Arolla lies at 1,998 m above sea level at the upper end of Val d’Hérens. Activities associated with the village range from the trail to Lac Bleu to high-alpine routes. When planning your trip, it is worth keeping the different elevations and time estimates in mind: a stroll through the village, a hike and a high-mountain outing are not the same kind of excursion.
Location in the Upper Val d’Hérens
Arolla is part of the municipality of Evolène in the Hérens district of the canton of Valais and is located in French-speaking Switzerland. About 3.5 km north of the Arolla Glacier system around Mont Collon (3,637 m above sea level), the village lies at the head of the valley. The surrounding peaks reach elevations of 3,600 to 4,000 m. The Aiguilles Rouges d’Arolla (3,646 m above sea level) lie to the northwest; to the southwest are Pigne d’Arolla (3,796 m above sea level), Mont Blanc de Cheilon (3,870 m above sea level) and La Ruinette (3,875 m above sea level).
The Cabane des Vignettes is also at a different elevation from the village: the hut is at 3,157 m above Arolla, on the Haute Route from Zermatt to Chamonix. The journey from Arolla takes 3 to 4 hours. Conditions on this high-alpine route can change with the conditions in the mountains and on the glacier.
Trails, Lac Bleu and the Glacier
A shorter time estimate applies to the hike from Arolla to Lac Bleu: the easy trail via Pramousse takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The lake lies at 2,090 m at the lower end of Val d’Hérens, amid alpine scenery with diverse flora. This makes it possible to consider the hike as a separate outing rather than equating it with a high-alpine route.
On the glacier trail, visitors can learn how the ice masses have changed over time. Another route description leads from Arolla to the foot of Glacier de Pièce: the route follows ski slopes; at 2,100 m, it branches off across the slopes to a moraine that leads directly to the glacier at 2,480 m. Alpine conditions can affect access, so take current conditions into account when planning this route.
Cross-country skiing, the ski area and high-alpine tours
The full Arolla cross-country ski trail is a moderately difficult route covering 9.35 km; the stated duration is 2 hours and 21 minutes. The trail is seasonal, and snow conditions and grooming may vary. The Arolla ski area lies between 2,000 and 3,000 m. Its aspect ensures optimal snow conditions throughout the season.
Ski touring is also part of the village’s alpine character. Arolla lies at the heart of the Haute Route and Patrouille des Glaciers routes and is the starting point for numerous ski-touring routes into the high mountains. These can be used to prepare for major races. For those who prefer climbing, Arolla has numerous climbing sectors between 1,800 and 2,600 m. Conditions or safety restrictions may apply to individual sectors; take them into account when planning each outing.
Village stroll and local history
A stroll through the village passes rustic wooden houses and the namesake Arolla pines. The settlement has been documented since the Middle Ages and was discovered by mountaineers in the 19th century. This local history offers a different perspective on Arolla from its elevations and routes: it shows that the village is shaped not only by its role as a starting point for mountain outings, but also by its own development.
Its history includes several hotels built between 1865 and 1935: the Hotel Mont Collon, built by Jean Anzévui in 1865; the Grand Hôtel et Kurhaus, built by Jean Gaspoz in 1898; the Hôtel du Pigne, built by Antoine Métrailler in 1911; the Hotel Victoria, built by Antoine Forclaz and the Follonier brothers in 1912; and the Hôtel du Glacier, built by Jean Anzévui in 1935. The Hotel Victoria is now called Aiguille de la Tsa.
Plan your journey and stay
Arolla can be reached by road, by bus or in a private vehicle. Road and public transport conditions may change seasonally, so check the most suitable connection for your travel dates. The stated journey times and elevations can also help you realistically assess your planned activities.
Discover more destinations: Les Haudères.
Return to the main travel overview: Evolène.
