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- Dent Blanche
14,295 ft · Wallis Alps, Switzerland
Dent Blanche
Dent Blanche is a 14,295 ft peak in the Wallis Alps, Switzerland. The standard route is the Wandfluegrat: 13 mi, 8,501 ft of gain, AD.
Dent Blanche at a glance
- Elevation14,295 ft4,357 m
- RouteWandfluegratAD
- Distance13 mi8,501 ft gain
- Time2–3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul–Sep
- RangeWallis AlpsSwitzerland
Climbing the Wandfluegrat
From Ferpecle above Les Hauderes, Switzerland, approach the Rossier Hut (3,507 m), then summit the next day by the Wandfluegrat (AD), the South Ridge, a serious sustained mixed route with a formidable reputation among the Valais classics. It climbs 850 m of continuously exposed rock and mixed ground with UIAA III sections and few rests. Weather deteriorates fast on this side of the valley and the descent is slow, so an early start and a firm turnaround time are essential. Watch rockfall and icy summit conditions. Summit day is 850 m from the Rossier Hut.
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
- Knife-edge ridge
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- Icy summit conditions
- High altitude
- Extreme cold
- High winds
- Storms
- Low visibility
- Remote location
- Glacier travel
- Crevasses
- Altitude sickness
- Rapid weather shifts
Quests with Dent Blanche
Alpine 4,000ersPeaks near Dent Blanche
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Dent Blanche?
Dent Blanche is 14,295 feet (4,357 m) tall. It is in the Wallis Alps, Switzerland.
How does Dent Blanche rank among the Alpine 4,000ers?
At 14,295 feet, Dent Blanche is the 16th highest of the 82 Alpine 4,000ers. The highest is Mont Blanc.
How hard is it to climb Dent Blanche?
The Wandfluegrat 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 8,501 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Dent Blanche?
Most climbers plan 2–3 days for the Wandfluegrat, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Dent Blanche dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: crevasses on the glacier, exposed sections where a fall would be serious and rockfall from loose rock. Teams rope up for glacier travel, and many first-timers climb with a guide.
Do you need crampons and an ice axe for Dent Blanche?
Plan on it. Crampons and an ice axe are on the gear list for the Wandfluegrat 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 Dent Blanche?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Dent Blanche reaches 14,295 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 Dent Blanche?
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 Dent Blanche 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