Haute Route advice

I am starting to plan the Haute Route (Chamonix -> Zermatt) unguided, probably in April 2014. Anyone have advice for this adventure? Recommended variations? Advice on when/how to book huts? Recommended guide books or other planning resources? Thanks!

Have you skied in Europe before? Are you confident in your ability to route find in a white out and navigate complex glaciated terrain?

Not recently. Yes.

Why unguided.?..because of cost or you just want the challenge? Only reason I ask is that it's so much easier with a guide logistically and dealing with the huts. Huts get reeeeally busy. For April 2014 I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of the huts are already booked in advance . Guides book and reserve spaces well in advance and it's an incredibly popular route.

There's a lot of terrain.....

I did it about 7 years ago guided and we got hit by bad weather and had to divert to the Verbier  Variation which actually turned out to be great.

Cost me $1950, and that was hotel in Cham upon arrival, a day skiing a Grand Monets the day before, all hut fees, meals and bus and lift ticket up to the top of the Grand Monets on departure day... plus guide(s).Bargain when you think about it.

I'm planning on doing it again with my good buddy PNWBrit( Banned) and son Stewart when he graduates college. Although fairly experienced skiers and mountaineers, we will still hire a guide. But YMMV ,so good for you if you go unguided.

I bought a guide book ( since lost) written by a British guy but it wasn't very good.
I have a full set of topographic  maps covering the route that I bought in France..... You are welcome to borrow them..just send me a PM with an address and I'll mail them to you if interested.

Partly for the challenge, partly because of cost. I've done a couple guided climbs and in the end I've found more satisfaction when not guided. Thanks for help! I have Peter Cliff's book, which I'm guessing is the one you mean. It's better than nothing but not great by current standards. Sort of like Beckey. 

Partly for the challenge, partly because of cost. I've done a couple guided climbs and in the end I've found more satisfaction when not guided. Thanks for help! I have Peter Cliff's book, which I'm guessing is the one you mean. It's better than nothing but not great by current standards. Sort of like Beckey. 

Yep, Peter Cliff's book.... I actually had it when we were on the tour and I really found it terrible.

Let me know about the maps..(.they are great maps, full topographic with all the main routes marked and perfect for self navigation)... as I'm moving house at present and I'll have to get them out of storage....no big deal ...but now's the time to take me up on the offer...or not.