Meeting point
Bust station and parking Magine Arolla
Magine, Route du Vallon, 1986 Evolène
Pigne d'Arolla
2 days
Spectacular glacier route
360° summit panorama
Challenging descent
Season:
June September
Departure Times
10:00
Arolla
Key info
Previous high-altitude hiking experience
Overview
Recommended for:
Anyone who trades comfort for the view.
Reach new heights: Two days in alpine terrain with glacier crossings and a summit experience.
This tour combines an impressive glacier route with a challenging ascent to the Pigne d’Arolla. Two days full of high alpine experiences, expansive views, and technically moderate sections. The summit rewards with a panorama from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn.
Itinerary
Meeting points Day1
Day 1: Ascent to Cabane des Vignettes
The journey begins in Arolla, first through the forest, then across wide meadows. With each step, new views of the surrounding peaks unfold. The lateral moraine of the Glacier de Tsijiore Nouve leads us into more alpine terrain, where a small plateau invites the first rest. Then comes the transition to the glacier: crampons on and onward through the high alpine landscape. The final section over boulders leads directly to the hut, spectacularly perched on a rocky outcrop.
Distance
5 km
Ascent
+1200 m
Walking time
4 hrs
Day2
Day 2: Summit Tour to Pigne d’Arolla
The day starts at dawn. The initial climb is steep, then the glacier fields widen. The trail leads over firn and boulders, followed by the final ascent to the summit. The view from the top? Unparalleled – Mont Blanc, Matterhorn, the Valais Alps. After a rest, the long descent begins: first over the Glacier de Tsenâ Réfien, then through the wide glacier basin of Cheillon. A short climb to the Cabane de Dix promises a cool drink before continuing down to Arolla.
Distance
16 km
Ascent
+900 m
Descent
-2100 m
Walking time
7-8 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
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
Backpack 25-30 l
Clothing
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
Footwear
Crampon proof mountaineering boots
Technical Equipment
Crampons with anti-snow plates
Harness
Ice axe
Hiking pole
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