Petit Combin

Petit Combin is a glaciated summit of 3,663 m in the municipality of Val de Bagnes, canton of Valais, Switzerland. It forms part of the Grand Combin massif in the Pennine Alps, standing between the Entremont and Bagnes valleys not far from the Italian border. It stays below 4,000 m, but reaching the top still calls for proper glacier skills and equipment.

Where is Petit Combin?

The mountain is one of several peaks in the Combins group, whose big glaciers feed the Bagnes valley. The Glacier de Corbassière lies beneath the summit, with more ice fields spreading to the south and west. Its neighbours are the taller Grand Combin and Combin de Corbassière: three separate summits that are easy to confuse. The coordinates are roughly 45.99° N, 7.27° E.

How do you climb Petit Combin?

This is a glacier tour at alpine level, and there are two main starting points.

• Cabane FXB Panossière (Bagnes side). The hut is about 3.5 to 4 hours on foot from the car park at Fionnay. From there the route passes the Corbassière glacier to the Col de Corbassière (3,563 m), then crosses the Glacier des Follâts to the summit plateau. The Swiss Alpine Club lists 4 to 5 hours and about 1,086 m of ascent from the hut, and notes the route is used mostly for descents.
• Cabane Marcel Brunet (north, Entremont side). This is the more usual approach for a summit attempt.

The Panossière route is graded PD+. Crevasses are a real hazard, so take crampons, an ice axe, harness, rope and helmet. If you have no roped glacier experience, hire a guide in Verbier or Fionnay.

What is the view like?

From the top you look over the ice fields of the Grand Combin massif, the Bagnes and Entremont valleys, and the main Pennine ridges towards Italy. The summit is a broad, snow-covered plateau.

When should you go?

The high-mountain season runs from late June to September, when the huts are staffed and glacier snow is at its most reliable. Start very early so you are back down before the snow softens, and check glacier conditions and the forecast before you set out.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Petit Combin? The usual figure is 3,663 m. Some maps and mountain sites give 3,668 or 3,670 m, so a few metres of difference between sources is normal.

Is Petit Combin difficult? It is a PD+ glacier route: little technical rock climbing, but crevasses and exposure to weather. It is not a hike for beginners.

Where can I stay? In Cabane FXB Panossière (Bagnes side) or Cabane Marcel Brunet (Entremont side). Book ahead in season.

Is it the same as Grand Combin? No. Petit Combin is a separate, lower peak in the same massif. The Grand Combin tops 4,000 m and its routes are considerably harder.