a father with his son inside the Glacier cave in arolla looking at the ice

How to visit the Glacier Cave in Arolla Safely

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Important update about the Glacier cave in arolla September 2022.

In the night of the 19th of September 2022, there was a small earthquake in the region of Val d’Hérens. Unfortunately this has caused this most beautiful glacier cave to collapse. However it is believed that this was not the only reason.

Together with the rising temperatures we had during the last two summers and milder winters had for sure a great impact on the whole situation.

However, you can still do this beautiful winter hike in Valais as the scenery is breathtaking.

 

In memory of the beautiful glacier cave I have not changed anything in particular of this post, nor have I taken out the photos.
When we hiked to the glacier cave in Arolla during the winter 2020 in the canton of Valais, we decided at that point only to show some images on our Instagram gallery, and opted against writing a blog post today.

However, many of you have asked directions and showed great interest in visiting this natural beauty deep in the Val d’Hérens.

So, instead of just giving bits of information on request, I have decided to write a guide on how to get to the Glacier Cave in Arolla the safe way.

After all it is not just a walk in the park, we’re talking about visiting a Glacier Cave and some vital information needs to be gathered before even planning this winter hike in Valais.

By the way do not confuse the Arolla Glacier Cave with the more famous Zinal Glacier Cave. I have heard that the Arolla Glacier cave is more impressive, maybe because of its long tube-like shape. Or is it because the access is easier than the glacier cave in Zinal?

I will let you know when we have visited the Zinal Glacier Cave, hopefully this year.

a family in winter hiking towards a snowy mountain and the Glacier cave in Arolla Switzerland
On the trail to the Glacier cave in Arolla

Where is the Glacier Cave in Arolla?

The Glacier cave is nestled at the foot of Mont Collon at the end of the Val d’Arolla.

As you drive up the Val d’Hérens from the valley floor in Sion, the mountain road will bring you all the way to the end of the Valais – to the village of Arolla.

The village itself is at 1998m altitude in the Pennine Alps and at the foot of Mont Collon.

Due to the access to the high alpine trails, it is a very popular area for mountain expeditions. But also, for skiers and snowboarders that love the smaller ski domains and pristine nature that the Espace Dent-Blanche offers.

Of course, this beautiful valley is not only attractive during the winter months but all year round one can find activities for the whole families like the amazing hike to Lac Bleu, or enjoy observing the Marmots in their natural habitat on the Milo the Marmot trail. Not to forget the new Sentier de la Désalpe in Evolène.

If you are travelling from far and need an accommodation in Evolène – Arolla you will find many perfect places to sell in the Swiss Alps here.

Hiking Tip: Lac Bleu and The Mont Miné Glacier at Ferpècle are also great winter hiking trails. I have marked these two places on the map below to give you a reference. You could combine one of these hikes with the visit to the glacier cave for example.

How to Use This Map:  By Clicking the icons on the map you get more information about each point of interest. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account so you will always have it with you when you are planning this amazing adventure to the Glacier cave in Arolla Switzerland.

To view it later on, on your phone or computer, simply open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to “Your Places,” click Maps, and you will see this map on your list.

What you need to know before visiting the Glacier Cave in Arolla

Winter only and during the early morning 
Needless to say, that this hike is a winter hike and should not be done during the summer months. Or at least you should not visit the inside of the glacier during these months as the risk of rocks falling due to the melt water is high and can be very dangerous.

As with every alpine-snow-expedition hike, it is advisable to start early in the morning. This way the temperatures are still cold and should there be any melting in progress it is minimal.

Mountaineer Path
When you go hiking during the summer months in Valais you have yellow markers, red-white-red alpine trails and the blue-white-blue mountaineering paths. When hiking to the glacier cave you will be on a red-white-red trail but also on a blue-white-blue section when approaching the glacier. Meaning some experience in mountain hiking and mountaineering is better to make you all the more comfortable.

