Ski tour Patrouille des Glaciers light
Ski tour Patrouille des Glaciers light
-
Endurance
4Walking time 8-9 hours. Up to approx. 1600 vertical meters. For experienced alpinists with very good stamina. -
Technique
2You already have experience of off-piste skiing and are sure-footed on the ascent. You have some touring experience, are familiar with hairpin bends and walking with skins. Easy, hilly terrain (30°) suits you. -
Duration
2 days -
Date
Mid-March - early May -
Participants
1 - 6 people
Gallery (4)
The "Patrouille des Glaciers" (PDG) is one of the most legendary ski touring races in the world: an alpine endurance test between Zermatt and Verbier. During this ski tour, we take you on the first half of this original route through impressive glacier landscapes, past the north face of the Matterhorn and over the Tête Blanche to Arolla. Two days that will bring you closer to the pulse of the PDG.
Highlights
Duration
The Patrouille des Glaciers light ski tour is divided into two tour days:
- Day 1
- Descent to Stafel: approx. 30 minutes
- Ascent to the Schönbielhütte (2,694 m): approx. 2.5 hours
- 2nd day
- Ascent to Tête Blanche (3,700 m): approx. 4 - 5 hours from the Schönbielhütte
- Descent to Arolla (2,009 m): 4 - 5 hours
Description
Our two-day tour begins at the Schwarzsee mountain station above Zermatt. After a short warm-up descent on the piste to Stafelalp, we put the skins on our skis and climb at a steady pace over the Zmutt glacier to the Schönbielhütte. We spend the night there with a view of the mighty north face of the Matterhorn.
We start early the next morning. The trail leads us past Stockji over the Glacier de Tsa de Tsan up to Tête Blanche. This point marks the highest section of the Patrouille des Glaciers and gives us a magnificent 360° panorama. A short break is followed by a long descent with a counter-climb over the Col de Bertol, past the hut of the same name, to Arolla in the Val d'Hérens.
Program
Day 1: Ascent to Schönbiel Hut
- Meeting point at 9:00 am with your local and IFMGA-certified mountain guide at the Matterhorn Express valley station (depending on the season)
- Shared cable car ride to the Schwarzsee mountain station
- Descent on the ski slope to the Stafelalp mountain restaurant
- Ascent with skis over the Zmutt Glacier to the Schönbiel Hut
Day 2: Ascent of Tête Blanche and Descent to Arolla
- Start the ski tour with your private mountain guide around 6:00 am (depending on the season)
- Ascent of Tête Blanche via the original route of the Patrouille des Glaciers
- Descent via Cabane de Bertol to Arolla
- Return journey together to Zermatt
Meeting point
09:00 at the Matterhorn Express valley station, at Dorsaz Sport
Meeting point on Google Maps
Matterhorn Express valley station at Dorsaz Sport
Additional costs
- Train journey Zermatt-Schwarzsee: from approx. CHF 50.00
Reduction with GA, Half-Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass (more information can be found at Zermatt Bergbahnen AG) - Rental equipment:
- Avalanche transceiver (LVS), avalanche shovel and avalanche probe: can be rented at the ZERMATTERS Homebase at a special price of CHF 15.00 per person from 17.00 the day before. The rented equipment must be returned to the ZERMATTERS Homebase after the tour by 5 p.m. at the latest
- Other equipment: from CHF 80.00, available in a sports store in Zermatt
- Touring skis with running binding (binding adjusted)
- Touring ski boots
- Telescopic poles
- Backpack should not weigh more than 8-9 kg (skis must be able to be tied on)
- skins
- crampons
- crampons
- Climbing harness
- 1 carabiner
- ice axe
- shovel
- probe
- AVALANCHE TRANSCEIVER
- Warm, weatherproof touring ski clothing
- Warm gloves
- Finger gloves
- Helmet (optional)
- Hat / headband
- Goggles, sunglasses, sun cream
- Headlamp
- Silk sleeping bag (obligatory)
- Thermos flask, drinks
- Snacks (high-energy food such as chocolate, dried fruit, energy bars)
- Wash kit
- Minimal spare underwear
- Plasters
- Personal pharmacy
- Cash, identity card
After booking
After booking, you will receive a confirmation by email. Please check that your details are correct.
Two days before the tour, you will receive a link to the customer portal.
Please contact us before the tour to go over the details (current weather, conditions, group size, etc.). You can reach us by phone, email or visit us at the ZERMATTERS Homebase.
The Patrouille des Glaciers light
General information about the Patrouille des Glaciers light
- This tour follows the first half of the original route of the Patrouille des Glaciers. It is ideal as preparation for a ski touring race or as an alpine pleasure tour with a sporting challenge.
- The route is part of the famous "Haute Route" from Chamonix to Zermatt, one of the most beautiful ski crossings in the Alps.
- The start of the ski tour is in the German-speaking Upper Valais, the finish in the French-speaking Lower Valais. One tour, two cultures.
