Distance: 7.2 km (round loop)
Duration: 2h30
Elevation gain: 290 m
Starting place: Parking of Arolla’s ski station (or electric power plant if accessible)
Less famous but more impressive than the glacier of Zinal, Arolla’s ice cave will leave you speachless. The high is as simple (if not easier) than the hike to Zinal’s ice cave.
However, as for Zinal, the area is surrounded by steep mountains and represents a high risk for avalanches. This means that the hike should only be done during low avalanche risk conditions and good weather forecasts.
Additionnaly, the later in the season you will go, the earlier you will have to leave to avoid melting of ice and avalanches on the way. This is even more important as the cave is long and, if you look closely at the roof, nicely decorated with rocks of impressive size that can fall if the ice melts.
We visited the cave twice and could find part of the rocks from last visit on the ground, and new ones exposed. This also means that a helmet is recommended!
Now, the journey begins in Arolla’s main ski parking area. If the way is clear, there is also the possibility to park close to the power plant. However, you will win 10 min of hiking time only.
Anyhow, from the first parking, you will simply follow the road to the powerplant and then the ski tracks that go along the valley. there is only one way, you can’t go wrong =)
After 1h more or less, you will reach the end of the ski pist and start to venture toward the glacier, along its river.
The ice of the glacier should be clearly visible at that point. Follow the path towards the large ice face that is exposed out of the snow.
Once arrived at its base, the entry will be clearly visible! Enter and embrace that breathtaking spectacle!
You should be able to walk through the whole tube! again – wear a helmet!
If you plan on going further up the glacer, make sure to take a rope and adapted gear to walk on glaciers!
Highlight are the craks that you can hear from time to time. when the temperature rises, the ice expands and the glacier craks! The sound of it will chill you to the bones, trust me! Specially when you stand in the middle of it!
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Or do you simply have a question? Contact me!