GLACIERS

A selection of excursions to the most beautiful glaciers in the Alps, or to what remains of them after their dramatic retreat.

A drone view of the Aletsch Glacier, the largest in the Alps. Stretching over 18km long and approximately 1km wide at the point where this photo was taken.

If you have a choice, hikes in this section should perhaps have the highest priority. Due to climate change, all the glaciers in the Alps are retreating by tens if not hundreds of meters per year. It is predicted that by 2100 no glacier will be left in Europe. If you are a glacier enthusiast, better go and see them as soon as possible.

This section includes some excursions to the most beautiful glaciers in the Alps — or which were so at the time of writing. Some photos may be many-year old — don't set your expectations too high ;')

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THE BEST HIKES IN THIS CATEGORY

Aletsch Glacier — Aletschgletscher

The most classic excursion to the Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps.

4.30 h

14km

460

Monte Fortin and Rifugio Elisabetta Soldini in Val Veny

A sensational panoramic terrace overlooking Mont Blanc and the Himalayan Miage Glacier.

7:30 h

21km

1190

Glacier d'Orny and Cabanne du Trient

Excursion to the imposing Orny Glacier, in the Mont Blanc group

6:00 h

13km

970

Boval Hut at the Morteratsch Glacier

In front of the Bernina, in an imposing glacial environment.

5:00 h

14km

640

Zamboni Zappa refuge at the Belvedere Glacier

At the foot of the 4000 meters of Monte Rosa, the excursion to the Rifugio Zamboni Zappa is a glaciological tour.

5.30 h

13km

870

Lakes, glaciers and waterfalls in the Rutor Valley

Excursion to the Deffeyes Refuge via the Rutor Waterfalls, in front of the Rutor Glacier.

7:30 h

20km

1070

Suretta Bivouac from the Spluga Pass

A panoramic circular ride astride the Spluga Pass, culminating at the Suretta Bivouac

5:00 h

11km

850

Bignami refuge and Marson al Fellaria glaciological path

In the upper Valmalenco, in front of the Fellaria Glacier.

5.30h

15km

670

Forno Hut at the Forno Glacier

Long excursion in the Forno Valley, rewarded with views worthy of Patagonia.

8:00 h

21km

1020

Gerli Porro Refuge and Ventina Glaciological Path

Discovering Alpe Ventina, on the trail of a retreating glacier.

3.30h

10km

700

GLACIERS

A selection of excursions to the most beautiful glaciers in the Alps, or to what remains of them after their dramatic retreat.

THE BEST HIKES IN THIS CATEGORY

Aletsch Glacier — Aletschgletscher

The most classic excursion to the Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps.

Monte Fortin and Rifugio Elisabetta Soldini in Val Veny

A sensational panoramic terrace overlooking Mont Blanc and the Himalayan Miage Glacier.

Glacier d'Orny and Cabanne du Trient

Excursion to the imposing Orny Glacier, in the Mont Blanc group

Boval Hut at the Morteratsch Glacier

In front of the Bernina, in an imposing glacial environment.

Zamboni Zappa refuge at the Belvedere Glacier

At the foot of the 4000 meters of Monte Rosa, the excursion to the Rifugio Zamboni Zappa is a glaciological tour.

Lakes, glaciers and waterfalls in the Rutor Valley

Excursion to the Deffeyes Refuge via the Rutor Waterfalls, in front of the Rutor Glacier.

Suretta Bivouac from the Spluga Pass

A panoramic circular ride astride the Spluga Pass, culminating at the Suretta Bivouac

Bignami refuge and Marson al Fellaria glaciological path

In the upper Valmalenco, in front of the Fellaria Glacier.

Forno Hut at the Forno Glacier

Long excursion in the Forno Valley, rewarded with views worthy of Patagonia.

Gerli Porro Refuge and Ventina Glaciological Path

Discovering Alpe Ventina, on the trail of a retreating glacier.

MAP

AOSTA VALLEY

PIEDMONT

LAKE COMO

VALTELLINA

VALCHIAVENNA

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