Rosablanche

Rosablanche is a glaciated 3,336 m summit in the Swiss Pennine Alps, rising above the municipality of Hérémence in the canton of Valais. It sits on the ridge that divides the Bagnes valley to the west from the Hérémence valley to the east, north of Le Pleureur, and looks out over Lac des Dix. For mountain walkers who want a first 3,000-metre summit without technical rock climbing, it is a well-known objective.

Where is Rosablanche?

The peak belongs to the Pleureur massif. Glaciers flow from its slopes, notably the Prafleuri glacier and the Grand Désert glacier, the latter about 2.25 km long. Coordinates are roughly 46.06° N, 7.35° E. The huge Grande Dixence reservoir system lies nearby.

How do you climb it?

This is a glacier outing rather than an ordinary hike. The usual starting points are:

• Cabane de Prafleuri (around 2,600 m) on the Hérémence side. The route follows the path toward Col de Prafleuri, turns off near a small lake at about 2,769 m, then crosses the Prafleuri glacier to the top.
• Grande Dixence dam above Lac des Dix in the Hérémence valley.
• Siviez in the Nendaz valley, a longer approach with more crevasses.

Crampons are needed on the ice, and groups should carry a rope and harness. Crevasses open up in the lower parts of the glaciers, so anyone without glacier experience should hire a mountain guide. Nendaz tourism offers a two-day package: a night at the Saint-Laurent hut above Lac de Cleuson, then a guided ascent. Summit day takes 8 to 9 hours of walking with roughly 840 m of ascent, and getting back to Siviez adds about 2 hours.

Can you ski tour here?

Yes. In spring Rosablanche is a classic ski-touring goal, often starting at Prafleuri or in the valley. One documented route from Prafleuri is graded PD and S2, with about 1,750 m of total climbing. Check snow and avalanche conditions before setting out.

When should you go?

Summer ascents work best from July to September, once the access paths are clear of snow. Ski tourers come from late winter into spring. An early start gives firmer snow and safer glacier travel.

What else is nearby?

Lac des Dix and the Grande Dixence dam are among the most striking sights in Valais. Easier walking trails with glacier views also leave from the Hérémence and Nendaz valleys.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Rosablanche? It stands at 3,336 m above sea level.

Do I need climbing equipment? Yes. Crampons are required on the glacier, and groups need a rope and harness.

Where is the easiest place to start? The most popular start is Cabane de Prafleuri on the Hérémence side. Other routes begin at the Grande Dixence dam and at Siviez.

How long does the climb take? With a night at the Saint-Laurent hut, summit day is about 8 to 9 hours of walking, plus around 2 hours back to Siviez.