Four-thousanders
Zinalrothorn
Normal route (AD,III)
Südtirolalpin
Certified Mountain Guide
IFMGA - Mountain Guides Associations
Mail suedtirolalpin@gmail.com
Prices from
1.800,- €
ABOUT THE TOUR
A great climbing peak in the Valais Alps, whose normal route is especially inspiring with magnificent rock and truly beautiful ridge climbing.
4,221 m · Difficulty AD, III · 2 days · Valais Alps
Zinalrothorn is regarded as a top-class climbing four-thousander. Even though this tour involves crossing short glacier sections, most of the time you will find yourself moving enjoyably over rock. The rock quality improves noticeably the higher you get.
From the fork at the latest, with the following crux at the Binerplatte and the ridge climbing all the way to the summit, everything takes place on fantastic rock and is enormous fun — also because the difficulties remain in a moderate range and never exceed UIAA grade III.
Full concentration is required throughout the entire route. Because of the length of the tour and the demanding mixed terrain, Zinalrothorn is considered one of the more difficult four-thousanders. For fit and sure-footed mountaineers, however, it is an absolute dream peak and a real enrichment in the tour book of every mountain fanatic. =)
INFO
Services
Included in the price:
- Entire organization and guidance by a state-certified mountain guide
- All necessary reservations are made in advance
Additional costs:
- 1x overnight stay in a hut with half board (Rothornhütte)
- Transfer to and from the meeting point
- Expenses (overnight stay) for the mountain guide
- Individual tips
* Rental equipment (€10 per piece of equipment)
Facts
Location:
Valais Alps
Best time of year:
July - mid-September
Duration:
2 days
Meeting point:
Zermatt - train station
What you need
Requirements:
- Surefootedness
- Ability to use crampons safely
- Grade III climbing (UIAA)
- Very good physical condition
PRICING
Participants:
1 person
Prices:
1 person:
1.800,- €
If you have any questions or need further information, please write them in the comment field of the inquiry form.
Before submitting your request: Please read the "important information" about risks in mountaineering carefully.
Dates:
upon request
Short-term dependent on the conditions on the mountain
PROGRAM
Day 1: Ascent to the hut
We have 2 options for the meeting point: either at the railway station in Zermatt or directly at the Rothornhütte. The latter has the advantage that you can tackle the very long hut approach comfortably at your own pace and early in the morning, when it is still not so hot. The approach follows an easy, well-signposted and marked hiking trail. Once at the hut, we round off the evening in the new building of the Rothornhütte, opened in 2024, and discuss the summit tour for the next day.
Walking time: 5 h | ↑ 1,600 m
⌂ Rothornhütte
Day 2: Summit day on Zinalrothorn
We set off early, as on so many four-thousanders. By the light of our headtorches, we step out after breakfast into the hopefully star-filled night and cover a good part of the ascent in the dark. It is wonderful to watch the countless strings of lights setting off on the other four-thousanders as well. In the distance, we can see the beams of light from mountaineers on the Dom, the Dufourspitze and the Matterhorn.
Even more spectacular is sunrise, when the first rays of sun bathe the above-mentioned summits in warm light and we are already high up, making our way towards the summit. We move skilfully up the normal route along the easiest sections of the face. After the fork comes the crux on the so-called Binerplatte (III), and soon afterwards we catch our first glimpse of the summit cross, now no longer far away. The upper part of the tour in particular follows fantastic granite, for which Zinalrothorn is renowned throughout the Alps.
On the summit, we enjoy the panorama of the prominent four-thousanders of the Valais all the way to Mont Blanc. The descent follows the ascent route, partly by downclimbing and abseiling. If you would like to spare yourself the long descent back to Zermatt afterwards, I recommend staying another night at the cosy Rothornhütte and letting the tour come to a relaxed close. The mountain guide descends back to Zermatt the same day.
Total time: 10 h | ↑ 1,050 m | ↓ 2,600 m | Difficulty: AD, III
Info: A tip for ambitious peak collectors and mountaineers: the combination of Obergabelhorn and Zinalrothorn over 3 days is also beautiful. On the first day, ascent and overnight stay at the Arbenbiwak with a magnificent panorama of the north face of the Matterhorn, on the next day the traverse of Obergabelhorn and Wellenkuppe via the Arbengrat, and on the third day the ascent of Zinalrothorn. If this combination interests you, let me know in your enquiry and I will prepare a corresponding offer for you.
Any changes to the program that may be necessary for various reasons (weather, conditions, accommodation booking situation, etc.) will always be made in consultation with the participants.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - (FAQs)
Who is an ascent of Zinalrothorn suitable for?
This tour is suitable for fit and sure-footed mountaineers with good rock climbing experience. Zinalrothorn is a demanding four-thousander in which the length of the tour and the mixed terrain are the main challenges.
How technical is the normal route on Zinalrothorn?
The normal route is a serious alpine tour with climbing sections up to UIAA III. The passage on the Binerplatte and the ridge climbing to the summit in particular require confident movement on rock and sustained concentration.
What equipment do I need for the tour?
You will receive the detailed packing list with the confirmation email. If you are missing individual items such as crampons or a harness, you can hire the equipment for a small wear-and-tear fee.
