Mont Dolin

Overview

The Mont Dolin lies at the eastern edge of the chain that surrounds the cirque of Les Fontanesses, near the ski resort Arolla. This chain includes from W to E the Monts Rouges (3314m), La Cassorte (3301m), La Roussette (3262m), Mont Gitsa (3114m), and Mont Dolin (2974m). Mont Dolin is the lowest, but also the most prominent summit in this chain when viewed from Arolla. To the N Mont Dolin is separated from Mont Gitsa by the La Forcla saddle (2889m). The mountain is built up from metamorphic and limestone rock with steep rock faces to the W, N, and E. The summit is connected to La Forcla in the N by a sharp ridge. The S-face is a steep (40-50 degrees) grassy slope with a couple of rock outcrops. Mont Dolin has two summits that are split by a shallow saddle, with the summits about 30m higher than the saddle.

The view from Mont Dolin towards Pigne d'Arolla, Glacier d'Arolla, Mont Collon, Haut Glacier d'Arolla and the Bouquetins is one of the best there is in this area. Recently, several structures have been built near the summit and below the N-ridge to prevent avalanches in winter.

Routes

Two routes are used to reach the summit:

1. From the ruins at Le Remointse (2399m), which is along the path from Arolla to the Cabane des Dix. First towards the base of the S-face (2621m) and further directly to the summit over the grassy slopes of the S-face (easy climb, but no path). This route takes 3 hours from Arolla.

2. From La Forcla (2889m) over the N-ridge, which involves some rock scrambling (UIAA grade II) This route has lost some of its appeal, because of the avalanche works. This route takes 4-5 hours from Arolla.

Getting There

Arolla can be reached by post bus from Sion (about 3-4 buses per day). Sion in on the railway connection between Geneve and Brig. Geneve has an international airport. See for bus and train connections the CFF website:http://www.cff.ch/

Red Tape

No permits required

When To Climb

In winter it is an interesting mountain for ski mountaineering (requires excellent skiing skills). Summer climbs are best from July to the end of September.

Camping

There is a good campsite in Arolla .

Mountain Conditions

Weather:
http://www.alpenverein.at/wetter/index.asp

Books and maps

Maps:
Arolla 283 1:50 000; Chanrion 1346 and Matterhorn 1347 1:25 000

Books:
Michael Waeber, Walliser Alpen. DAV-Gebietsführer. 12th ed. München, 1999. ISBN 3-7633-2416-X

Maurice Brandt, Clubführer Walliser Alpen 2: Vom Gr.St. Bernard zum Col Collon. SAC Lausanne, 1999. ISBN 3-85902-145-1

Images

View Mont Dolin Image Gallery - 7 Images