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- Allalinhorn
13,212 ft · Wallis Alps, Switzerland
Allalinhorn
Allalinhorn is a 13,212 ft peak in the Wallis Alps, Switzerland. The standard route is the Normal Route via Hohlaubgrat: 4 mi, 1,969 ft of gain, F.
Allalinhorn at a glance
- Elevation13,212 ft4,027 m
- RouteNormal Route via HohlaubgratF
- Distance4 mi1,969 ft gain
- Time1 dayVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul–Sep
- RangeWallis AlpsSwitzerland
Climbing the Normal Route via Hohlaubgrat
From Saas-Fee, Switzerland, ride the Metro Alpin funicular to 3,456 m at Mittelallalin, leaving a short glacier ascent by the Hohlaubgrat (F). Along with the Breithorn, this is the most accessible 4,000er in the Alps, commonly done as a half-day outing and a standard first 4,000er. The easy access flatters it: the Fee Glacier is genuinely crevassed, so roped travel is mandatory, and the summit ridge is corniced. Start early to beat the crowds and afternoon cloud. Budget a single day, with the funicular removing almost all of the approach.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 L)
Mountaineering Boots
Crampons
Ice Axe
Helmet
Harness
Rope
Carabiners
Belay Device- Prusik Cord
- Ice Screw
Base Layer
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Hardshell Pants
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Glacier Glasses
Sunscreen
Headlamp
GPS Device
Satellite Communicator
Water
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
Offline Maps
Power Bank
What to watch for
- Glacier travel
- Crevasses
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
- Cornices
- Steep exposure
- Extreme cold
- High winds
- Storms
- Low visibility
- Rapid weather shifts
Quests with Allalinhorn
Alpine 4,000ersPeaks near Allalinhorn
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Allalinhorn?
Allalinhorn is 13,212 feet (4,027 m) tall. It is in the Wallis Alps, Switzerland.
How does Allalinhorn rank among the Alpine 4,000ers?
At 13,212 feet, Allalinhorn is the 73rd highest of the 82 Alpine 4,000ers. The highest is Mont Blanc.
How hard is it to climb Allalinhorn?
The Normal Route via Hohlaubgrat is graded F on the alpine scale, meaning easy: mostly walking, though glacier travel may still need a rope. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 4 miles with 1,969 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Allalinhorn?
Most climbers plan 1 day for the Normal Route via Hohlaubgrat, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Allalinhorn dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: avalanche and icefall danger, crevasses on the glacier and exposed sections where a fall would be serious. Teams rope up for glacier travel, and many first-timers climb with a guide.
Do you need crampons and an ice axe for Allalinhorn?
Plan on it. Crampons and an ice axe are on the gear list for the Normal Route via Hohlaubgrat for the snow and ice on the upper mountain, along with mountaineering boots that take crampons. Glacier travel also means a rope, harness and crevasse rescue skills. Conditions vary through the season, so check recent reports before you go.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Allalinhorn?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Allalinhorn reaches 13,212 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
When is the best time to climb Allalinhorn?
The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Allalinhorn with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list