Take a guide 
You should not take this hike lightly, as we’re talking about a hike to visit the inside of a glacier and this comes with some risks. To lower this risk, we recommend to book a mountain guide from the region in order to discover this magical and unique place in complete safety. You can contact the Bureau des Guides, and ask their advice on the weather situation and access if you are visiting with a guide that is not from Arolla.

They are most helpful and will advise you correctly.

Check the weather
Do NOT attempt this hike during bad weather conditions.
The access path to the glacier is neither marked nor secured. Although the mountains to the left and right sides of the valley where you walk are not that close, there is still a risk that avalanches could bury the trail.

Materials to bring
It can be strenuous depending on how many people have visited the cave before you and whether they have left a trail. You may find yourself hiking in fresh deep snow,.

Make sure you bring snowshoes, hiking poles, and a helmet for the inside of the glacier. And of course, dress appropriately in warm waterproof clothing. If you are visiting with children you may want to read what we suggest on how to dress the kids in cold weather.

snowshoes in the snow by a mountain in Valais Switzerland
Bring the right equipment to visit the Glacier Cave

How to get to the Glacier Cave in Arolla

Obviously if you have booked a local mountain guide, he/she will let you know where to meet.

For those of you that have gathered the information from the Bureau des Guides in Arolla and if they advise that a self-visit is possible, then here is how to get there. On the photo below I have marked where the glacier cave is.

The trail starts at the cross-country ski area in Arolla. Check on the map above, I have marked it with the parking sign. On Google you may find it marked as the “electric power station”

Please do NOT walk on the groomed cross-country tracks.  Now you just need to head to the end of the valley. You cannot get lost as it is literally straight along the valley floor to the end. The big mountain you are walking towards is Mont Collon and the Arolla Glacier is right below it.

When you get to a bridge that crosses the small stream of la Borgne d’Arolla you can either carry on straight ahead, or cross the bridge and choose the higher path until the cave.

I would say it is very unlikely that you will be the 1st person to walk there so tracks should be clearly visible. We needed to put on our snowshoes for the 2nd section of the hike, after this bridge.

This trail will pretty much bring you to the entry of the glacier cave which is a slightly above the valley floor.

Only use the upper trail if there is no fresh snow.

Tip: If you have touring skis, I would suggest to tour up to the glacier cave. Although it is only a small altitude gain of nearly 300m, it still gives you some exercise and a gentle ski back to your car.

Enter the Glacier Cave in Arolla

The first look and step inside this most beautiful natural glacier cave is breathtaking and will leave you in awe.

The structures along the ice, the different shades of blue and the slight noise the glacier emits is mesmerising.

The ice is so smooth and transparent. We absolutely loved this experience and to share it with the kids was even better.

You can walk through the Glacier Cave as there is a hole at the far end. As always be conscious and listen out for the cracking and sudden banging noises. These are signs that it is time to exit the cave immediately.

inside the arolla glacier cave
Amazing to be inside the Glacier cave in Arolla
different photos of children holding the Glacier ice inside the arolla glacier cave
Happy to be able to show the kids the inside of a glacier

Hiking Map to the Glacier Cave in Arolla


Hiking Facts
Location:: Arolla Val D’Hérens– Valais – Switzerland
Length:: 4.7 km round trip, path might be covered in snow, Snowshoes necessary
Level:: easy – hiked with kids of 5 years old
Highest point:: 2235 m
Ascent 206m / Descent 206m

Good to know

  • Parking at the Electricity station. If there is no space you need to go further down towards Arolla Ski station.
  • No toilet facilities on the way
  • Not pushchair friendly
  • Refreshments available in Arolla Village

You May Also Like These Winter post from Valais

I hope that the information provided here will prove itself useful when planning on hiking to the Glacier Cave in Arolla. Be SAFE and don’t forget to book your guide or at least phone the Bureau de Guides in Arolla for advice and weather updates.

If I have left anything out, please ask your questions in the comments below so that other readers can join in the conversation and benefit from your queries also.

Thank you & Never Forget to Explore

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Hi, my name is Corina, a mum of twins, a wife and founder of Packed Again – a Swiss Family Travel & Adventure Blog. We live in the most amazing mountain valley in Switzerland, the Valais.

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