THE HAUTE ROUTE CHAMONIX-ZERMATT Paperback – January 1, 2000

Based on the route-descriptions, the previous reviewer appears to refer only to the summer walker's section of this book (you certainly won't be taking the avalanche-prone summer route from the La Breya lift in the course of a ski-mountaineering Haute-Route).However, the positive assessment extends to the ski section, as well. This is a wonderful guide to one of the great alpine ski tours, including details critical to route-finding over complex, glaciated terrain in possibly poor visibility.Recognizing that choice of ski-mountaineering routes is extremely conditions & skills dependent, the book includes information on the true classic route--including the brilliant but technical Plateau du Couloir & the tiresome, plodding Otemma glacier--as well as several typical &/or desirable variations like Verbier & Grand Lui.Cliff's guide contains some route photos & stylized maps that are useful for generalized visualization of route segments. I would have preferred that he include a map of the complete route, but it isn't really necessary because you absolutely will need to purchase at least some of the recommended topo maps. Pick the 1:50,000 ski topos; they include major ski route lines & are frequently updated by the efficient Swiss government. The smaller-scale 1:25,000 maps are beautiful, but do not show routes; also, you would have to purchase so many of them that they are not practical.The author includes interesting asides about the history of the route & adjacent areas. The accomplishments of early Haute Route ski-pioneers are truly astounding, given the rudimentary nature of their gear & clothing.The book's information regarding hut contacts is somewhat limited (although newer editions may address this); many of the huts recently acquired web sites & e-mail addresses that greatly simplify reservations for language-challenged Americans. On this point, Cliff--with classic British reserve--perhaps under-emphasizes the utility of rudimentary French &/or German skills in accomplishing the Haute Route; it is difficult to make reservations or take advantage of the hut-keeper's local knowledge with only English in your quiver.He also doesn't address telemark equipment in much depth. For better or worse, to Americans ski touring usually means at least one telemarker in the group, so talk to a knowledgeable guide before showing up on pins. You need to make some adjustments, most notably: finding a pair of harscheisen.The book does not include any coverage beyond the Haute Route, so if you intend to do day tours in Chamonix to warm up or in Zermatt before continuing on to Saas Fee, then look elsewhere:  Mont-Blanc Ski Tours  & Mont Blanc and the Aiguilles Rouges: A Guide for Skiers  are excellent. For off-piste skiing, try the Vamos guides like  Mont-Blanc Off-Piste: Chamonix-Courmayeur-Les Contamines Cicerone guides like  Alpine Ski Mountaineering: Western Alps (Cicerone Winter and Ski Mountaineering)  are more current & quite useful for planning long alpine ski tours.  High Level Route  by Eric Roberts is another good--if dated--guide to the Haute Route if you can find it.

It doesn't have a ton of information the book is only about 50 pages long and it's not just on the Chamonix - zermatt route.

Bought this as a present for my friend not knowing it was something she has always wanted to but not got round to. So when she opened this it has now prompted her to do the walk in April! She says it is very informative and well written. This from a ski instructor and well travelled skier.

Does the job but not wonderfully. All the English speakers on the route had this book and were jealous of the French / German speakers to had better, more up to date guides with much better maps.

Simply THE best Haute Route guide on the market!

Excellent as advertised.