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- Hohberghorn
13,842 ft · Mischabel Group, Switzerland
Hohberghorn
Hohberghorn is a 13,842 ft peak in the Mischabel Group, Switzerland. The standard route is the Nadelgrat: 12 mi, 7,963 ft of gain, AD.
Hohberghorn at a glance
- Elevation13,842 ft4,219 m
- RouteNadelgratAD
- Distance12 mi7,963 ft gain
- Time2–3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul–Sep
- RangeMischabel GroupSwitzerland
Climbing the Nadelgrat
From Saas-Fee, Switzerland, climb the cabled via ferrata approach to the Mischabelhutte (3,335 m), then reach this rounded snow pyramid on the Nadelgrat (AD), quieter than its neighbours and often called the hidden gem of the Mischabel. It can be climbed directly from the hut by the Hohbalm slopes, but is far more commonly taken in sequence on the Nadelgrat traverse. Rated AD, occasionally AD+ in poor conditions, with UIAA III mixed sections; it demands altitude experience more than technical skill. Watch rockfall and cornices. Budget 2 to 3 days for the traverse.
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
- Knife-edge ridge
- Rockfall
- Loose rock
- Cornices
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- High altitude
- Extreme cold
- High winds
- Storms
- Low visibility
- Remote location
- Glacier travel
- Crevasses
- Altitude sickness
- Rapid weather shifts
Quests with Hohberghorn
Alpine 4,000ersPeaks near Hohberghorn
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Hohberghorn?
Hohberghorn is 13,842 feet (4,219 m) tall. It is in the Mischabel Group, Switzerland.
How does Hohberghorn rank among the Alpine 4,000ers?
At 13,842 feet, Hohberghorn is the 29th highest of the 82 Alpine 4,000ers. The highest is Mont Blanc.
How hard is it to climb Hohberghorn?
The Nadelgrat 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: 12 miles with 7,963 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Hohberghorn?
Most climbers plan 2–3 days for the Nadelgrat, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Hohberghorn 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 Hohberghorn?
Plan on it. Crampons and an ice axe are on the gear list for the Nadelgrat 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 Hohberghorn?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Hohberghorn reaches 13,842 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 Hohberghorn?
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 Hohberghorn 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