Simon Akam

Photography: Mountains: The Haute Route

First completed in 1911, the Chamonix - Zermatt Haute Route is the most famous ski tour in the world. It winds through the dramatic peaks of the Valais Alps from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn.

A group of ski-mountaineers silhouetted on the Haut Glacier D'Arolla, Val d'Hérens, Swizterland. (Simon Akam)
   
Ski-mountaineers climb out of the Argentiere basin at dawn in deteriorating weather on the way to the 3323m Col du Chardonnet, which marks the border between France and Switzerland. (Simon Akam)
   
Austrian Alpine Guide Hubert Granitzer skis towards Mt. Velan, a 3731m peak above Bourg St. Pierre, Switzerland. (Simon Akam)
     
  
Ski-mountaineers cross the Col de la Serpentine on the way to the 3796m summit of the Pigne D'Arolla. (Simon Akam)
   
A pair of ski-mountaineers ascend through snow covered moraine above Arolla, Val d'Hérens, Switzerland. (Simon Akam)
   
Austrian Alpine Guide Hubert Granitzer breaks trail for his client Petra Todinger beneath the Cabin de Velan, at 2642m above Bourg St. Pierre, Switzerland. (Simon Akam)