programs, and remote follow-up sessions for our group:
Initial consult: $150 (60 min.)
Training program: $150 per hour of programming
Follow-up sessions included every two weeks (15 min.)
Take advantage of working with Eric. He’s one of the best in the world!
HIGH ALPS TRAINING GUIDEBOOK
Your customized guide for preparing for the High Alps Quest!
FAQs
GENERAL
-
The Haute Route trek is a world-renowned adventure that takes you from Chamonix in France to Zermatt in Switzerland, winding through the stunning landscapes of the high Alps—95 miles of rugged terrain, including steep mountain passes, glaciated valleys, and remote alpine villages.
This trek is physically demanding, requiring stamina and a sense of adventure as you navigate rocky trails, cross glaciers, and ascend to altitudes above 9,800 feet. Along the way, you'll experience breathtaking views of iconic peaks like Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn, immerse yourself in the rich alpine culture, and stay in traditional mountain huts.
-
What distinguishes Tiffany’s quests among others is the unique blend of deep intention, reverence for the earth, and hard core adventure—creating an experience that is both challenging and transformative. With over 2 decades of leading journeys, exploring nearly 30 countries, and completing 600-mile expedition races, she has ventured into some of the world’s most awe-inspiring mountains and landscapes. When you join Tiffany, you step into a sacred space—one where devotion to the land, the culture, and each other shapes every moment. This is more than just a trek; it’s an extraordinary, carefully crafted experience designed to awaken your spirit, ignite your purpose, and leave you forever changed.
-
Physical Preparation: Training is required for this strenuous trek. All hiking days are long, with up to 5,000 ft of elevation gain and loss. You will be hiking ten full days in a row, carrying your backpack with all of the indicated day trek items, 2 to 3 liters of water and your picnic for one day (you will not be carrying not bedding, pillow, tent, or other 2 meals). Accommodation will be in twin rooms when possible, but there will be 3 nights in mountain huts, where you will be sleeping in a dorm with the entire group and sometimes other groups, so you might not get as much rest as in the hotels. Therefore, you should train to hike multiple days in a row with a backpack and elevation gain and loss. The terrain is mainly on trails, with rocks, scree and some boulder fields.
Mental/Emotional Preparation: The Haute trek is a demanding adventure, and it’s crucial to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally. You will face discomfort, push beyond your usual limits, and encounter moments where quitting seems easier. To get ready for this, challenge yourself during training. Take on hikes that feel beyond your capability, carry extra weight, hike in tough weather conditions—test your boundaries so you’ll be ready when the trek tests you. You’ll be more prepared than you thought possible. Upon registration, you will be provided general training principles and also invited to work with our esteemed performance coach partners to receive a personalized training plan at an additional charge.
Through our group calls, you’ll receive mental preparation prompts, journaling exercises, and meditative practices to help you connect with the deeper meaning of this journey. Often, the mental challenge proves more difficult than the physical. By embracing this preparation, you’ll build the resilience and mindset needed to meet the trek’s demands.
Spiritual Preparation: This is not just a hike; it’s a sacred quest. What does that mean? It means we’ll use this journey to connect deeply with the land, the culture, and ourselves. As we trek, we will honor the mountains, offer blessings when crossing rivers, and pause at breathtaking vistas to fully embrace the magic of the moment. This trek is designed to create sacred space for you, inviting you to step into the liminal spaces of your own heart and discover the greater purpose and meaning not only for this journey, but for your life.
-
We partner with organizations that align with our values, demonstrate deep reverence for the environment, respect others, and share our commitment to loyalty, integrity, and excellence. Together, we deliver premier, impeccable service to our clients.
-
Here’s a list of recommended reading to help you prepare for your first Haute Route trek, focusing on both practical tips and spiritual elements to enhance your experience. It is not necessary to read all of them. See which one draws your attention and let yourself dive in!
