Col des Ignes (3182m)

This route takes you to a magnificent col high above the valley of Arolla and the valley of the Dix with amazing views over these two valleys. The Col des Ignes is at an altitude of 3185m and can only be reached through an alpine trail so this means that it’s not for the average hikers but for hikers with alpine experience.

Summary

Length: 15,8km
Height difference: 1320m
Duration: 7-8h
Difficulty: T4 - Alpine trail

Route

The hike starts in the center of Arolla, there is a parking space above or below the village. From there you’ll follow in the direction of Cabane des Aiguilles Rouges (T2 trail). We keep hiking in this direction until after the junction to Tête du Tronc. We keep following the trail and after you’ll pass a bridge at the next junction, at a little stream, there is a big rock with blue letters “Cab. Dix”. We head left in that direction through the stream and look for white blue white marks indicating the alpine trail. The trail is very well marked, in the beginning some extra stone men lead the way too. We keep looking for these marks to get to the col. Depending on what time in the summer you do this hike there can still be several snow fields that must be crossed. Along the way to the com you’ll get amazing views over the surounding mountains and the Aiguilles Rouges at your right (it's really impressive!). Once at the col you’ll get to see the amazing view over the Val de Dix and it’s mountains. It’s an ideal place to rest out and have some food. The next part is down towards Glacier de Cheillon, the descent is very steep in loose rocks which can be slippery, so watch out! The path further descends through some big rock sections so be cautious! Multiple snow fields can be on your path also, we’re still at alpine trail so this is what you get. The path joins the trail from the Barrage de Dix and we’ll go in the direction of Col de Riedmatten / Pas de Chevres. You can choose which of the two you will do, the first one is a bit more climbing, the other one is with a ladder and not for persons with vertigo. Advance through the rocky part to one of the two points. Once up, take the only descending path towards Arolla. Along the way back to Arolla at your right some nice views await too, so that concludes this panoramic route.