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Weisshorn via East Ridge — August 2019 Summit Report

Summit

Weisshorn (4506m)

Weisshorn — 4,506m — Switzerland — watercolor illustration
Date
Aug 18, 2019
Party Size
2
Duration
2 days
Difficulty
4/5

Conditions

Weather
Stable high pressure over the Alps. Crystal clear with unlimited visibility. One of the best weather days of the 2019 summer season.
Snow
Mixed snow and rock on the ridge, neve on the upper face. Ice-axe and crampons required.
Temperature
-10°C to 5°C
Wind
Light, 10-15 km/h with gentle thermals in the afternoon

Elevation Profile

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Elevation profile of Weisshorn (4506m)

Weisshorn via East Ridge — August 2019 Summit Report

Edward Whymper called the Weisshorn the finest peak in the Alps. Standing alone at the head of the Zinal Valley, its perfect triangular form is visible from miles away. The East Ridge ascent from the Weisshorn Hut is a full day of sustained alpine climbing on rock and snow. The summit panorama is perhaps the finest in Switzerland — Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, and the Bernese Oberland all visible in a single sweeping gaze.

Trip Overview

Mountain: Weisshorn (4506m) Date: August 18, 2019 Duration: 2 days Party Size: 2 Outcome: Summit

Conditions

Weather: Stable high pressure over the Alps. Crystal clear with unlimited visibility. One of the best weather days of the 2019 summer season. Snow: Mixed snow and rock on the ridge, neve on the upper face. Ice-axe and crampons required. Temperature: -10°C to 5°C Wind: Light, 10-15 km/h with gentle thermals in the afternoon

Difficulty Assessment

The Weisshorn's East Ridge is one of the great classic alpine ridges — sustained AD difficulty with a magnificent exposed crest. The descent via the North Ridge is equally demanding. This is a mountain for experienced alpinists only.