“Trekking the Swiss Haute Route: From Chamonix to Zermatt” by Kev Reynolds
This guidebook provides detailed route descriptions, maps, and practical tips for each stage of the Haute Route. It’s a must-have for understanding the logistics and planning your quest.
“The Art of Mindful Walking” by Adam Ford
This book explores how walking can be a meditative and spiritual practice. It’s perfect for helping you bring mindfulness into each step of your quest.
“Mountains of the Mind: A History of a Fascination” by Robert Macfarlane
A beautiful exploration of humanity's relationship with mountains, this book provides a deep reflection on why we’re drawn to the high places and the personal transformations that occur in these environments.
“Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail” by Cheryl Strayed
While not about the Haute Route, Cheryl Strayed’s memoir offers insight into the emotional and spiritual journey of long-distance trekking, helping to prepare your mindset for the challenges ahead.
“The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative” by Florence Williams
This book explores the science behind the healing and transformative power of nature, giving context to the benefits of spending time in the wilderness, like you’ll experience on the Haute Route.
“Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life” by Thich Nhat Hanh
A guide to mindfulness, this book will help you stay grounded and present throughout the quest, providing practices that you can incorporate into your daily journey.
PLANNING & LOGISTICS: GETTING THERE
-
It is recommended to fly into and out of Geneva Airport (GVA). However, Zurich is also an alternate option if necessary, however, you will need to book your own transport to Chamonix and from Zermatt.
-
Please plan to arrive at Geneva Airport no later than 10:00 AM on September 6, 2025, to ensure you're on time for the 12:30 PM shuttle to Chamonix. Keep in mind that customs and international arrivals may cause delays, so we highly recommend taking a red-eye flight or arriving a day early to avoid any issues and to give yourself time to acclimate.
If you choose to arrive a day early, a second shuttle will depart from Geneva Airport at 3:00 PM on September 5, 2025. Please ensure your flight arrives no later than 12:00 PM on this day.
If your flight does not align with either of the shuttle options, you will be responsible for arranging your own transfer to Chamonix.
-
Please schedule your departure flight from Geneva no earlier than 2:00 PM on September 18, 2025, to allow time for the earliest train from Zermatt to Geneva. As customs and international travel can sometimes cause delays, it's best to give yourself plenty of time.
-
If you’d like to arrive a day early on September 5, 2025, to acclimatize before the hike begins, we can assist with booking an extra night in Chamonix at an additional cost. A shuttle will depart from Geneva Airport to Chamonix at 3:00 PM on September 5, 2025.
If your flight doesn’t align with the shuttle time and you wish to arrive in Chamonix earlier, you will be responsible for arranging your own transfer.
-
Please plan to arrive at Geneva Airport no later than 10:00 AM on September 6, 2025, to ensure you're on time for the 12:00 PM shuttle to Chamonix. We will notify you of the meeting location once all participants are confirmed.
If you choose to arrive a day early, a second shuttle will depart from Geneva Airport at 3:00 PM on September 5, 2025. Please ensure your flight arrives no later than 12:00 PM on this day.
If your flight does not align with either of the shuttle options, you will be responsible for arranging your own transfer to Chamonix.
Flying into Zurich is an alternate option if necessary, however, you will need to book your own transport to Chamonix and from Zermatt.
-
We will help organize train transfers from the hotel in Zermatt in the morning on the final day. Check above for recommended flight times. If you decide to extend your trip, you will be responsible for arranging transportation to your departure airport.
-
You do not need a visa to enter France or Switzerland, just a passport.
-
Yes, you need travel insurance that includes Global Rescue for France and Switzerland. Please also make sure that your insurance covers mountain evacuation up to 10000 ft. Please refer to the terms and conditions to make sure you have all of the necessary coverage.
To learn about our #1 recommended travel insurance and global rescue partner, click here.
-
Please check the France CDC website and the Switzerland CDC website for both France and Switzerland to determine which vaccines are necessary. Ensure you receive your vaccines as soon as possible if applicable.
