After being evacuated from the campsite in Arolla due to landslides we headed down to Les Haudères. Due to an unsettled forecast we spent a few days doing day walks rather than heading up to the big mountains.
The first walk was the ridge directly above the campsite, we walked up to the Col de Torrent and then aimed to walk along the ridge over the Pointe du Prélet and along to the Pointe du Tsate.
The walk up to the Col de Torrent had lovely views up the valley towards the Pigne d’Arolla and down the valley towards some mountains north of the Rhone valley. As we were leaving the col we were treated to a close flypast by a bearded vulture which was stunning.
The ridge was fantastic, with great views in every direction, some good scrambling and plenty more wildlife. Unfortunately we got to within 100m of the Pointe du Tsate and had to turn back due to a climb and some loose rocks which we weren’t willing to do without ropes. Thankfully the forecast thunderstorm did not arrive!
The next day we planned on climbing the Pic d’Artsinol but decided to turn back due to the weather looking like it was closing in.
Looking back towards the Pigne d’Arolla
Stunning alpine scenary
At the start of the ridge
Lots of big mountains
On the first summit
Big Ibex
Great views on the ridge
Becky high above Les Haudères
Scrambling on the ridge
High mountains starting to close in
Scrambling on the quick return
Walking up towards Pic d’Artsinol