Arolla Alpine Adventure - Climb in the Swiss Alps

Day 1: Arrive in Arolla

Rendezvous at the group hotel in Arolla in the evening. KE Land Only package services begin with Dinner. (D)

Day 2: Trek to the Cabane des Dix

After breakfast at the hotel, we will meet our guides and have an introduction to the week ahead, including an equipment check. Mid morning, we will set out for the Cabane des Dix. The walk to the mountain refuge starts directly from the hotel, through woodland of Arolla pines. The landscape soon opens out into grand Alpine scenery, however, with the north face of the Pigne d’Arolla prominent – we will be climbing this peak via an easier hidden slope later in the week. At the head of the valley we reach the Pas de Chevre (2855m). From this pass we get our first view of Mont Blanc de Cheilon (3270m) and of our destination hut – the Cabane des Dix (2928m). Once we have taken in the view we descend a short set of ladders and tread onto our first glacier, the Glacier de Cheilon. We cross this (usually stone covered) and make a short ascent up to the Cabane des Dix. This hut stand among real mountain scenery, stark glacial moraines on all sides and hanging seracs decoratate the steep mountainsides. This is a busy, but well run hut, with a friendly atmosphere and great food. We will spend 2 nights at this comfortable cabane. (B, D)

Day 3: Climb La Luette

An early start for our first objective, La Luette (3548m). This day has been designed to allow us time for some skills training on ice-axe, crampons and rope-work, as we ascend this gentle glacier. The day will involve glacial walking up to a col and then a rocky ridge scramble to an excellent view point. From here we should be able to see the next days objective clearly - the Pigne d’Arolla (3796m). We return to the Cabane des Dix for a second night. (B, D)

Day 4: Climb the Pigne d Arolla

Making the traverse of the Pigne d’Arolla is truly a classic ‘easy’ mountaineering day. it’s central position means that this peak commands magnificent views across the Alp, from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn and beyond! Once again it’s an early start, this time with all our gear. We make a short descent to the Cheilon Glacier, don our crampons and rope up, before crossing the glacier to gain the steeper slopes leading us towards the 'Serpentine'. This is an important passage through the mountains, used on the famous Chamonix to Zermatt Haute Route. Beyond this steepening, we reach more gently-angled slopes leading us via the Col du Brenay (3639m) to the summit, at 3796 metres. Once again, we have a superb 360 degree view, one of the best in the Alps and our guide will be able to point out all the 4000 metre peaks in view! From the summit, we descend crevassed glacial terrain to the spectacularly situated Cabanes des Vignettes (3160m). This hut has been recently refurbished and has sadly lost some of it’s more famous characteristics !! Now, it's modern and functional – with the toilets in a less exposed position and therefore less talked about. Again, this is a busy refuge with a warm welcome and good food – the ‘Rosti and Eggs’ at lunchtime is one of the best in the Alps. (B, D)

Day 5: Via the Col de l Eveque to the refuge at the Col Collon

We depart the Vignettes via a short ridge and descend to the Col de Chermotane (3053m). This is wide-open glacial travel, crossing below Petit Mont Collon, we now start our ascent of the Glacier du Mont Collon, where easy slopes lead us through crevassed areas to the Col de l’Eveque – Welcome to Italy!! From here we descend to the Col Collon (3087m). Snow and weather conditions permitting, it may be possible from here to ascend La Vierge (3232m), an easy rocky scramble, before descending to the Italian Rifugio Col Collon. This is a much quieter place to be – a little bit off the beaten track – with a sparkle of Italian hospitality and prices. Euros are useful here, although they will accept Swiss Francs. (B, D)

Day 6: Cross the Haut Glacier d Arolla to the Cabane Bertol

We re-ascend to Col Collon (back into Switzerland) and descend to the Haut Glacier d’Arolla. The large bulk of Mont Collon (3638m) looms on our left and to our right is the 3 kilometre-long ridge of Les Bouquetins (3838m). We pass beneath the ‘yurt-like' Refuge des Bouquetins and continue our descent, beyond the glacial snout (rapidly disappearing!) and then cross via a shoulder to the Plans de Bertol (2664m). After a good rest here, we tackle the steep ascent to the Cabane de Bertol, which is a bit of a sting in tail! But, it's well worth the effort, as this hut is situated astride the ridge in a spectacular position. With shear drops all around its position and views are fantastic. Access is via an inclined ladder and metal staircase. Great views of the Matterhorn (4478m) and especially of the Dent Blanche (4357m). A great hut for sunrise and sunset. (B, D)

Day 7: Climb the Tete Blanche

We can take light sacks again today, as we make an early start – well in time for sunrise. We descend back to the Col de Bertol and cross the large glacial plateau of the Glacier du Mont Mine. This takes us gradually to the Col des Bouguetins (3357m) and on to the summit of the Tete Blanche (3724m). This is another super viewpoint, with the Dents d’Herens (4171m) and, of course, the massive bulk of Monte Cervino / Mont Cervin - but better known to all as the Matterhorn. After taking in all the views and taking all the photos, we return to the refuge and after lunch descend back to the village of Arolla and to the comfort of our hotel.

Day 8: Depart

The KE Land Only package services end after breakfast. (B)