Pigne d'Arolla
Our trip starts in the pretty village of Arolla. The hike up to the Vignettes hut is long but leads us through some wonderful scenery. Reaching the summit of the Pigne d'Arolla poses no technical difficulties, however if mist descends on us on the glacier plateau it can become a test for our senses and abilities. The views from the summit are spectacular!
Tour Details
Private Tour
| 1 person | CHF 1890 |
| 2 people | CHF 970 per person |
To book a private tour please contact us:
| Day | Elevation + | Elevation - | Kilometers | Walking time |
| 1 | 1200m | 0m | 5km | approx. 4 hours |
| 2 | 900m | 2100m | 16km | approx. 7-8 hours |
Day 1: Hut approach to the Cabane des Vignettes 3157m
We meet in Arolla and start hiking up towards the mountains. First in the forest, then through grassy meadows and on to the side moraine of the Tsijiore Nouve Glacier. At the end of the moraine there is a perfect little plateau, very inviting for a short break. Shortly after we reach the Glacier de Pièce where we put on our crampons. We follow the glacier up, getting closer and closer to the hut. From the Col des Vignettes the hut is reached by a short rocky scramble.
Day 2: Summit climb to the Pigne d’Arolla 3790m
From the Col des Vignettes we shortly traverse some ice but then keep scrambling up over rocks up to the edge of the glacier. We strap our crampons back onto our boots and start hiking up the glacier. First it’s a little steep, soon the angle eases and we get a first glimpse of the summit. The last part is mellow, a wide glacier bowl and a short broad ridge lead to the summit. Once we have enjoyed the summit panorama, we start our descent. We had down a different way, first to Col du Brenay and the Glacier de Tsena Réfien. We follow this glacier down to the Cheillon Glacier from where a short reascent leads to the Cabane de Dix. A cold drink and something to eat provide us with fresh energy for the last part of the descent over the pas de Chèvre to Arolla.
| Season | June - September |
| Departures for private tours | Private tours can be booked daily |
| Meeting point | 10:00am at the Arolla Magine bus stop and parking |
- Guiding from a licenced mountain guide/ aspirant guide
- Expenses and 1 overnight for the mountain guide
- Hut reservation
- Summit Certificate
- Your expenses
- 1 night in bunk room with half-board and tea for the next day
- Snacks
- Rental equipment
- Costs for a taxi if needed (guests pay for the guides share)
Backpack
- 25-30l
Clothing
- Warm, functional clothing
- Rain jacket
- Rain pants
- Mountaineering or hiking pants
- Sunhat
- Gloves
- Beanie or headband
- Extra underwear and socks
Footwear
- Crampon proof mountaineering boots
The basics
- Sunglasses (category 3 or 4)
- Sunscreen lotion and lip balm (minimum factor 30, 50 better)
- Thermos flask, drink bottle
- Silk sleeping bag liner
- Headlamp
- Toiletries
- SAC/DAV permit (if you have one)
- GA or Half Fare Travelcard (if you have)
- Earplugs (optional)
- Camera and binoculars (optional)
Technical Equipment
- Harness
- Crampons with anti-snow plates
- Ice axe
- Hiking poles
General Information for Mountaineering School
Our team is here for you. If you have any questions, please contact us or visit us in our shop in Grindelwald. We are happy to help!
OUTDOOR - Mountaineering School Grindelwald
Dorfstrasse 103
3818 Grindelwald
Switzerland
Trip status for group courses
1-2 days before your tour or course we will review the weather forecast and conditions with the mountain guide to determine if we can operate. We will contact you by phone with an update.
Minimum of participants (group tours)
As soon as the minimum number of participants is reached, we will send you a confirmation by email.
Cancellation
If we have to cancel your tour, you have the option to reschedule to a new date, or you will receive a full refund.
Equipment
Please refer to the equipment list for your tour or course. At our shop in Grindelwald, you can purchase technical equipment, mountain clothing, shoes, and backpacks. We also have technical equipment available for rent.
Clothing
Choose functional clothing that is moisture-wicking and quick-drying. Dress in layers so you can easily react to temperature changes. The range at our shop in Grindelwald is tailored to mountain tours and our expert staff are happy to advise you on the best clothing for your tour or course.
Lunch
Lunch is not included in the offer. We recommend bringing bars, dried fruits, nuts, or a sandwich. The amount you will need to drink depends on your individual needs and the length of the tour. We recommend .75 -1.5 liters of water, warm tea, isotonic drinks, or whatever you prefer. We also recommend that you hydrate enough the day before, so your body is well prepared for the tour.
Huts
A mountain hut is not a hotel. Running water is not guaranteed and electricity is not available everywhere, so it is not always possible to charge batteries or phones. If you have special dietary needs, please inform us in advance so we can make arrangements with the hut.
Safety
Our tours and courses are led by IVBV certified mountain guides or mountain guide aspirants. We prioritise your safety by requiring regular training to ensure our guides have relevant, up to date knowledge. Outdoor is certified by the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention (BFU) and our safety and emergency concepts are audited by this organization annually.
General terms of contract
Our General Terms and Conditions apply.