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- Rimpfischhorn
13,776 ft · Mischabel Group, Switzerland
Rimpfischhorn
Rimpfischhorn is a 13,776 ft peak in the Mischabel Group, Switzerland. The standard route is the Normal Route via West Flank: 9 mi, 3,967 ft of gain, PD+.
Rimpfischhorn at a glance
- Elevation13,776 ft4,198 m
- RouteNormal Route via West FlankPD+
- Distance9 mi3,967 ft gain
- Time2 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul–Sep
- RangeMischabel GroupSwitzerland
Climbing the Normal Route via West Flank
From Saas-Fee, Switzerland, approach the Britanniahutte, then climb via the Allalinpass and the West Flank (PD+) to this distinctive rock crown sitting on a broad glacier base. Straightforward glacier work gives way to a rocky summit block with UIAA II/III scrambling and a short exposed step near the top, which is where the grade is earned. Rope up for the crevassed glacier below and take care with rockfall on the summit rocks. It is popular in combination with the Strahlhorn from the same hut, so many parties link the two over two 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
Quests with Rimpfischhorn
Alpine 4,000ersPeaks near Rimpfischhorn
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Rimpfischhorn?
Rimpfischhorn is 13,776 feet (4,198 m) tall. It is in the Mischabel Group, Switzerland.
How does Rimpfischhorn rank among the Alpine 4,000ers?
At 13,776 feet, Rimpfischhorn is the 33rd highest of the 82 Alpine 4,000ers. The highest is Mont Blanc.
How hard is it to climb Rimpfischhorn?
The Normal Route via West Flank 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: 9 miles with 3,967 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Rimpfischhorn?
Most climbers plan 2 days for the Normal Route via West Flank, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Rimpfischhorn 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 Rimpfischhorn?
Plan on it. Crampons and an ice axe are on the gear list for the Normal Route via West Flank 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 Rimpfischhorn?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Rimpfischhorn reaches 13,776 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 Rimpfischhorn?
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 Rimpfischhorn 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