Meeting point
Bust station and parking Magine Arolla
Magine, Route du Vallon, 1986 Evolène
Glacier Tour from Arolla to Zermatt
2 days
Ascent of Tête Blanche (3,710 m a.s.l.)
Challenging two-day tour
Up to 8 hours of hiking per day
Season:
June September
Departure Times
10:00
Arolla bus stop & parking lot
Key info
Experienced mountain hiker
Experience with alpine and glacier hikes
Surefootedness
At least 8 hours of hiking with a backpack
Overview
Recommended for:
Anyone looking for the mountain beyond the postcard.
A glacier trek full of highlights: climbing sections, remote glacier expanses, and a summit experience with views of countless four-thousanders.
This glacier tour combines remote glaciers, spectacular hut access, and a breathtaking summit view of the Matterhorn. Two intense days lead through glaciated valleys, up steep ladders to the Cabane de Bertol, and high to the Tête Blanche, before descending through alpine landscapes to Zermatt.
Itinerary
Meeting points Day1
Day 1: Ascent to Cabane de Bertol
We start from the meeting point in Arolla into the farthest Val d’Arolla. The path steadily climbs until we reach Plan Bertol – a perfect opportunity for a short break. Then it becomes more challenging: over scree and snow, we ascend towards Col de Bertol. On the glacier, we put on crampons and enter the Glacier de Bertol. The last meters to the hut require full concentration: over ladders and steep steps, we reach the spectacularly located Cabane de Bertol at 3,311 m a.s.l.
Distance
7 km
Ascent
+1350 m
Walking time
5 hrs
Day2
Day 2: Ascent to Tête Blanche and Descent to Zermatt
We set off early. First, a short descent to the Glacier de Mont Miné, then through the glaciated high mountains. The ascent to Tête Blanche becomes increasingly steep, and with each step, the anticipation grows. Once at the top, a view opens up that leaves you speechless: the Matterhorn dominates the scenery. After a break, the long descent over the Stockji Glacier follows. At the Schönbiel Hut, we take a rest before continuing on the hiking trail to Zermatt.
Distance
22 km
Ascent
+750 m
Descent
-2400 m
Walking time
8 hrs
Whats 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
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
Backpack 25-30 l
Clothing
Warm, functional clothing
Rain jacket
Rain pants
Mountaineering or hiking pants
Sunhat
Beanie or headband
Extra underwear and socks
Gloves (ideally one thin and one thick pair)
Footwear
Crampon proof mountaineering boots
Technical Equipment
Basics
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 points
Activity location