Arolla - Prarayer Refuge

To finish this tour, you will continue in a southerly direction.

(S) Take the wide track that leads to the valley and reach the large area used to store materials for hydraulic works.

(1) Then begin a steep climb leading to the Bertol refuge crossroads.

(2) Continue straight ahead, using the handrails to help you along the short section along the edge of the rocks. You will then come out onto the end of the glacier, which is now just a scree slope.

(3) Then begin a long ride, following the cairns and weather station posts. You will reach a crossroads of paths.

(4) Leave the path leading to the clearly visible Bouquetins refuge on your left. Turn right, cross the moraine and you will come out onto the glacier.

(5) Put on your crampons as it may be slippery and, after a relatively easy traverse, you will reach the Collon pass, the highest point of the stage (3069m).

(6) Stay level at the start of the descent, following the glacial lake until the next bend.

(7) Begin the long descent.

(8) Leave the path to the Nacamulli refuge on your right and continue south, passing through a place called Grand Place.

(9) Continue on to reach Grand Oren.

(10) Continue the descent to reach Praz Mondzou Desot, the large lake at Place à Moulin.

(11) Begin the final stretch, which ends today at the Prarayer refuge.

Final note: after an excellent evening meal, a good night's sleep and a delicious breakfast, it's time to head back to the car park the next day. To do this, refer to the description of the first stage and follow the route in reverse.

This is the last stage of the tour. It is undoubtedly the most difficult because it is long, involving an hour on a glacier, and it is not easy for those who have never done it before to walk with crampons on their feet. But this stage allows you to experience the high mountains and discover the beauty that nature has created at these altitudes.

The beautiful statue at Col Collon.