Arolla – Prarayer Mountain Hut

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This is the longest stage of the route but presents no difficulties other than its length and the elevation gain. The section across the glacier can be avoided by taking the moraines, which allow you to climb more directly to the right (see the route map).

This walk is part of a multi-day hike: Tour du Cervin

Details

n°103902716
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–
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 10.60 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 8h 05 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: No
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 3,701 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 3,727 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 10,240 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 6,631 ft
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Description of the walk

(S) From Arolla, follow a track heading south-southeast which leads to the local hydroelectric power station.

(1) Continue in the same direction (south-south-east).

(2) Cross a torrent and you’ll soon reach the Arolla water intake (the glacier reached this point in 1980).

(3) Carry on south-southeast and you’ll soon reach a fork in the path.

(4) Turn right to return to the stream. Continue south-south-east.

(5) The path turns eastwards and you pass at the foot of some rocks.

(6) We climb a small ladder and continue eastwards. We make our way through the space left by the retreating glacier and head south-south-east.

(7) You have the choice between ascending the glacier on the left (south-southeast) and, as shown on the map, crossing the glacial torrent to take the moraine on the right (south-southwest). This takes you directly up to the Col de Collon.

(8) Descend on the other side and walk alongside an unnamed lake on your left. Continue south-west.

(9) Turn left and descend steeply (ignore the path branching off to the right towards the Nakamuli Hut). Follow a stream on your left.

(10) Cross the stream and head downwards south-south-west. You’ll come across the stream again further on and continue the descent alongside it (south-east).

(11) Pass the Garda mountain pasture and continue south-east to the Grand Oren mountain pasture.

(12) Continue south-east to reach Praz Mondou Desot.

(13) Follow the path eastwards to reach the Prarayer mountain hut quickly (E).

Waypoints

  1. S : mi 0 - alt. 6,788 ft - Arolla
  2. 1 : mi 0.91 - alt. 6,762 ft - Hydroelectric power station building
  3. 2 : mi 1.74 - alt. 6,988 ft - Bridge over the stream
  4. 3 : mi 1.93 - alt. 7,110 ft - Arolla water intake
  5. 4 : mi 2 - alt. 7,129 ft - Junction
  6. 5 : mi 2.69 - alt. 7,644 ft - Direction: East-South-East
  7. 6 : mi 3.11 - alt. 8,287 ft - Scale
  8. 7 : mi 4.54 - alt. 8,704 ft - Foot of the - Haut Glacier d'Arolla
  9. 8 : mi 6.18 - alt. 10,226 ft - Col de Collon (3069 m)
  10. 9 : mi 7.39 - alt. 9,360 ft - Junction
  11. 10 : mi 7.78 - alt. 9,058 ft - Crossing the stream
  12. 11 : mi 9.48 - alt. 7,425 ft - Garda
  13. 12 : mi 9.79 - alt. 7,293 ft - Grand Oren
  14. 13 : mi 10.22 - alt. 6,926 ft - Praz Mondou Desot – View of the - Lago di Place Moulin
  15. E : mi 10.6 - alt. 6,732 ft - Rifugio Prarayer

Other walks in the area

Walking Arolla - La Sage

Visorando Member
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Walking Arolla - Prarayer Refuge

Visorando Member
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Today's high mountain stage requires the use of crampons to cross the Arolla glacier. This long stage requires an early start.

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↔2.41 mi ↗+984 ft ↘-991 ft ◔2h 00 ▲Moderate
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Visorando Member
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↔2.71 mi ↗+1,106 ft ↘-1,112 ft ◔2h 15 ▲Moderate
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Visorando Member
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↔14.05 mi ↗+4,770 ft ↘-2,523 ft ◔10h 35 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Evolène (Valais)
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The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.