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- Weisshorn
14,780 ft · Wallis Alps, Switzerland
Weisshorn
Weisshorn is a 14,780 ft peak in the Wallis Alps, Switzerland. The standard route is the East Ridge: 13 mi, 10,157 ft of gain, AD.
Weisshorn at a glance
- Elevation14,780 ft4,504 m
- RouteEast RidgeAD
- Distance13 mi10,157 ft gain
- Time2–3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul–Sep
- RangeWallis AlpsSwitzerland
Climbing the East Ridge
From Randa, Switzerland, hike to the Weisshornhutte (2,932 m), then summit the next day by the East Ridge (AD), widely regarded as one of the finest and most serious of the classic Valais 4,000ers. The ridge climbs 1,573 m of sustained mixed ground with a long exposed snow crest high on the route. It is committing, with a long descent and no easy escape, so parties are frequently benighted; start early and set a firm turnaround. Substantially harder than the Dom despite similar gain. Summit day is roughly 1,573 m from the Weisshornhutte.
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
- Altitude sickness
- Extreme cold
- High winds
- Storms
- Low visibility
- Remote location
- Glacier travel
- Crevasses
Quests with Weisshorn
Alpine 4,000ersPeaks near Weisshorn
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Weisshorn?
Weisshorn is 14,780 feet (4,504 m) tall. It is in the Wallis Alps, Switzerland.
How does Weisshorn rank among the Alpine 4,000ers?
At 14,780 feet, Weisshorn is the 9th highest of the 82 Alpine 4,000ers. The highest is Mont Blanc.
How hard is it to climb Weisshorn?
The East Ridge 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 10,157 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Weisshorn?
Most climbers plan 2–3 days for the East Ridge, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Weisshorn 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 Weisshorn?
Plan on it. Crampons and an ice axe are on the gear list for the East 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 Weisshorn?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Weisshorn reaches 14,780 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 Weisshorn?
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 Weisshorn 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