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- Combin de la Tsessette
13,566 ft · Wallis Alps, Switzerland
Combin de la Tsessette
Combin de la Tsessette is a 13,566 ft peak in the Wallis Alps, Switzerland. The standard route is the Normal Route via Col du Croissant: 13 mi, 8,678 ft of gain, AD.
Combin de la Tsessette at a glance
- Elevation13,566 ft4,134 m
- RouteNormal Route via Col du CroissantAD
- Distance13 mi8,678 ft gain
- Time2–3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul–Sep
- RangeWallis AlpsSwitzerland
Climbing the Normal Route via Col du Croissant
From Fionnay in the Val de Bagnes, Switzerland, approach the Panossiere Hut, then reach the eastern and least visited of the three Grand Combin 4,000ers via the Mur de la Cote and the Col du Croissant (AD). It is rarely climbed on its own, usually collected by parties traversing the massif west to east, a long D-graded outing in full form. Note the Panossiere approach shares the Corridor serac hazard that led the SAC to move the recommended normal route to the Meitin ridge, so weigh the risk. Watch crevasses and rockfall; budget 2 to 3 days.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (40–55 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
Heavyweight Gloves
Goggles
Offline Maps
Power Bank
Whistle
Approach Shoes- Slings
- Nut Tool
- Cams / Nuts
What to watch for
- Technical climbing
- Steep exposure
- Rockfall
- Loose rock
- Glacier travel
- Crevasses
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
- Extreme cold
- High winds
- Storms
- Low visibility
- Rapid weather shifts
- Serac fall
Quests with Combin de la Tsessette
Alpine 4,000ersPeaks near Combin de la Tsessette
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Combin de la Tsessette?
Combin de la Tsessette is 13,566 feet (4,134 m) tall. It is in the Wallis Alps, Switzerland.
How does Combin de la Tsessette rank among the Alpine 4,000ers?
At 13,566 feet, Combin de la Tsessette is the 44th highest of the 82 Alpine 4,000ers. The highest is Mont Blanc.
How hard is it to climb Combin de la Tsessette?
The Normal Route via Col du Croissant is graded AD on the alpine scale, meaning fairly difficult: sustained snow, ice or rock that needs real climbing skills. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 13 miles with 8,678 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Combin de la Tsessette?
Most climbers plan 2–3 days for the Normal Route via Col du Croissant, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Combin de la Tsessette 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 Combin de la Tsessette?
Plan on it. Crampons and an ice axe are on the gear list for the Normal Route via Col du Croissant 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 Combin de la Tsessette?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Combin de la Tsessette reaches 13,566 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 Combin de la Tsessette?
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 Combin de la Tsessette 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