The High Route to the Pigne d'Arolla 4 days
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationSwiss / Valais
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AgeFrom 18 - 70 years
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CO₂-Emissions19.97 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Embark on a 4-day mountaineering adventure in Arolla , in the heart of the Swiss Alps . This trip takes you to discover impressive glaciers and panoramic ridges , offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. Accompanied by experienced guides , this program is designed for beginners who want a safe introduction to the world of mountaineering. After action-packed days, relax in authentic and welcoming mountain huts , where you can enjoy a friendly atmosphere and peaceful nights. This unique course combines technical training, wonder, and immersion in an exceptional natural setting. Book this alpine experience now to create unforgettable memories in the mountains and discover the magic of the Alps in a safe and well-supervised environment. An ideal adventure for nature lovers and those who thrive on challenges!
The highlights
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Discovering the impressive glaciers in the Swiss Valais
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A mountaineering course to learn the basics with a high-mountain guide
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Small groups of 3 to 4 participants
Photos
Sport
Level
Mountaineering
In figures
Mountaineering
- Average duration/day: 6h
- Average distance/day: 13 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 863 m
- Average daily descent: 1125 m
- Maximum altitude: 3782 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
Danilo and his team
Experienced mountain guides Danilo and his team accompany you on all types of terrain: mountaineering, multi-pitch climbs, ski touring, and high-altitude treks. Passionate and meticulous, they prioritize safety, progress, and enjoyment on every outing. With them, every climb becomes a shared and authentic adventure in the heart of the most beautiful mountains in the Alps.
Program
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Meeting and ascent towards the Cabane des Vignettes
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 1050 m
- Negative elevation 1050 m
- Maximum altitude 3157 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet your guide at 7:30 am in Arolla . They will explain the itinerary and check your equipment before departure. The day begins with an alpine hike from Arolla to the Cabane des Vignettes , an iconic route in the Swiss Alps. This trek, reserved for experienced high-altitude hikers, traverses diverse landscapes: moraines , glaciers , and rocky ridges follow one another, offering total immersion in nature. The trail is well-marked but requires a good level of fitness. Throughout the ascent, the panoramic views of the surrounding peaks are breathtaking. Reaching the Cabane des Vignettes , perched at 3,160 meters , is a well-deserved reward after the effort. This mountain refuge, suspended above the glaciers, offers a unique setting to rest and enjoy a hot meal. A perfect end to the day at altitude.
Day 1 -
High mountain immersion from the Cabane des Vignettes
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 1400 m
- Maximum altitude 3782 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The hike begins at the Cabane des Vignettes , immediately immersing you in the world of high mountains. The route alternates between snow-covered areas and more technical sections, requiring a good level of experience in high-altitude hiking. At each stage, the wild beauty of the Valais Alps unfolds, offering total immersion in a pristine environment. As you progress, the landscape evolves, revealing shimmering glaciers and deep valleys. If conditions permit, an ascent of the Pigne d'Arolla (3,787 m) is offered. This summit provides a unique viewpoint over the surrounding mountains, a truly memorable experience. The day concludes with arrival at the next mountain refuge, where authentic mountain cuisine awaits. This convivial moment, high in altitude, allows you to savor a well-deserved rest after the day's exertions.
Day 2 -
Ascent of Col Collomb (3071 m)
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Distance 19 km
- Positive elevation gain 1300 m
- Negative elevation 900 m
- Maximum altitude 3532 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The day begins gently, allowing for a gradual pace before reaching the Otemma Glacier , a vast expanse of ice stretching for several kilometers. Crossing this glacier requires good roped walking skills and particular attention to crevasses sometimes hidden beneath the snowpack. The ascent becomes more intense towards the Collon Pass , with steeper and more technical slopes. Depending on the conditions, the use of crampons and ice axes may be necessary to overcome certain sections. Once at the pass, the panorama opens up, revealing a unique natural spectacle.
From the pass, the descent follows the Italian side , along the Arolla Glacier . This section offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, including the Dent d'Hérens and the Grandes Murailles . Reaching the refuge marks the end of a stage rich in discoveries and exertion, in a breathtaking glacial setting.
Day 3 -
Back to Arolla
- Activity Mountaineering
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 1150 m
- Maximum altitude 3069 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We begin our return to Arolla , thus completing this magnificent route. The ascent of the Col Collon , already crossed on the way up, is often on snow or ice, requiring the use of crampons and a rope . Navigating between crevasses and seracs demands careful attention until reaching this pass steeped in history, once used by caravans linking the Italian and Swiss valleys.
The descent begins on the vast and gently sloping Otemma Glacier , allowing for smooth progress. However, caution remains essential due to the presence of crevasses and the isolation of this glacial environment. Gradually losing altitude, we leave the icy landscape behind and reach rocky moraines , then the marked alpine trails that lead us back to Arolla.
Day 4
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
- Via Geneva or Martigny - you can easily reach Martigny by train from Geneva airport - then you reach Arolla by bus (bus connections from Martigny to the Swiss Valais exist, but if you want to be free to move around, it is advisable to rent a car);
- Via Milan/Turin airport
You can easily reach Martigny by train from Geneva airport - then you can reach Arolla by bus (bus connections from Martigny to the Swiss Valais exist, but if you want to be free to move around, it is advisable to rent a car);
Price details
The price includes
- The supervision of the UIAGM High Mountain Guide of our team
- Accommodation in mountain huts or shared dormitories
- Full board ( except lunch on day 1 )
- The equipment for group activities (ropes, lanyards, carabiners)
The price does not include
- Lunch on Day 1
- Drinks
- Personal expenses
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- The equipment for group activities (ropes, carabiners, etc...)
Equipment to bring
- Waterproof and crampon-compatible mountaineering boots
- A harness, crampons and ice axe ( rental available )
- Mountaineering helmet
- 30/40L backpack
- Telescopic walking sticks
Clothing to bring
- Thermal and breathable T-shirt
- Thermal and breathable tights
- Warm socks
- Warm and breathable technical fleece
- Windproof and waterproof mountaineering trousers
- Gore-Tex jacket
- Meat bag
- Warm winter hat
- Neck warmer
- Warm ski gloves
- Headlamp
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle and thermos
- Sunglasses