Piz Bernina and Piz Palü

Sporty
2.5 days
Two scenic peaks
Technical ridge climbing
8-9 hours of hiking per day

Season:

June September

Departure Times

17:30
Diavolezza cable car station

Diavolezza mountain inn for dinner

Key info

Previous high-altitude experience
Familiarity with ice axe and crampons
At least 9 hours of hiking with a backpack

Overview

Recommended for: Anyone who trades comfort for the view.

High peaks, sharp ridges, vast glaciers. This tour demands everything and gives back even more.

Two peaks, two challenges: First, the airy ridge crossing of Piz Palü, then the demanding Spallagrat to Piz Bernina. A tour for experienced mountaineers seeking a true challenge.

Itinerary

Meeting points
Day1
Day 1: Arrival & Night at Diavolezza
Take the cable car up to Diavolezza, where you meet your mountain guide. During dinner, we gaze at the impressive peaks awaiting us. The night at 2,972 m (9,751 ft) allows us time to acclimate.
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Day2
Day 2: Crossing Piz Palü
We set off early, crossing below Piz Trovat and ascending the Pers Glacier. The east summit of Piz Palü is our first milestone. Then follows the narrow snow ridge, requiring concentration. After an impressive ridge walk, we reach the main summit. The descent takes us over Bellavista to Rifugio Marco e Rosa, where we gather strength for the next day amidst the glacier world.
Distance
9 km
Ascent
+1200 m
Descent
-200 m
Walking time
6-7 hrs
Day3
Day 3: Ascent of Piz Bernina
In the dark, we ascend the snow slope to Spallagrat. The air gets thinner, the rock more demanding. But the moment you stand at 4,049 m (13,284 ft) makes every effort worthwhile. After a summit break, the long descent begins: over Rifugio Marco e Rosa, Fortezza ridge, and Morteratsch Glacier back to the valley. Tired legs, a clear mind, and the knowledge of having achieved something great.
Distance
13 km
Ascent
+650 m
Descent
-2300 m
Walking time
8-9 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 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
Trekking pole

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
ID card
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

Diavolezza cable car station

Talstation Diavolezza, 7504 Pontresina
DirectionsMore info
Meeting points
Activity location

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