OverviewThe Aiguille de la Tsa is also known as the Matterhorn of Arolla. This pointed summit rises high above the small mountainvillage Arolla. From Arolla it is a very impressive mountain that seems to be very hard.
The mountain lies between the Arolla valley and the glacier du Mont Miné. From the summit you'll get a beautifull view towards the Dent Blanche on one side and the Pigne d'Arolla on the other side.
The mountain offers great climbing in average climbing difficulties. There are several possibilities to traverse the mountain, wich gives you a great climb in a beautifull surrounding.
The valley of Arolla is nice and quiet. The stream of tourist didn't overtake this small mountainvillage, wich makes it very nice to stay.
The First ascent of the Aiguille de la Tsa: 21 july 1868, Pierre Beytrison & guides.
Getting ThereIn general:
By Car: From Sion in the Rhône Valley, advance to Val d'Herens, Les Haudères and then to Arolla.
Public Transport: The nearest trainstation is in Sion (about 40km away), from Sion you'll have to take the bus that leads to the village.
To the Bertol Hut:
At the end of the Arolla valley there is a small parking lot. Arolla 2089m - Plans de Bertol - Col de Bertol - Cab de Bertol 3311m : 4 h 30'
See this page for a map of the route.
To the Cab de la Tsa:
Arolla 2089m - Les Places - La Tsa 2607m : 1 h 45'
See this page for a map of the route.
RoutesNormal way from the Bertol Hut:
From the Bertol over the ladder back to the Col and then in northeast direction on the saddle between point de Bertol and point 3372 m (cable just below the col). On the other side you see already the summit. But first you'll have to cross the dangerous glacier towards the plateau beneath the summit.
From here, the climbing starts. In 3-4 pitches you reach the summit by a section of traverses and chimneys.
The descent can be done in 3 rappels to the base of the summit.
The climb takes about 2-3 hours and contains climbing passages of IV- (AD/ZS).
Normal way from the Cab de la Tsa (see picture):
From the Cab. de la Tsa there are several possibilities to climb the Aiguille de la Tsa. I describe the traverse of the Pointe Tsalion - Dent de Tsalion.
The Pointe Tsalion is easy to reach under good conditions (with snow much harder to find). The traverse to the Dent de Tsalion offers great climbing passages(II). After the Dent you'll reach the plateau beneath the summit. (see above for the last part of the climb).
The climb takes about 4-5 hours (depending on conditions) (AD/ZS).
Maps and GuidebooksMaps:
* Carte nationale de la Suisse: Nr. 283 Arolla, 1:50000
* Carte nationale de la Suisse: Nr. 1347 Matterhorn, 1:25000
Guidebooks:
* SAC guidebook: Walliser Alpen, Band 3, Nr. 232-6
* SAC guidebook: Hochtouren im Walis, Vom Trient zum NufenenpaßExternal LinksHuts:
Cab. de Bertol
Cab. de la Tsa
Arolla:
Arolla
Camping:
Camping Arolla
Weather:
Meteo Schweiz Images
|