Special features of the Patrouille des Glaciers light
- At 3,706 m, the Tête Blanche is the highest point of the Patrouille des Glaciers and also the alpine highlight of our light version.
- You get a taste of real PDG air, but without the stress of racing, in a safe environment and with a certified ZERMATTERS guide at your side.
Safety and risk warnings
- Even though the tour is not technically very difficult, you should not underestimate the alpine risks. The route leads over glaciers where there is always a risk of crevasses. For this reason, ZERMATTERS will always accompany you professionally and provide you with the necessary safety equipment. Weather changes can come as a surprise on the Tête Blanche, which is why the orientation and experience of our local mountain guides are crucial.
Do I need a mountain guide for a ski tour?
Yes, a mountain guide is highly recommended for a ski tour. Ski tours in alpine terrain require experience in avalanche awareness, route selection and snow conditions. Especially in high alpine regions such as Zermatt, many tours lead through challenging terrain with steep descents and possible crevasses. If you want to get the best out of your ski tour and minimize risks, a professional guide is the best choice.
What are the advantages of a local ski tour guide?
A local ski tour guide from Zermatt knows the mountains, snow and weather conditions like no other. Thanks to his regional expertise, the tour can be optimally planned and flexibly adapted to current conditions. He also enriches the experience with exciting stories and insights into the regional culture and mountain world - for a safe and unforgettable ski tour.
What should I look out for when booking a ski tour guide?
Make sure that your mountain guide is certified according to the standards of the International Union of Mountain Guide Associations (UIAGM/IFMGA). This certification guarantees comprehensive training and compliance with the highest safety standards. All ZERMATTERS mountain guides are trained according to these international guidelines.
What difficulty levels are ski tours divided into?
Ski tours are divided into seven main levels of difficulty according to the SAC ski tour scale:
- L: Easy
- WS: Less difficult
- ZS: Fairly difficult
- S: Difficult
- SS: Very difficult
- AS: Extremely Difficult
- EX: Extremely difficult
Each of these grades can be additionally refined by a minus (-) or plus (+) to allow finer gradations.
The classification is based on main criteria such as steepness, exposure, terrain shape and bottlenecks in the descent. Auxiliary criteria such as the complexity of the route and the correctability of errors can also be taken into account.
How do I choose the right ski tour for my ability?
The choice of ski tour should always be based on your personal ability and alpine experience. Our offers are therefore provided with clear information on the level of difficulty, required stamina and technique to help you make the right decision. We will be happy to provide you with personal advice directly.
-
Endurance
4Walking time 8-9 hours. Up to approx. 1600 vertical meters. For experienced alpinists with very good stamina. -
Technique
2You already have experience of off-piste skiing and are sure-footed on the ascent. You have some touring experience, are familiar with hairpin bends and walking with skins. Easy, hilly terrain (30°) suits you. -
Duration
2 days -
Date
Mid-March - early May -
Participants
1 - 6 people
The "Patrouille des Glaciers" (PDG) is one of the most legendary ski touring races in the world: an alpine endurance test between Zermatt and Verbier. During this ski tour, we take you on the first half of this original route through impressive glacier landscapes, past the north face of the Matterhorn and over the Tête Blanche to Arolla. Two days that will bring you closer to the pulse of the PDG.
Highlights
Duration
The Patrouille des Glaciers light ski tour is divided into two tour days:
- Day 1
- Descent to Stafel: approx. 30 minutes
- Ascent to the Schönbielhütte (2,694 m): approx. 2.5 hours
- 2nd day
- Ascent to Tête Blanche (3,700 m): approx. 4 - 5 hours from the Schönbielhütte
- Descent to Arolla (2,009 m): 4 - 5 hours
Description
Our two-day tour begins at the Schwarzsee mountain station above Zermatt. After a short warm-up descent on the piste to Stafelalp, we put the skins on our skis and climb at a steady pace over the Zmutt glacier to the Schönbielhütte. We spend the night there with a view of the mighty north face of the Matterhorn.
We start early the next morning. The trail leads us past Stockji over the Glacier de Tsa de Tsan up to Tête Blanche. This point marks the highest section of the Patrouille des Glaciers and gives us a magnificent 360° panorama. A short break is followed by a long descent with a counter-climb over the Col de Bertol, past the hut of the same name, to Arolla in the Val d'Hérens.
