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- Combin de Valsorey
13,727 ft · Wallis Alps, Switzerland
Combin de Valsorey
Combin de Valsorey is a 13,727 ft peak in the Wallis Alps, Switzerland. The standard route is the Arête du Meitin: 11 mi, 8,373 ft of gain, AD.
Combin de Valsorey at a glance
- Elevation13,727 ft4,183 m
- RouteArête du MeitinAD
- Distance11 mi8,373 ft gain
- Time2–3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul–Sep
- RangeWallis AlpsSwitzerland
Climbing the Arête du Meitin
From Bourg-Saint-Pierre, Switzerland, approach the Cabane de Valsorey, then climb the Arete du Meitin (AD), crossing the western summit of the Grand Combin massif en route to the main top. The Meitin ridge is now the SAC's recommended standard line, since the historic Panossiere normal route crosses the serac-swept Corridor. It carries UIAA III rock with roughly 40 fixed protection points. Watch crevasses on the glacier and rockfall on the ridge. It shares its outing with Combin de Grafeneire, so log the distance and gain once per trip; 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 Valsorey
Alpine 4,000ersPeaks near Combin de Valsorey
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Combin de Valsorey?
Combin de Valsorey is 13,727 feet (4,183 m) tall. It is in the Wallis Alps, Switzerland.
How does Combin de Valsorey rank among the Alpine 4,000ers?
At 13,727 feet, Combin de Valsorey is the 36th highest of the 82 Alpine 4,000ers. The highest is Mont Blanc.
How hard is it to climb Combin de Valsorey?
The Arête du Meitin 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: 11 miles with 8,373 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Combin de Valsorey?
Most climbers plan 2–3 days for the Arête du Meitin, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Combin de Valsorey 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 Valsorey?
Plan on it. Crampons and an ice axe are on the gear list for the Arête du Meitin 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 Valsorey?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Combin de Valsorey reaches 13,727 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 Valsorey?
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 Valsorey 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