Randonnée pédestre
Hiking Tour Val d'Hérens - 2nd step
Évolène
Description, map, GPX, profile (pop-up window)
Stage description:
The second stage of the Tour du Val d’Hérens, which comprises five stages, links two side valleys: the Val d’Hérémence and the Val d’Arolla.
The first part of the hike is a flat walk along Lake Dix, with views of the ice- and snow-capped peaks; the scenery is spectacular. A steep climb then leads to the Col de Riedmatten, which links the two valleys and overlooks the lower reaches of the Cheilon Glacier. The hike ends with a gentle descent to the village of Arolla.
The Col de Riedmatten, made famous by the most gruelling ski mountaineering race in the world. Held every two years in spring, the Patrouille des Glaciers sees teams of three skiers set off from Zermatt and tackle mountains and glaciers all the way to Verbier.
Highlights: La Grande Dixence – the world’s largest gravity dam, the information centre (free entry) and the Lac des Dix cable car – a flat path alongside Switzerland’s largest reservoir, overlooked by snow-capped peaks; Riedmatten Pass – a spectacular climb to an iconic pass.
Accommodation on arrival:
Hotel Glacier** in Arolla
Nestled on the edge of the Val d'Hérens in the heart of the Valais Alps, the small village of Arolla lies at an altitude of over 2,000 metres and offers a setting rich in contrasts. Nature reigns supreme here, and the fame of its peaks is well established. At the centre of all the routes to the mountain huts, the Patrouille des Glaciers and many other walks and hikes between Zermatt, Verbier and Chamonix. It is the ideal spot for all lovers of the high mountains to go snowshoeing, skiing in winter, or walking, cycling or mountaineering in summer. Mountain lovers, families, young people and retirees alike will be charmed by the Hôtel du Glacier, which looks forward to welcoming you and ensuring you have a pleasant stay.
Book directly with the hotel:
The Caldeira-Rong family
info@hotelduglacier.ch
+41 27 283 12 18
https://hotelduglacier.ch/
or
Hotel Aiguille de la Tza in Arolla
We, the Bornatici family, would like to extend a warm welcome to you on the website of the Hotel Aiguille de la Tza. We have been running this hotel, situated at the entrance to the village of Arolla in the Valais Alps, since 1985. It is a traditional hotel built at the beginning of the last century. For over two decades, our family-run business has maintained attractive prices; in fact, our hotel is one of the best value for money in Valais.
Here you will find peace and fresh air to recharge your batteries. Families with children, as well as sports enthusiasts and nature lovers, particularly from Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Switzerland, feel right at home in our establishment. The hotel is open all year round. Whether in summer or winter, you can spend your holidays with us!
Book directly with the hotel:
The Bornatici Family
+41 27 283 14 06
info@latza.ch
www.latza.ch
or
The Hôtel Kurhaus is situated above the village at an altitude of around 2,100 metres, amidst a magnificent Swiss stone pine forest. The building was constructed in 1896, but the interior was completely refurbished in 1979 to include all modern comforts. The rooms are tastefully decorated and feature at least one wall panelled with local timber (Swiss stone pine, larch) sourced from the old beams salvaged during the renovation. The large terrace is an ideal spot to relax. The view of the surrounding peaks (Pigne d'Arolla, Mont Collon, Aiguille de la Tza, the Dents de Veisivi, etc.) is spectacular.
Book directly with the hotel:
+41 (0)27 283 70 00
info@grandhotelkurhaus.com
http://www.grandhotelkurhaus.com
or
In the heart of the village of Arolla, the Hôtel du Pigne welcomes you with a warm and intimate atmosphere. The hotel offers modern, spacious and extremely comfortable rooms. In the restaurant, you can enjoy local specialities and the chef’s fine cuisine, accompanied by regional wines. The hotel also features a bar, a sunny terrace and a shop selling food and souvenirs.
Book directly with the hotel:
+41 27 283 7100
hotel.pigne@bluewin.ch
www.hoteldupigne.ch
Technical information
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Difficulty Difficult
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Duration 6h00min