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- Lagginhorn
13,156 ft · Wallis Alps, Switzerland
Lagginhorn
Lagginhorn is a 13,156 ft peak in the Wallis Alps, Switzerland. The standard route is the Normal Route via WNW Ridge: 8 mi, 3,970 ft of gain, PD+.
Lagginhorn at a glance
- Elevation13,156 ft4,009 m
- RouteNormal Route via WNW RidgePD+
- Distance8 mi3,970 ft gain
- Time2 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul–Sep
- RangeWallis AlpsSwitzerland
Climbing the Normal Route via WNW Ridge
From Saas-Grund, Switzerland, approach the Weissmieshutte, then climb the WNW ridge (PD+) on the rockier companion to the neighbouring Weissmies. The route mixes a glacier approach with a long rocky ridge that has loose sections and steady UIAA II scrambling, so watch rockfall and test holds. It is less busy than the Weissmies and a good objective for parties wanting more rock than snow, though the loose terrain calls for care. Rope up for the crevassed glacier below and watch snow and ice near the summit. Budget two days for the outing.
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
Quests with Lagginhorn
Alpine 4,000ersPeaks near Lagginhorn
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Lagginhorn?
Lagginhorn is 13,156 feet (4,009 m) tall. It is in the Wallis Alps, Switzerland.
How does Lagginhorn rank among the Alpine 4,000ers?
At 13,156 feet, Lagginhorn is the 80th highest of the 82 Alpine 4,000ers. The highest is Mont Blanc.
How hard is it to climb Lagginhorn?
The Normal Route via WNW Ridge is graded PD+ on the alpine scale, meaning slightly difficult: some scrambling, steeper snow or simple glacier travel. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 8 miles with 3,970 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Lagginhorn?
Most climbers plan 2 days for the Normal Route via WNW Ridge, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Lagginhorn 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 Lagginhorn?
Plan on it. Crampons and an ice axe are on the gear list for the Normal Route via WNW Ridge 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 Lagginhorn?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Lagginhorn reaches 13,156 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 Lagginhorn?
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 Lagginhorn 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