In collaboration with the company Arcatour, we are offering an expedition in the seemingly eternal snow and ice on two different dates in November, where participants will spend six days getting to know the Morteratsch Glacier and the topics of snow, lake ice and permafrost under the guidance of glaciologist Dr. Felix Keller. You will find the entire program below the flyer.
The expedition takes place on the following dates:
17.11.24 – 22.11.2024
25.11.24 – 30.11.2024
Further information and booking can be found at Arcatour.ch.
The following program awaits you on the expedition:
1. Day: Individual arrival
Individual arrival in Samedan. Your tour guide Felix Keller will meet you at the Hotel Donatz at 5.30 p.m. for a pleasant aperitif and a presentation of the tour program. Afterwards, first dinner together in the Gault Millau restaurant of our hotel.
2. Day: Morteratsch Glacier
We go on a glaciological hike through the glacier forefield of the Morteratsch Glacier. In addition to the visionary history of the MortAlive (www.mortalive.ch) glacier protection project, exciting information and pictures about glacier caves, glacier measurements and how a glacier works are provided. Ascent to the edge of the glacier. World-famous peaks such as Piz Palü or Piz Bernina and the magnificent view of the Morteratsch Glacier form an unforgettable backdrop. Towards the evening you have some free time. Treat yourself to some relaxation and warm up in the Mineralbad & Spa Samedan, right next to the hotel.
Day 3: Joint construction of an ice stupa
We learn about an effective method of collecting glacier meltwater. In India, this technique is used to collect drinking water. We build an ice stupa together under the guidance of Felix Keller. We then visit the Diavolezza Ice Stupa and the virtual reality glacier experience at the valley station. Towards the evening, we again enjoy plenty of time to relax.
Day 4: Lake ice
Today is all about sea ice. After breakfast, we receive a brief introduction to the GEO radar device. We then take the bus to Celerina and hike from there through the Stazerwald forest to Lake Staz. There we will take ice borings and radar measurements together. In the afternoon we hike from Lake Stazer to St. Moritz Bad. Take the cable car to the St. Moritz ski area to visit a snowmaking facility.
Day 5: Permafrost
Today we visit the “Murtel” rock glacier, a creeping, permanently frozen mass of rock that has nothing in common with glaciers apart from the ice. This has been known since ETH Zurich drilled through a rock glacier for the first time in the world in 1987, lowering a borehole video camera 57 meters into the depths. Of course, we don't want to miss this almost historic-looking film.
Day 6: Permafrost dam & return journey
Ascent to the permafrost dam in Pontresina and joint assessment of the former hazard potential using simple field methods. We enjoy the last rays of sunshine with a picnic and then return to Samedan. Individual return journey from Samedan in the afternoon.
We are looking forward to two exciting weeks and would be delighted to share the expedition with you.
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