The traverse from Piz Palù (3900 m) to Piz Bernina (4049 m) is one of the most spectacular and complete routes in the Bernina Group, featuring a perfect mix of sharp ridges, mixed terrain (snow, ice, and rock), and breathtaking views over the Central Alps. This is a challenging and technical route that requires excellent physical preparation, glacier experience, and solid climbing skills on exposed ridges.

  • Piz Palù, Piz Bernina
  • 3 days
  • Medium difficulty
  • Presence of nearby refreshment point
  • Maximum number of participants
  • Suitable for adults only

Piz Palù - Piz Bernina traverse

The Piz Palù - Piz Bernina Traverse is an extraordinary mountaineering itinerary for expert alpinists, an exceptional alpine challenge, combining two legendary peaks in a single adventure: one of the most beautiful traverses in the Alps, with exposed and technical ridges; a complete alpine experience on snow, ice, and rock, breathtaking views over the Engadin and Valmalenco regions.

Route Overview:

Day 01: approach to Diavolezza Hut
Meeting point at the Diavolezza cable car parking.
Ascent by cable car to the Diavolezza refuge 2978 m.
Dinner and overnight stay at the refuge.

Day 02: Piz Palù traverse
Cross the Pers Glacier, reaching the base of the East Ridge of Piz Palù.
The ascent follows the stunning East Ridge, featuring exposed snow sections and rock climbing (up to II-III UIAA).
After 4-5 hours of climbing, the summit of Piz Palù (3900 m) is reached.
Descent along the West Ridge to Fuorcla Bellavista (3688 m), where an overnight stay is possible at the Marco e Rosa hut. Dinner and overnight stay at the refuge.
Elevation gain approximately 1000 m - elevation loss 480 m - 6/7 hours

Day 03: Piz Bernina Normal route
From Fuorcla Bellavista, follow the Bellavista Ridge, with mixed climbing sections and exposed snowy ridges.
Reach Crast' Agüzza (3854 m), a key point in the traverse with rock climbing sections up to III UIAA.
After Crast' Agüzza, cross the glacier to the base of the South-West Ridge (Spallagrat) of Piz Bernina.
The climb alternates rock climbing (III UIAA) with snow and mixed terrain, leading to the summit of Piz Bernina (4049 m).
The descent follows the Spallagrat, leading back to Marco e Rosa Hut. From there, a long descent continues to Morteratsch via the Morteratsch Glacier, until the cable car station..
Elevation gain approximately 800 m - elevation loss 1350 m - 8/10hours

Mountain guide price for the Piz Palù - Piz Bernina mountaineering traverse

from € 1200 - 1 person
from € 1400 - 2 persons

The price not includes:

Overnight stay, dinner and breakfast (2 nigths).
Tickets for lift facilities.
The Mountain Guide's expenses (lifts, transfers, meals and accommodation).
Transfers.

Where to meet your mountain guide

  • Meeting point On the day of your excursion, meet your guide:
    Diavolezza cable car - Bernina Suot 6
    7504 Pontresina
    Switzerland
  • Meeting time to be agreed
  • Geographic coordinates 46°26'28.9"N 9°59'00.7"E

What to bring

  • Crampons
  • Mountaineering ax
  • Climbing helmet
  • Climbing harness
  • Descender
  • Carabiners
  • Mountain boots
  • Water bottle
  • Snacks
  • Technical apparel
  • Change of clothing
  • Backpack

What you need to know

  • Equipment Remember to bring the minimum required equipment for the activity. If you do not own the equipment let us know, we will provide it for you, if available or for hire.
  • Reservation The reservation for this experience is individual, with a dedicated mountain guide. It may be reserved for a number of participants no greater than the maximum number allowed.
  • Excursion price The price shown is for the excursion with the dedicated mountain guide and possible transfer using the guide's private vehicle. It is valid for individual reservations for a number of participants that does not exceed the maximum number allowed.
  • Safety The mountain guide may cancel or suspend the excursion or change the itinerary if minimum safety conditions are not guaranteed. Please view the terms.
  • Rigid terms of cancellation The terms of cancellation and change for this experience are rigid. Please view the terms.

How to reserve your mountain guide

To reserve a IFMGA-UIAGM Certified Mountain Guides for climbing the Piz Palù - Piz Bernina traverse, you must send a request that provides and specifies your contact information, the number of participants and the date/period in which you wish to take the Piz Palù - Piz Bernina mountaineering experience.
We will respond immediately to confirm the availability of the guide, the deadline, if any, to confirm the option for the reservation, methods of payment, characteristics and organization of the mountaineering experience.
Once the reservation is confirmed, we will send you the receipt and the presentation voucher with the details of the service, the name of the mountain guide or the mountaineering school, and all the contact information.

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