Melting and disintegrating glaciers at the end of the valley, accessible in an easy hike. The Glacier du Mont Collon breaks into the valley from the plateau at an altitude of over 3,000 m, forming mighty seracs. In contrast, the Bas Glacier d’Arolla at the bottom of the valley is only a remnant of scree-covered dead ice. The ice tunnel that was still standing in spring 2022 (pictures from 2021) has collapsed, the debris lines still finely recognizable. In contrast, the moraine remains of the Little Ice Age with its local maximum around 1850 are very clearly visible, the light gray steep slopes when looking out into the valley.

Shooting: July 11 2023

From a higher altitude, one can clearly see the Glacier du Mont Collon on the plateau, with the Petit Mont Collon behind it. On the other side of Mont Collon extends the valley formed by Haut Glacier d’Arolla, into which the glacier has retreated deeply. Its end is the glacier gate, which is one of the sources of the Borgne d’Arolla. The glacier itself is covered in the lower part by a thick layer of scree. Again, the remains of moraines indicate the extent of the glacier less than 200 years ago.

Shooting: July 11 2023

The Madonna of Arolla, watches over the valley. You have just arrived in Arolla? Walk up to her to greet her.

Shooting: July 11 2023