PROGRAM
The Dent d’Herens is located west side of the Matterhorn, along the Italy-Switzerland border. It is an incredibly beautiful mountain, that can be reached by one of the wildest valleys in the region and the watershed between the Valtournenche and Valpelline. On the Swiss side, the mountain overlooks the Zmutt Glacier. It looks very different depending on the vantage point: from the north it appears as a massive peak, while from the west it presents an elegant pyramidal shape. Its very complicated structure explains the diversity and variety of possible routes to get there.
GROUP DEPARTURES
Difference in altitude: 840 m
Ascent/descent time: 4-5 hours
Meeting point: Place Moulin parking area, close to the Dam (Bionaz – Aosta)
From the dam we head to the village of Prarayer, all the while enjoying the view of the wonderful colours of the reservoir. We keep following the trail as it winds softly into the valley, crossing a centuries-old larch forest and then some grassy meadows. The last stretch is the most exerting: an equipped but very steep trail that leads all the way to the Aosta Hut (2,788 m). Dinner and overnight stay at the refuge.
Difference in altitude: 840 m
Ascent/descent time: 4-5 hours
Meeting point: Place Moulin parking area, close to the Dam (Bionaz – Aosta)
From the dam we head to the village of Prarayer, all the while enjoying the view of the wonderful colours of the reservoir. We keep following the trail as it winds softly into the valley, crossing a centuries-old larch forest and then some grassy meadows. The last stretch is the most exerting: an equipped but very steep trail that leads all the way to the Aosta Hut (2,788 m). Dinner and overnight stay at the refuge.
Difference in altitude: 1,400 m
Descent gain: 2,240 m
Ascent/Descent time: 12-14 hours
From the hut, we go down until we reach the moraines. A steep trail takes us to the northernmost part of the crevassed Grandes Murailles Glacier. We head left until we reach the couloir that, with the help of chains, leads to the Tiefenmattenjoch (3,574 m). From here, by a solid-rock ridge, we reach an ice-covered slope that leads to the last rocky stretch to negotiate to reach the summit, with its incomparable view of the Matterhorn.
The descent is via the same route.
Difference in altitude: 1,400 m
Descent gain: 2,240 m
Ascent/Descent time: 12-14 hours
From the hut, we go down until we reach the moraines. A steep trail takes us to the northernmost part of the crevassed Grandes Murailles Glacier. We head left until we reach the couloir that, with the help of chains, leads to the Tiefenmattenjoch (3,574 m). From here, by a solid-rock ridge, we reach an ice-covered slope that leads to the last rocky stretch to negotiate to reach the summit, with its incomparable view of the Matterhorn.
The descent is via the same route.
DETAILS
RATES
- the assistance of a UIAGM/IFMGA certified Mountain Guide
- liability insurance
- booking assistance service (including assistance for refuges and lifts reservation)
The rate does not include
- research and rescue insurance with UVGAM coverage (recommended): €5 per person for 3 days
- the hiring of any personal equipment (harness, ice axe, crampons and helmet): €30/day per person while supplies last
- the Mountain Guide’s expenses (transfers, meals and accommodation) to be covered by participants
- transfers
- transfers, meals and accommodation (half-board at Aosta Hut €55 per person)
- anything that is not mentioned under "The rate includes"