-
It is almost certain there will be other solo travelers. Typically we see a few small pairs of friends or couples and about 50% are solo travelers. The best part about these kinds of quests is that you walk away with 12 friends who develop an extremely strong bond over the course of the quest.
Booking & Payment
-
10 days of hiking
12 nights shared accommodation (sleeping bags and pillows provided in huts)
Dinners (Days 1-10)
Breakfasts (Days 2-12)
Daily Mindfulness
Permits & taxes
Transfers within the trek
Transfer of one piece of luggage from the hotel in Chamonix to the hotel in Zermatt
Transfer to and from the airport
3 Pre-trip group calls
Expert tour leaders
An accredited UIMLA International Mountain Leader
Pre/post trip support via email, phone, WhatsApp
Discounted pre/post trip 1-1 mentoring and support
-
Travel insurance and Global Rescue coverage for Switzerland and France
Vaccines, if necessary
Travel expenses including flights to Geneva and transfers to/from your home
Snacks and extra beverages
Lunches: Preferences typically vary between participants so they are not included in the price. You will have the possibility to buy packed lunches at the accommodations or buy groceries along the way (most common)
Tips for the guide is customary and required. Plan for $10-$20 per person per day for our accredited UIMLA International Mountain Leader
Lunch and dinner on the final two days as we have more of a relaxed schedule
Any gifts, extra transportation, personal purchases
-
Your deposit is nonrefundable.
-
Please read the Terms and Conditions thoroughly.
-
If you find in the future that you are unable to attend the quest, you may transfer your spot to a different name up to 15 days in advance of departure for the quest. Transfers are not permitted within 15 days of departure for the quest.
-
Yes, there are payment plan options. Once you click the booking button, you will be able to view the available payment plans.
-
We currently do not have scholarship funds available but if we are able to secure funds, we will publicize it on the websites and to current registrants. You also have the opportunity to crowdfund through the payment platform. Upon registration, you will be given a URL to send to friends, family, and community for support.
-
Day Miles Ascent (ft) Descent (ft)
1*
2** 11 3300 3600
3 8 4600 3600
4 8.4 2450 2800
5 7.5 4000 2450
6 11 2600 4900
7 9 4900 2300
8 7 2300 2800
9 11 4600 4100
10 10 4900 3350
11 11 2800 4000
*Day 1 briefing & dinner in Chamonix Sept 6
**trekking starts from Montroc (~4500 ft elevation)
-
In September, the days can be warm and sunny, and the nights are usually cool and clear. It can also rain and possibly snow. It is possible to experience snowfall above 6,000 ft at any time.
The timing of our trek through the Alps is ideal, but mountain weather can be unpredictable. In early September, daytime temperatures may range from the mid-50s°F to low 70s°F, with cool breezes and a chance of rain. Nights can be much colder, especially at higher altitudes, and we may even encounter snow on the trails.
We hope that the weather will cooperate, but as often is the case in the mountains, it can change quickly and without much notice. Though we will be checking forecasts daily, you should be prepared for some hiking in wet or adverse conditions or for a change in itinerary.
-
A typical day on the mountain would be as follows:
06:00 Breakfast
07:00 Start of the hike, with regular breaks for snacks, explanations, and photos
12:00 Picnic at a beautiful spot with great views
15:00 - 16:00 Arrival at the next hut or hotel, time for a shower, a rest, a drink or a blueberry tart
18:30 Dinner
20:00 - 21:00 Time to go to sleep!
-
Throughout the trek, we’ll stay in cozy, well-located inns, huts, and small hotels that are popular among hikers during the season. These accommodations are clean and comfortable, though not luxurious, with room sizes and amenities that can vary. Our leaders will do their best to rotate room assignments fairly to ensure everyone enjoys a balanced experience. In some locations, bathrooms will be shared, and on a few nights, we’ll stay in mountain huts with dormitory-style sleeping arrangements.
