Balfrin

Mountain Mountain peak in Valais, part of Pennine Alps

Balfrin, a peak in Valais above the Saas Valley, appeals to climbers and alpine hikers for ridge routes and glacier views.

Main image

Balfrin is a mountain in the canton of Valais in southern Switzerland, forming part of the alpine range in that region. It rises above nearby valleys and is one of the peaks visible from surrounding mountain routes and alpine communities.

The mountain is used by mountaineers and hikers as part of the wider Valais alpine area; approaches are typically from trails in the adjacent valleys. Over time the mountain has been included in regional hiking and climbing itineraries but it is not among the highest, most technical peaks of the Pennine Alps.

Balfrin lies in Valais between the Saas and Matter valleys, within the Swiss alpine landscape and accessible from mountain access points in the canton.

Balfrin
Balfrin, Valais, Switzerland
46.1352, 7.8803

How to Get to Balfrin #

Approach routes start from villages in the Valais canton. The nearest major access is by train to Visp, then local bus or taxi to trailheads in surrounding valleys. For detailed access and hut reservations, contact the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) or local mountain guides in Valais.

Tips for Visiting Balfrin #

  • If attempting an ascent, hire a certified mountain guide familiar with Valais routes and glaciers.
  • Check current route conditions with SAC (Swiss Alpine Club) hut wardens; weather in Valais changes rapidly.
  • Bring crampons and an ice axe in summer if traversing any remaining snowfields.

Best Time to Visit Balfrin #

Climbers typically visit in summer for rock and mixed routes; spring sees ski-tour activity but carries snow and avalanche hazards.

Summer climbing season
June-September · 0-12°C (32-54°F at higher elevations)
Most stable weather and melted lower slopes, but late snowfields can remain above 2,500 m.
Late spring ski tour season
April-May · -5-5°C (23-41°F)
Ski tour conditions possible; avalanche risk requires local knowledge.

Weather & Climate near Balfrin #

Climate

Balfrin's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -15°C to 3°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.

Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustSeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
27°
Warmest Month
-28°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of -10°C and lows of -14°C. Light rainfall, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

35 Poor

Comfort

-12°
Feels Like Freezing
-12°C
Temperature
-14° -10°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

18 mm
Rainfall
8.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.9h daylight

February

February is the coldest month with highs of -11°C and lows of -15°C. Light rainfall, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

35 Poor

Comfort

-13°
Feels Like Freezing
-13°C
Temperature
-15° -11°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

16 mm
Rainfall
7.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.3
UV Index
Low
10.2h daylight

March

March is the coldest month with highs of -11°C and lows of -15°C. Light rainfall, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

39 Poor

Comfort

-13°
Feels Like Freezing
-13°C
Temperature
-15° -11°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

22 mm
Rainfall
7.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
11.8h daylight

April

April is freezing with highs of -9°C and lows of -14°C. Light rainfall, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

41 Poor

Comfort

-12°
Feels Like Freezing
-12°C
Temperature
-14° -9°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

14 mm
Rainfall
6.9 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.0
UV Index
High
13.4h daylight

May

May is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -9°C. Light rainfall, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

41 Poor

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-9° -4°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

13 mm
Rainfall
6.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.4
UV Index
High
14.8h daylight

June

June is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -5°C. Light rainfall, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

45 Poor

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-5° -1°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

14 mm
Rainfall
6.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.7
UV Index
Very High
15.6h daylight

July

July is cold with highs of 2°C and lows of -1°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

18 mm
Rainfall
5.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.8
UV Index
Very High
15.2h daylight

August

August is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

20 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.5
UV Index
High
14.0h daylight

September

September is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -3°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-3°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

17 mm
Rainfall
5.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
Moderate
12.4h daylight

October

October is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -6°C. The driest month with just 8 mm, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

45 Poor

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-6° -3°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

8 mm
Rainfall
6.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.5
UV Index
Moderate
10.7h daylight

November

November is freezing with highs of -7°C and lows of -11°C. Light rainfall, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

37 Poor

Comfort

-9°
Feels Like Freezing
-9°C
Temperature
-11° -7°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

14 mm
Rainfall
7.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.3h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of -8°C and lows of -13°C. Light rainfall, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

37 Poor

Comfort

-11°
Feels Like Freezing
-11°C
Temperature
-13° -8°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

11 mm
Rainfall
7.9 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.5h daylight

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