From Arolla (Normal route) Cabane de Bertol CAS 3311 m
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- Difficulty
- PD+
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- Ascent
- 5 h, 1340 m
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- Descent
- 1340 m
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- Exposure
- N, S, W
This 'normal' approach from Arolla is not easy. It’s a big tour in and of itself given the height gain, and difficulties encountered - the climbing through rocks via various metal ladders and stairs. The hut is often used as a stopover during the "Haute Route" and can also be approached from Cabane des Dix or Cabane des Vignettes.
Route description
Arolla - Cabane de Bertol
From Arolla (Les Magines, 1968 m), follow the valley floor - along the Borgne river - to the Bas-Glacier d'Arolla. As you near the back of this valley, move left early (to its eastern side - for obvious serac-threat avoidance purposes ;-) then climb E into the higher Haut-Glacier d'Arolla valley. Keep as close as possible the rocks on your left (now N), to avoid further threats from the N face of Mont Collon. Continue the leftward trend, bearing north from the water intake, and climb E of P. 2616, then cross a steep w-facing slope to reach the Plan Bertol (P. 2664). Now follow the valley NW, crossing an old moraine and aiming for the rocky outcrop of P. 3118. Climb the steep, broad couloir south of the rocks until near the top, then make a sharp traverse right over steep, often dangerous terrain beneath a rock band and gain the Bertol pass (3264 m). Follow ironmongery northwards to the hut.