Joderhorn

Joderhorn is a 3,035 m peak (some sources give 3,036 m) rising above Staffa, a hamlet of the municipality of Macugnaga in Italy's Piedmont region. The Italian-Swiss border runs over its summit, and on the far side lies the Saas valley and the village of Saas-Almagell in the canton of Valais. The mountain belongs to the Pennine Alps and the Monte Rosa massif, southeast of the Monte Moro Pass. German-language sources also call it the Jägerhorn.

Where is the Joderhorn and why climb it?

The peak stands on the ridge separating Italy's Anzasca valley from Switzerland's Saas valley. Its summit looks straight at the east face of Monte Rosa, one of the biggest walls in the Alps, so it suits hikers who would rather admire the massif from a distance than tackle its glaciated tops. The south side holds rock climbing routes, including multi-pitch lines graded up to 6a+.

How do you reach the summit from Macugnaga?

Start in Staffa, where the Monte Moro cable car lifts visitors towards the Monte Moro Pass. From the pass, the normal route follows the west face. The Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) route portal rates it T4, meaning demanding mountain hiking with exposed sections and some use of hands, with roughly 3.5 hours of ascent and about 880 m of height gain. Check the cable car's operating times before you set out.

How do you approach from Switzerland?

Buses run from Saas Grund through Saas-Almagell to the Mattmark dam. From there a path follows the lake shore to the Monte Moro Pass, and the same route continues to the top. Going this way means crossing the border on foot.

When is the best time to go?

Summer and early autumn, once snow has left the slopes and the pass is clear. Start early: weather at altitude often turns in the afternoon, and the final stretch needs a steady step. Bring sturdy boots with good tread, a windproof jacket and an ID document, because the route crosses a national border.

What else is nearby?

Staffa is a base for the upper Macugnaga valley, at the foot of the Monte Rosa wall. From the Monte Moro Pass you get a panorama over both valleys, and on the Swiss side you can walk down to Lake Mattmark. Neighbouring summits such as Gobba di Rollin or Signalkuppe deeper in the massif offer longer outings.

Frequently asked questions

How high is the Joderhorn? 3,035 m according to SAC and SummitPost; some sources list 3,036 m.

Do you need climbing gear? Not on the normal west-face route, but it is graded T4, so you need experience on exposed terrain and a sure foot. The south face routes are proper rock climbs.

Where is the easiest place to start? In Staffa, Italy, using the Monte Moro cable car, or at Mattmark on the Swiss side, reached by bus from Saas Grund.

Which country is the summit in? It sits on the border: Piedmont (Italy) on one side, Valais (Switzerland) on the other.