{"id":2003,"date":"2014-12-22T11:30:38","date_gmt":"2014-12-22T10:30:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/?p=2003"},"modified":"2026-01-30T10:07:16","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T09:07:16","slug":"ski-tour-haute-route-zermatt-arolla","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/en\/ski-tour-haute-route-zermatt-arolla\/","title":{"rendered":"Ski tour Haute Route"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

From Zermatt via the T\u00eate Blanche 3,707 m to Arolla on your skis or snowboard in just two days: Our Swiss colleague Michi B\u00f6siger went on a very impressive alpine ski tour in the Valais Alps and tells us all about it. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zermatt in the canton of Valais is easy to reach by public transport or by car via T\u00e4sch – from there also by train. You will find a wide range of accommodation in this lovely and historical place. Zermatt is a car-free zone and located just in front of the Matterhorn. We decided to first visit the mountaineers’ cemetery, a highly recommendable sight for every Alpinist, before we went for our obligatory fondue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tour<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

After our first overnight stay we took the train to Schwarzsee early in the morning and then skied downhill to Stafel. Here, we applied the skins to our skis, assembled our equipment and began with the long ascent of the Zmutt glacier along the moraines and later past the Stockji peak. During this ascent you can see the Matterhorn from its rather unknown southern face. It got steeper and we gladly used the heel lifters on our touring binding. The weather meant well. After a cold start, it got noticeable warmer once the sun came out. Shortly before the Col de Valpelline we followed our track towards the east, in the direction of the Col de la T\u00eate Blanche. We instantly understood why this summit is called “T\u00eate Blanche” (“white head”). A wonderful and pleasant ascent lead us to the summit on 3,707m, from where we enjoyed a sublime panorama view over the majestic 4,000-metre mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

\n\t
\n\"Touring\n\t<\/div>\n\t
\n\t\tBackpack with well thought-out details<\/span>\n\t\t

The Norix 32 and 28 Women<\/strong> is the perfect companion for strenuous and movement-intensive missions on the mountain.<\/p>

With carabiner fixings and large front opening.<\/p>\n\n\t\t

Got to Norix 32<\/a><\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n

The ski-run down the glacier was pure enjoyment but we had to pay attention to hidden crevasses. We had kept to the rocks of the Dents de Bertol, as found on the map, until we arrived at a plateau. Our ski skins had to be renewed. During the ascent we could already see the Bertol Hut<\/a>. It sat enthroned on the frozen surface and looked pretty cool. The last few metres via the glacier towards the hut entrance were not steep but dragged on and we had to mobilise our entire energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We stored our skis in a deposit below the hut and climbed up the ladder to the entrance. There was not much space and the toilet was built into the rock behind the hut, but we found it rather cosy. You can enjoy amazing views over the fantastic, alpine winter wonderland. The next morning, our descent down the almost upright ladder was icy cold and helped us waking up for the steep and long downhill run towards Arolla.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reading tip:<\/strong> 150 years since the first ascent of the Matterhorn – climbing the \u201cHoru\u201c <\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Skitour<\/a>
<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Facts<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This ski tour is suitable for advanced ski tourers. Less experienced alpinists should always ask a mountain guide to join them.
www.alpincenter-zermatt.ch<\/a>
It is also possible to plan this tour for three days. If so, you would be spending your first night in the Sch\u00f6nbiel Hut<\/a>.
Prior booking at the SAC huts should not be forgotten.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Equipment<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n