Cabane de Prafleuri to Arolla

The next morning we got up at 5:15 am and got ready for another tough day of hiking. Once again, one of the most important parts of that preparation is taping up the toes. 

In our collective memories from our Haute Route trip eight years ago, this was the stage we dreaded the most! This stage has lots of exposure including a series of ladders - the thought of attempting the ladders and chains in rain, wind, and/or lightening had me worried.

However, we were so thankful when we got up that the  storm had passed through and the sun was shining. 

Right out of the gate, we had to climb a first col, Col de Roux which was at 9,200 ft. I think the combination of an early start and residual fatigue from the day before meant a slow start for several of us. But once we reached the top, we were rewarded with a beautiful view of Lac Des Dix.

Our hike today would take us all the way down to the shores of the lake, then to the end of the lake, and up to the next col that you can see as the passageway between the mountains at the end of the lake.

Once we got down closer to the lake, we all enjoyed a relatively flat hike all the way down to the end. At this point, we stopped and ate a refueling snack before starting our climb up. This was the portion of the hike where we took a wrong turn eight years ago that cost us about 1.5 hours of hiking. We were determined not to make that mistake again and kept checking the MapsMe app frequently to make sure we were staying on the trail. 

In spite of the beautiful weather, it was a grueling slog up and we each had to find our own ways to tap into our inner strength. This was the first time I pulled out my headphones and listened to some Yo-Yo Ma music (the famous cellist) - perhaps a strange choice to hike to but it helped me to get through this stretch. 

Once again, our collective memories about this section of the hike was that we would reach a large boulder field before approaching the chains and ladders section. Before entering the boulders section, we stopped for lunch to give us energy for what was ahead.

This gives you an idea of the boulder field we slowly picked our way through. For me, this is where I’ve really seen major improvement in my technique. On the previous trip when I was hiking with too heavy of a pack, it took all my energy to lift myself up onto the boulder. Then I would stop and tentatively try to figure out where to step next. This time I concentrated on NOT stopping, but simultaneously taking a step and figuring out where my next step would be (thanks, Greg, for a Sir Isaac Newton’s Law of Motion lesson). The whole process was made so much easier with my lighter pack. Definitely “did it better” this trip. 


After making our way through the boulders, we reached the chains attached to the rock walls. You hold to the chain while crossing a very narrow ledge with a super steep drop off to one side. If that wasn’t enough, there are the ladders! 

You can’t even imagine the sense of exhilaration and relief when we all made it to the top! We were all grateful that there were no weather elements (rain, wind, or lightening) to add to the fear factor! 

Once you get to the top, there is a long, slow hike down (about 2.5 hours) to our hotel in Arolla. As wonderful as it is to have the climbs, chains, and ladders behind us, the descent is punishing on your body. I know I’m not the only one whose knees and toes were crying out. 

We finally made it to our beautiful hotel eager for our planned rest day. The Grand Hôtel and Kurhaus is a favorite memory from eight years ago . . . And this time our collective memory of this beautiful place was spot on! So happy to be here to enjoy our time as well as have Tom rejoin us!

Tom had a great time meeting Patrick, too!

One more thing, the number of steps on my Fitbit today was 37,422!