Haute Route Questions

I'm planning on having a go at the HR this March. I've got the Peter Cliff guide and he gives a list of the maps required, the list covers maps at 1:25,000 and 1:50,000. I was just wondering what scale people in the club favour and for what reasons. I have toured before but have not been a leader so not really got involved much in the navigating. In the UK hills I usually use the 1:50,000 without a problem but the Alps are obviously a different proposition.   

Thanks for the feedback Karin. I was thinking the same thing, I'll go for the 1:25's 

Hi Paul, 

the whole route (except the very last bit to Zermatt but that pretty easy!) fits on 2x1:50000 sheets, Martigny and Arolla. It's handy having them for good weather nav and planning. Get the blue winter sheets and they mark regular ski routes in red lines. 

As Karin said you'll be wanting the 1:25 for poor weather though. You can get the whole Swiss map set online and print your own sheets here:

http://www.swisstopo.admin.ch/internet/swisstopo/en/home/products/maps/smonline.html

It works really well and is cheaper than buying all the full maps. Less to carry too.

 

Thanks Graham. Swiss topo looks a good way to go.