-
All accommodations have electricity. In some of the huts, the number of sockets are limited and are only located in common spaces, so you will need to anticipate and charge your items before or during dinner. Apart from two huts that do not have Wifi or signal, there will be Wi-fi every night.
-
All accommodations have toilets. There is only one mountain hut with no showers, otherwise you will be able to have a warm shower at the end of each day.
-
Lunches will typically be enjoyed at at scenic picnic spots or along the trail, surrounded by breathtaking alpine views. Evening meals will be provided at our accommodations and feature hearty, nourishing Swiss mountain cuisine, often showcasing the flavors unique to the region. In the huts and more basic hotels, meals are simple but satisfying, prepared with local ingredients and designed to fuel us for the next day's hike. Keep in mind that in Switzerland, dinner is served later than in the U.S.; while we aim to secure earlier reservations for our group, meals are often scheduled around 6:30/7:30 p.m.
-
Food allergies and restrictions can be accommodated if you inform us during registration. The tour company must notify the accommodations in advance.
-
There will be fresh water available at each hut location and sometimes along the trail. No need for filtration devices or tablets. You should carry water bottles or bladder systems for 2 to 3 liters.
-
On the Swiss Alpine Club alpine hiking scale, this trek is considered T3 (Difficult Mountain Hiking). Here is the description of a T3 hike:
Terrain: path not always obvious, some exposed areas where there is a risk of falling, sections over scree or talus.
Requirements: good balance and surefootedness
On this trek particularly, there are some exposed areas with sheer drop offs, but our guide will ensure your safety on difficult sections.
-
If you get hurt during the trip and cannot complete it, the guide will help you arrange transfers and book accommodations. You might be able to follow the group by public transportation and/or taxi to some of the places (apart from the 3 nights in mountain huts), and join the hike again later if you feel better. Should you need medical rescue, all precautions will be taken to ensure you are evacuated safely and get to the nearest hospital.
-
The certified guide has a basic first aid certification, renewed regularly. In addition, the guide has a cell phone and a radio to contact rescue teams if necessary. Mountain rescue services in France and Switzerland are very responsive and efficient. A rescue helicopter can reach any location in Switzerland within 15 minutes.
Planning & Logistics: On the Trail
Preparation, Packing & Training
-
You can find a gear list here. We will also discuss gear and options for obtaining gear on our pre-trip call.
We suggest packing everything in a carry-on to avoid potential delays with checked luggage.
-
You will need to carry a 30-40L backpack packed with your trail clothes, a change of clothes for the evening, all snacks, all hiking gear and accessories, 2-3L of water, and your lunch.
-
You will need to pack a 30-40L backpack with your quest essentials. You may also bring a suitcase and small bag/purse with extra belongings for before and after the quest. Your luggage will be transferred from the hotel in Chamonix to the hotel in Zermatt.
-
Your luggage will be transferred from the hotel in Chamonix to the hotel in Zermatt.
-
Yes, it is essential to prepare physically for the quest. Practice hikes (or elevation simulation training), resistance training, and cardiovascular training will be needed. Upon registration, you will receive an invitation to access to our premier performance trainers and partners who will be providing recommendations and also be available for individual consults and personalized training plans at an additional cost.
-
You should train to hike above 8’000 feet before traveling to Chamonix. We will usually not spend more than a couple of hours above 8’000 feet and only spend one night at 9’000 feet. By the time we spend a night at 9’000 feet, you will have been hiking above 8’000 feet multiple days in a row, so you should have acclimatized.
-
You cannot rent poles in Chamonix. However, there are many outdoor stores and you can buy poles before the start of the hike. Best to train with poles if you plan on purchasing them in Chamonix. You may also opt to carry folding poles in your carry-on, but there is risk of confiscation at security.
-
Day 3, 5, 6, and 7 are the most difficult days due to the elevation gain, distance, and terrain.
-
Please email hello@tiffanygrimmfulton.com with your name and phone number and we will email or call you back within 24-48 business hours.