Bricola

Distance: 6.0 - 13.0 miles (round trip)

Valais, near Les Hauderes in The Valais

Ferpecle Glacier

Two rivers of ice, surrounded by towering peaks, flow down the head of the Val d'Herens. This hike ascends the peaceful valley to the stunning viewpoint at Bricola, a high alp overlooking this spectacle of rock and ice. Extend the hike to Les Manzettes for even better views.
See Trail Detail/Full Description

Distance: 10.0 miles (round trip) to Bricola
12.8 miles (round trip) to Les Manzettes
13.0 miles (round trip) to Les Hauderes
Elevation: 5,670-ft. at Trailhead
7,923-ft. at Bricola
8,972-ft. at Les Manzettes
4,835-ft. at Les Hauderes
Elevation Gain: 2,253-ft. to Bricola
3,162-ft. to Les Manzettes
-4,137-ft. to Les Hauderes
Difficulty: strenuous
More Hikes in:
Les Hauderes / The Valais

Why Hike Bricola

This off-the-beaten path hike ascends to the beautiful meadows of the Bricola alp with dramatic views of two massive glaciers, separated by Mont Mine, at the head of the Val d'Herens. To the east of Mont Mine the Ferpecle Glacier tumbles steeply down the cirque rimmed by Tete Blanche, the Wandfluehorn and Dent Blanche. To the west of Mont Mine, Tete Blanche, Dents de Bertol and the Aiguille de la Tsa tower above the Mont Mine Glacier.

Along the way the scenic trail travels through small alps and bucolic pastures before climbing steeply to Bricola. Fine views of the Ferpecle and Mont Mine Glacier accompany the hike.

Extend the day by ascending to the terminal moraine along the north side of Les Manzettes Glacier for more stunning views of Dent Blanche and the high peaks towering above the Ferpecle Glacier. On the return leg of the hike a short detour takes you to the foot of the Mont Mine Glacier with more great views of the rugged peaks towering above the river of ice.

Post buses can be used to shorten the hike and reduce the elevation gain. The buses are infrequent and best used at the start of the hike. On the return leg hikers should plan on walking back to Les Hauderes to avoid a long wait or miss the last bus of the day.

See Trail Detail/Full Description