Vorab Glacier, Glacier in Glarus Alps, Switzerland

Vorab Glacier is a 2 km long glacier on the east side of the Vorab, between 2,600 and 3,000 m above sea level, in the Glarus Alps. It lies in the cantons of Glarus and Graubünden, above the municipalities of Glarus Süd and Laax, and had an area of 2.17 km² in 1973. A double ski lift crosses it, and a mountain airfield sits on the ice.

The glacier was first documented scientifically in the 1800s and has remained an important site for ice measurements. Regular observations of its changes help scientists track broader patterns across the Alpine region.

The name Vorabgletscher is explained from the Glarus side: the glacier lies "vor ab" — before the cantonal border — and falls away to the south, with "abe" meaning down in the local dialect. Since 2007 the cable-car company has covered the upper steep slope with white blankets each summer to slow melting.

The glacier sits in a high alpine zone and is best visited during warmer months when snow and ice do not block access routes. Warm clothing and proper footwear are essential since conditions change quickly at elevation.

Since 2007 the cable-car company has covered the upper steep slope of the glacier with white fleece sheets each summer to slow the melting. Above the ice plateau runs the Vorableitung, described as Europe's highest-voltage power line. A mountain airfield for aircraft lies on the glacier itself.