Piz Palü east summit from the valley
Take the first gondola up to the most beautiful snow and ice mountain early in the morning.Piz Palü east summit from the valley
The first Diavolezza cable car takes us to the starting point of the tour early in the morning. From the Diavolezza mountain station, the mountain trail starts around the Trovat on the Pers Glacier. Piz Palü is considered one of the most beautifully shaped icebergs in the Alps - a three-peaked massif that sparkles like a jewel in the middle of the Bernina Group. Its enormous firn flank, which rises like a white sail above the Pers Glacier, is particularly striking. Those who climb its narrow ridge to the main summit will experience a unique combination of high alpine challenge and aesthetic elegance. The Palü is not an extreme technical mountain, but a classic - and a must for anyone who wants to feel the heart of the Alps.
Piz Palü east summit from the valley
Day 1
Piz Palü east summit with the first gondola
We take the first Diavolezza gondola up to the Diavolezza. Following a narrow hiking trail, we reach the Pers Glacier. Here, we rope up and ascend the glacier wearing crampons. In the Cambrena Cracks, we wind our way through a crevasse zone before reaching the so-called Schnapsboden further up. A wonderful spot to rest before continuing on a steeper ascent to the ridge shoulder at approximately 3,750 meters. After a quick snack, we continue our ascent, first up a steeper firn slope, then along a narrow firn ridge to the east summit of Piz Palü (3,882 m).
We make the descent via the same route and are back on the Diavolezza sun terrace shortly after noon (after about a 3-hour descent).8h
1,100 hm
1,100 hm
You need to be in good physical condition for a tour lasting around 8 hours (around 300 meters in altitude per hour). You must also have a head for heights, be sure-footed and have previous experience of walking with crampons and ice axe.
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08:00 a.m.
You'll meet your mountain guide at 7:40 a.m. at the Diavolezza cable car's valley station. Together, we'll take the 8:00 a.m. cable car up to Diavolezza. It's important that we catch the first cable car so we can start the tour early.
The Diavolezza cable car valley station is easily accessible by public transport. Both the Rhaetian Railway and a bus serve the station. The stop is called "Bernina Diavolezza."
There is a large, free parking lot at the valley station of the Diavolezza cable car.
The Piz Palü is also available as a tour with overnight stay in the Berghaus Diavolezza: to the offer.
Group booking
Book Piz Palü East Summit from the valley as a group
Booking as part of a group is especially great value for individuals. To ensure the groups are as compatible as possible, it's important that you meet the requirements regarding endurance and technique.
For group tours/courses, the minimum number of participants must be reached for the tour to go ahead. If this number isn't reached, we'll get in touch, and you can decide whether you'd like to cancel the booking or move it to another date. You also have the option of booking the tour with a private mountain guide (see prices below).
Season | September – October |
Group days | daily |
Group size | 2 – 3 people |
For tours that include a meeting point or arrival at a mountain hut the night before, please select the date of the summit day or tour day (not the arrival date) when booking.
Private booking
The private price refers to 1 person. The price for additional persons will be calculated and displayed when filling out the booking/request form after adding the additional persons.
Book Piz Palü East Summit from the valley with a private mountain guide
With a private mountain guide, you have maximum flexibility on your tour or course, whether you are traveling alone, as a couple, or as a group. Individual adjustments to the program are usually possible. You will enjoy your mountain guide's full attention throughout the trip.
Season | September – October |
Privately bookable | daily on your preferred date |
Group size | Maximum 3 people |
