*In the midst of 38 4000
Weisshorn (4,505 m.a.s.l.)
The Weisshorn above Randa is considered to be one of the most important 4,000-metre mountains of the Alps. Although the Weisshorn cannot start to compete with the Matterhorn in terms of appearance, the mountain is relatively free-standing, and, with its three ridges and faces, forms a regular pyramid shape, which is actually higher than the Matterhorn. The 150th anniversary of its first ascent occurs in 2011.
Origin of the name
The north-east face of the Weisshorn, which is easily visible from Randa, is always covered with snow.
History / Legends
2011 will be a very special year for Luzius Kuster, the cabin warden of the Weisshornhütte cabin - an anniversary year: the Weisshorn was first climbed 150 years ago, the Weisshornhütte cabin was constructed 111 years ago, and Luzius will also be celebrating his 45th year as cabin warden. He first stayed at the Weisshornhütte cabin for a summer as a 20-year old in 1966 „out of the love of nature“, and he stayed there – not the least due to the generosity of his employer, who has allowed him to be absent during the summer months over several decades.
Height | 4,505 m a.s.l. |
First climbed | 19. August 1861 |
First climbed by | John Tyndall, Johann Joseph Benet, Ulrich Wenger |
Information for hikers
Different hiking tips with a view of the mountain | Hike from Zermatt / Randa to the Weisshornhütte cabin |
Cabins on the trail / picnic opportunities |
Restaurants in Täsch / Randa, Weisshornhütte cabin |
Information for excursions
Information about the various peaks | You have the best view of the Weisshorn from the Sunnegga. |
Short, easy walks or hikes | Sunnegga - Tuftern - Sunnegga |
Information for mountaineers / alpinists
Valley location | Zinal (1,675 m.a.s.l.) |
Starting point | Cabane de Tracuit (3,265 m.a.s.l.) |
Various routes | East Ridge
North-northwest Ridge
South-west ridge or Schaligrat ridge
|
Refreshment areas / mountain cabins | Cabane de Tracuit (3,265 m.a.s.l.) |
| Mountain guides - Experiences / Tips | The rock is often of poor quality on the three major faces of the Weisshorn. The faces that are endangered by rock and ice fall are therefore seldom climbed. Only the Younggrat Ridge, a rib of the North ridge protruding towards the west, the “ Gendarmen” is a relatively safe route. The well known mountaineer from Munich Georg Winkler was killed in August 1888 in one of the early attempts to climb the West Face. Winkler’s remains were lost until 1956, when the Weisshorn glacier finally released his body. |