Program
Day 1: Ascent to Schönbiel Hut
- Meeting point at 9:00 am with your local and IFMGA-certified mountain guide at the Matterhorn Express valley station (depending on the season)
- Shared cable car ride to the Schwarzsee mountain station
- Descent on the ski slope to the Stafelalp mountain restaurant
- Ascent with skis over the Zmutt Glacier to the Schönbiel Hut
Day 2: Ascent of Tête Blanche and Descent to Arolla
- Start the ski tour with your private mountain guide around 6:00 am (depending on the season)
- Ascent of Tête Blanche via the original route of the Patrouille des Glaciers
- Descent via Cabane de Bertol to Arolla
- Return journey together to Zermatt
Meeting point
09:00 at the Matterhorn Express valley station, at Dorsaz Sport
Meeting point on Google Maps
Matterhorn Express valley station at Dorsaz Sport
Additional costs
- Train journey Zermatt-Schwarzsee: from approx. CHF 50.00
Reduction with GA, Half-Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass (more information can be found at Zermatt Bergbahnen AG) - Rental equipment:
- Avalanche transceiver (LVS), avalanche shovel and avalanche probe: can be rented at the ZERMATTERS Homebase at a special price of CHF 15.00 per person from 17.00 the day before. The rented equipment must be returned to the ZERMATTERS Homebase after the tour by 5 p.m. at the latest
- Other equipment: from CHF 80.00, available in a sports store in Zermatt
Material
To ensure that you are optimally equipped for the ski tour on the Tête Blanche, you should definitely have this equipment with you.
- Touring skis with running binding (binding adjusted)
- Touring ski boots
- Telescopic poles
- Backpack should not weigh more than 8-9 kg (skis must be able to be tied on)
- skins
- crampons
- crampons
- Climbing harness
- 1 carabiner
- ice axe
- shovel
- probe
- AVALANCHE TRANSCEIVER
- Warm, weatherproof touring ski clothing
- Warm gloves
- Finger gloves
- Helmet (optional)
- Hat / headband
- Goggles, sunglasses, sun cream
- Headlamp
- Silk sleeping bag (obligatory)
- Thermos flask, drinks
- Snacks (high-energy food such as chocolate, dried fruit, energy bars)
- Wash kit
- Minimal spare underwear
- Plasters
- Personal pharmacy
- Cash, identity card
After booking
After booking, you will receive a confirmation by email. Please check that your details are correct.
Two days before the tour, you will receive a link to the customer portal.
Please contact us before the tour to go over the details (current weather, conditions, group size, etc.). You can reach us by phone, email or visit us at the ZERMATTERS Homebase.
The Patrouille des Glaciers light
General information about the Patrouille des Glaciers light
- This tour follows the first half of the original route of the Patrouille des Glaciers. It is ideal as preparation for a ski touring race or as an alpine pleasure tour with a sporting challenge.
- The route is part of the famous "Haute Route" from Chamonix to Zermatt, one of the most beautiful ski crossings in the Alps.
- The start of the ski tour is in the German-speaking Upper Valais, the finish in the French-speaking Lower Valais. One tour, two cultures.
Special features of the Patrouille des Glaciers light
- At 3,706 m, the Tête Blanche is the highest point of the Patrouille des Glaciers and also the alpine highlight of our light version.
- You get a taste of real PDG air, but without the stress of racing, in a safe environment and with a certified ZERMATTERS guide at your side.
Meeting point and program
- At 09:00 am at the Matterhorn Express valley station and joint train ride to Schwarzsee and start of the ski tour.
Safety and risk warnings
- Even though the tour is not technically very difficult, you should not underestimate the alpine risks. The route leads over glaciers where there is always a risk of crevasses. For this reason, ZERMATTERS will always accompany you professionally and provide you with the necessary safety equipment. Weather changes can come as a surprise on the Tête Blanche, which is why the orientation and experience of our local mountain guides are crucial.
Do I need a mountain guide for a ski tour?
Yes, a mountain guide is highly recommended for a ski tour. Ski tours in alpine terrain require experience in avalanche awareness, route selection and snow conditions. Especially in high alpine regions such as Zermatt, many tours lead through challenging terrain with steep descents and possible crevasses. If you want to get the best out of your ski tour and minimize risks, a professional guide is the best choice.
What are the advantages of a local ski tour guide?
A local ski tour guide from Zermatt knows the mountains, snow and weather conditions like no other. Thanks to his regional expertise, the tour can be optimally planned and flexibly adapted to current conditions. He also enriches the experience with exciting stories and insights into the regional culture and mountain world - for a safe and unforgettable ski tour.
What should I look out for when booking a ski tour guide?
Make sure that your mountain guide is certified according to the standards of the International Union of Mountain Guide Associations (UIAGM/IFMGA). This certification guarantees comprehensive training and compliance with the highest safety standards. All ZERMATTERS mountain guides are trained according to these international guidelines.
What difficulty levels are ski tours divided into?
Ski tours are divided into seven main levels of difficulty according to the SAC ski tour scale:
- L: Easy
- WS: Less difficult
- ZS: Fairly difficult
- S: Difficult
- SS: Very difficult
- AS: Extremely Difficult
- EX: Extremely difficult
Each of these grades can be additionally refined by a minus (-) or plus (+) to allow finer gradations.
The classification is based on main criteria such as steepness, exposure, terrain shape and bottlenecks in the descent. Auxiliary criteria such as the complexity of the route and the correctability of errors can also be taken into account.
How do I choose the right ski tour for my ability?
The choice of ski tour should always be based on your personal ability and alpine experience. Our offers are therefore provided with clear information on the level of difficulty, required stamina and technique to help you make the right decision. We will be happy to provide you with personal advice directly.
