Allalinhorn

Allalinhorn is a 4,027 m peak rising above Saas-Fee in the canton of Valais, Switzerland. It belongs to the Pennine Alps and stands between the Saastal and Mattertal valleys, halfway between Saas-Fee and Zermatt. It ranks among the most accessible four-thousanders in the Alps, which is why many climbers choose it for their first peak of this height.

Where is the Allalinhorn?

The mountain is part of the Allalin massif within the Mischabel group, whose highest summit is the Dom. From Saas-Fee it appears as an icy pyramid over the village and is often called the town's local mountain. The summit sits at roughly 46.05 N, 7.89 E.

How do you climb it?

The standard route begins at the Mittelallalin top station at 3,456 m. From Saas-Fee you ride the cable car to Felskinn and continue on the Metro Alpin, an underground funicular. That leaves about 570 m of ascent.

The SAC route portal grades the climb PD+ and gives roughly two hours up. From the station you first descend a short way across the glacier, then climb towards the Feejoch pass (3,807 m) and finish up the west flank to the top. SummitPost calls it one of the easier routes on any Alpine four-thousander, yet the ground is crevassed glacier, so you need a rope, crampons and roped-team skills. Many visitors book a mountain guide; operators in Saas-Fee run trips aimed at first-timers.

What will you see?

The top offers a wide panorama of the high Valais summits and surrounding glaciers. The climb itself crosses broad firn fields along a well-trodden track. It is a classic glacier outing at altitude without technical rock difficulties.

A bit of history

The first ascent took place on 28 August 1856. London barrister Edward Levi Ames reached the summit with local men, including Franz-Josef Andenmatten and a member of the Imseng family; Father Johann Josef Imseng of Saas-Grund is also linked to the climb. Today's normal route on the north-west flank was first climbed on 1 August 1860, with Leslie Stephen and Andenmatten among the party.

When should you go?

The main season runs from about July to September, when glacier conditions are most reliable. Start early so you are back before the snow softens and mountain weather tends to turn. Check the forecast and current conditions with local guides or at the lift ticket office.

Frequently asked questions

How high is the Allalinhorn? 4,027 m above sea level. The route starts at 3,456 m, so the climb is about 570 m.

Do you need a guide? It is not mandatory, but the crevassed glacier demands experience with roped travel. Beginners normally go with a guide.

How long does the ascent take? About two hours up from Mittelallalin, depending on conditions and fitness.

How do you reach the Mittelallalin station? Take the cable car from Saas-Fee to Felskinn, then the Metro Alpin to Mittelallalin.