3-day Guided Hut to Hut Hike from Verbier to Arolla through the Grand Desert

One of the most beautiful hut to hut hikes in Valais, from Val de Bagnes to Val d’Arolla through the Grand Desert, with 4 passes at nearly 3’000m and staying in 2 mountain huts. Stunning views of the Grand Combin massif, Mont Blanc de Cheilon, Pigne d’Arolla and much more… This 3-day section of the Haute Route, which links Chamonix to Zermatt, the Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn, is surely the most wild and the most beautiful part of this famous hike.

This trip is led by Céline Kahn, mountain leader.

What’s the plan?

Day 1: Les Ruinettes – Cabane de Louvie

Departure from Le Châble by cable car to Les Ruinettes. We start with a flat path along the famous Valais bisses, then start the climb on a balcony trail with the Mont Blanc massif on our right and the Combins massif in front of us. Once we reach Col Termin, our first pass at 2648m, we start our descent to the charming Cabane de Louvie, with a breathtaking view of the Grand and Petit Combins and the Lac de Mauvoisin. Dinner and night at Cabane de Louvie.

Technical info: 11.5km, +700m, -650m, 5h walking

Day 2: Cabane de Louvie – Cabane de Prafleuri

Day of great variety, starting with stunning views of the Val de Bagnes and the Grand Combin before reaching Col Louvie at 2920m. After crossing the Grand Desert, walking along the edge of the glacier, we reach Col de Prafleuri, the second mountain pass of the day at almost 3000m. Descent to Cabane de Prafleuri for the night.

Technical info: 13km, +1000m, -800m, 7.5h walking

Day 3: Cabane de Prafleuri – Arolla

Day with some easy sections and other challenging ones. We start with a short climb to Col des Roux before descending to the trail that goes along the huge Lac des Dix reservoir, with the highest dam in the world. Great views of the Mont Blanc de Cheilon. Once we reach the end of the lake, we start going up again towards the next mountain pass, before our long descent to Arolla.

Technical info: 19.5km, +800m, -1300m, 7h walking

If you would like to finish the Haute Route and push all the way to Zermatt and the Matterhorn, have a look at our 7-day guided hike from Verbier to Zermatt!

Requirements

To join this event, you need to be a very good hiker and have trained beforehand. You have to be used to long day hikes with up to 1000 meters of elevation.

Insurance

It is the participant’s responsibility to get health and accident insurances that cover mountain rescue, including extreme sports. Becoming a Rega patron is highly recommended (CHF 40 per year only for emergency medical assistance from the air).

Meeting point

Meeting at the cable car station in Le Châble on 30 July at 10:15.

End of the hike in Arolla on 1 August around 16:00.

If you are traveling by public transport from Zurich, we recommend you take the following:

• Sunday 30 July: Zurich HB 07:02 – 10:15 Le Châble VS (via Visp and Martigny)
• Tuesday 1 August: Arolla 17:26 – 21:28 Zurich HB (via Sion, Visp and Bern)

Kit list

Day Clothing Essentials

• Hiking boots
• T-shirt
• Hiking trousers or shorts
• Fleece
• Down jacket
• Waterproof jacket
• Waterproof over trousers
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Warm hat
• Buff
• Thin gloves
• Thick gloves

Night Essentials

• Sleeping bag liner
• Lightweight towel
• Ear plugs
• Cash for drinks at the huts

Technical gear

• Hiking poles
• Hiking backpack (30-40L)
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Waterproof inner bags or bin bags
• Headlamp with spare batteries

F&B

• Water (min. 2L)
• Snacks

Pharmacy

• Sunscreen and lip protector
• Plasters and basic medicine

Pricing

The price for this event is CHF 450.

Included in price

• 3 days of guided hiking with a mountain leader
• 2 nights of accommodation in and mountain huts (shared rooms)
• Cable car from Le Châble to Les Ruinettes
• Dinner on day 1
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner on day 2
• Breakfast and lunch on day 3

Not included in price

• Transport to Le Châble on day 1 and from Arolla on day 3
• Picnic on day 1
• Drinks & snacks

Group size

• Min. 4 participants
• Max. 9 participants

By signing up for this event, you agree that you have read, understood and will adhere to our Terms and Conditions.