Although this traverse does not reach the summit of particularly high peaks (the highest mountain is Pigne d’Arolla 3796m), it is nevertheless demanding and some of the stages may be found long and tiring. The real objective is Zermatt but sometimes this is not possible due to weather and snow conditions. There are of course countless variations, depending on weather, fitness and ability. The best time of year is in April and May, and consequently these months tend to be the most popular. Earlier in the year there are less people and powder snow but a greater risk of avalanches. The itinerary described here is also a splendid trekking route in summer.




Day 1
The first day is dedicated to reaching Briga. Park the car here and spend the night in a hotel, to then catch the train or bus to Chamonix early the next morning.

Day2
Reach Argentiere by bus and take the Grands Montets (3297m) cable car. From the top station ski down to the Argentiere glacier. Cross this to the base of the steep slopes that lead up to Col du Chardonnet 3223m). Now descend steeply (many rope-up for this first section) to reach the plateau of the glacier di Saleina. Put on climbing skins once more to reach Fentre de Saleina (3261m). Ski down the other side of this col and, with a final short ascent, reach Cab. Du Trient (3170m).

Day 3
Leave the hut and descend along the Trient glacier to lose about 300m in altitude before turning off right towards Col des Escandies (2796m) which leads to Vallone d’Arpette and on down the fantastic descent to Champex (1498m). Take the bus from this small village to Orsieres and then the train to Martigny and then a bus once more to Arolla. This is done in order to avoid the traverse through the Grand Combin massif – splendid and highly recommended if more time is available).

Day 4
Skilifts from Arolla lead to the top of the pistes; proceed to Pas de Chevre 2855m and the steep 40m ladder, to then reach the welcoming Cabanne de Dix (2928m). Spend the night here. By taking the skilifts from Arolla (saving 500m height gain) there is plenty of time to climb the beautiful La Luette (3548m) that rises up behind the refuge. The panorama and descent are fantastic.

Day 5
Leave Cab. De Dix and cross the Cheilon glacier to climb up the slopes towards Col de la Serpentine, before turning left to reach the summit of Pigne d’Arolla. The panorama from here is truly amazing. Steep slopes - the icing on today’s cake - lead quickly down to Cab. Des Vignerttes (3185m) below.

Day 6
The final stage is also the longest. From Cab des Vignettes descend slightly to then cross the entire Mont Collon glacier all the way to Col de l’Eveque. A brief descent leads to beneath Col du Mont Brule (3213m); climb up to this and over the col (on foot) to reach the Valpelline basin above Rif. Aosta. From the col descend once more, traversing beneath the rocks . Put on the climbing skins for the last time and climb up to Col de Valpelline (3568m) to start the long and splendid descent to Zermatt. From Zermatt take the train to return to Briga.