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Dent Blanche

Pro
3 days
Challenging ridge climb
Climbing on solid granite
Impressive panorama

Season:

June September

Departure Times

10:00
Ferpècle

Ferpècle

Key info

Extensive mountaineering experience required
Hiking times of up to 9 hours with a backpack
Sure footedness and efficiency in moderate terrain
Climbing up to Grade 4 in rock and snow

Overview

Recommended for: Anyone who trades comfort for the view.

Rock under your fingers and snow under your crampons – the south ridge challenges you with every meter.

The Dent Blanche is one of the most striking 4000ers in the Alps. The south ridge offers climbing on solid rock, exposed sections, and a true summit experience. Those aiming high and with sufficient mountaineering experience will find a rewarding challenge here.

Itinerary

Meeting points
Day1
Day 1: Hike to Cabane de la Dent Blanche 3,507 m a.s.l.
The approach to Cabane de la Dent Blanche is one of the longest in the Alps. After meeting in Ferpècle, we start at a leisurely pace. The path leads through alpine terrain, past Bricola, until we reach a long traverse. Here, the view opens up to the glacier floodplain of Glacier des Manzettes. The path becomes more challenging: over scree, snow, and boulders, we steadily climb higher. At Roc Noir, we step onto the glacier and cross it briefly before reaching the Cabane de la Dent Blanche. There, we enjoy the evening sun and gather strength for the upcoming summit day.
Distance
8 km
Ascent
+1800 m
Walking time
6 hrs
Day2
Day 2: Climb Dent Blanche
We set off in the dark. Climbing over the first rock steps, we reach the snowfield that leads us to Wandfluelücke. Then the actual ridge begins. The climbing demands precise climbing and concentration – solid rock, exposed sections, and impressive views. We pass the Grand Gendarme and continue climbing over smaller towers. The last meters lead over a snow and rock ridge, then it's done: 4,357m. The view stretches over the Valais 4000ers to Mont Blanc. After a short rest, we climb back down to the hut via the same route, bypassing the Grand Gendarme on the west side.
Distance
4.5 km
Ascent
+950 m
Descent
-950 m
Walking time
8-10 hrs
Day3
Day 3: Descent to Ferpècle
After an early breakfast, we leave the hut and descend the long but impressive hut approach. The traverse over the glacier occurs with the first rays of the sun, then it's down scree slopes and rock to Glacier des Manzettes. The descent challenges the legs, but with each step, we delve deeper into the valley. Back in Ferpècle, there's time for a final break – a glance back at Dent Blanche shows what lies behind us: three intense days in the high alpine world of the Valais Alps.
Distance
8 km
Descent
-1800 m
Walking time
4 hrs

What's included

Guiding from a licenced mountain guide/ aspirant guide
Expenses of the mountain guide
Overnight stay(s) with half-board for the mountain guide
Hut reservation
Summit Certificate

Not included

Costs for cable cars and travel expenses of the guest
Overnight stay(s) in bunk room with half-board for the guest
Snacks
Technical equipment
Costs for a taxi if needed (guests pay for the guide's share)

Pack list

Backpack 25-30 l

Warm, functional clothing
Wind jacket or GTX jacket
Shell pants
Mountaineering or hiking pants
Sunhat
Gloves (ideally one thin and one thick pair)
Beanie or headband
Extra underwear and socks

Crampon proof mountaineering boots

Crampons with anti-snow plates
Harness
Ice axe
Helmet

Sunglasses (category 3 or 4)
Sunscreen lotion and lip balm (minimum factor 30, 50 better)
Thermos flask, drink bottle
Headlamp
Silk sleeping bag liner
Toiletries
SAC/DAV permit (if you have one)
GA or Half Fare Travelcard (if you have)
Earplugs (optional)
Camera and binoculars (optional)
Snacks

Weather info

General weather info

Weather can influence any tour, and a clear decision is often only possible on the day itself. We review conditions carefully and remain within our safety limits, and bad weather alone does not mean we have to stop.

Make sure we can reach you with current contact information in case your booking changes. Silence from us means your tour is still planned or the final call is not yet made. If we need to cancel, you can rebook, choose another activity, or get a full refund.

For detailed advice on how to prepare for (and enjoy!) bad weather days in Interlaken, check out our weather blog 

Meeting points

Meeting point
Activity location

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