Glacier Tour from Arolla to Zermatt
On route from Arolla to Zermatt you will experience many highlights: the wide expanse of the various glaciers that we cross, an overnight stay at the spectacularly situated Cabane de Bertol, which is reached via ladders and stairs, and the fantastic view from the summit of the Tête Blanche at 3710 metres above sea level – to name a few. It will be an unforgettable experience!
Tour Details
Group Tour (4-6 participants)
| CHF 515 per person | |
Private Tour
| 1-3 people | CHF 1990 per group |
| 4-6 people | CHF 515 per person |
To book a private tour please contact us:
| Day | Elevation + | Elevation - | Kilometers | Walking time |
| 1 | 1350m | 0m | 7km | approx. 5 hours |
| 2 | 750m | 2400m | 22km | approx. 8 hours |
Day 1: Ascent to Cabane de Bertol 3311m
After meeting in Arolla, we begin with a leisurely hike to the far end of Val d'Arolla. Shortly before the cliffs of Mont Collon we turn off to the east. The trail now leads steeply up to Plan de Bertol, where we tend to take a first breather and enjoy the beautiful views across the meadow to the rock and ice ramparts of Mont Collon's impressive north face. Not long after leaving Plan de Bertol we will already be able to see the hut – but we've still a long way to go. Crampons are need to ascend the Glacier de Bertol and the last metres to the hut are via ladders and steep, exposed stairs. Stage 1 complete!
Day 2: Ascent to Tête Blanche 3710m and descent to Zermatt
After an early morning start, we will descend to the Glacier de Mont Miné. Once there we'll traverse beneath the Dents de Bertol to the broad, open glacier arena. The terrain here is flat at first, then gradually becomes steeper and leads us up to the summit of Tête Blanche 3710m. Wow, what a view - the Matterhorn seems close enough to touch! Now comes the long journey down to Zermatt. We reach the Schönbielhütte via the Stockji glacier and the moraine of the Zmutt glacier. A short re-ascent leads to the hut, so we can benefit from a cold drink before following the hiking trail all the way to Zermatt.
| Season | June - September |
| Departures for official tours | See "Closest Bookable Dates" |
| Departures for private tours | Private tours can be booked daily |
| Meeting point | 10:00am at Arolla (bus station Magine) |
- Guiding from a licenced mountain guide/ aspirant guide
- His or her expenses
- 1 night in bunk room with half-board
- Tea for the next day
- Your expenses
- 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
- 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.