Bishorn Mountain
Alpine peak in Valais frequented by climbers
Glaciated peak in Valais above 4,000 metres, commonly climbed with a guide from Zinal or the Tracuit hut. Routes involve crevassed glaciers but are non-technical in good conditions.
Bishorn at a Glance#
Address: Bishorn (4,153 m), Valais, Switzerland - normal approach via Zinal and Cabane de Tracuit
Website: https://www.sac-cas.ch/en/ (Swiss Alpine Club information on huts and routes)
About Bishorn#
Bishorn is a 4,153‑metre peak in the Valais Alps of Switzerland, located in the canton of Valais and forming part of the Pennine Alps near the Weisshorn and Zinal valleys. It is noted for having two summits and for being one of the more approachable alpine 4,000‑metre mountains under stable summer conditions.
The mountain’s standard ascent is a glacier route that starts from the Cabane de Tracuit at about 3,256 metres, requiring basic glacier equipment and rope techniques because of crevasse hazards. The peak is popular with mountaineers aiming to climb a 4,000‑metre summit without highly technical rock climbing, but weather and glacier conditions determine difficulty and safety.
Bishorn’s two summits - the higher west summit and a slightly lower east summit - are linked by glacier terrain and snow slopes, and the climb offers views of surrounding high Alpine peaks and valleys when conditions are clear.
- Elevation and climbing standard: At 4,153 metres, Bishorn is a popular ‘four‑thousander’ in the Valais Alps and is considered one of the more accessible alpine 4,000‑metre peaks when conditions and equipment are appropriate.
- Route and safety: The normal route involves glacier travel with crevasse risk; climbers typically use rope teams and stay at the Tracuit hut for acclimatisation and an early start.
What to See#
- West summit (4,153 m): West summit (main) at 4,153 metres, the standard objective for climbers, offering non‑technical glacier travel under typical summer conditions.
- Cabane de Tracuit: Cabane de Tracuit - a high mountain hut at about 3,256 metres that serves as the normal base for ascents of Bishorn and adjacent peaks.
How to Get to Bishorn#
Approach usually from the village of Zinal (Val d’Anniviers). From Zinal, hiking and glacier travel lead to the Cabane de Tracuit (accessible in summer), the base for a summit push. Public transport to Zinal operates from Sierre via bus and mountain transport.
Tips for Visiting Bishorn#
- Book the Tracuit Hut in advance for the normal ascent route of Bishorn
- Use an IFMGA guide if inexperienced with glacier travel - the route involves crevassed terrain and a final snow slope
- Summit attempts are safest in stable summer weather; morning starts reduce soft snow hazards
Best Time to Visit Bishorn#
Summer (July-September) is the standard period for guided ascents; glaciers are more stable and the Tracuit Hut operates regularly.
Weather & Climate near Bishorn#
Bishorn's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -17°C to 2°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -16° - -12° | -25° | 26 mm | overcast | 84% | 9.6 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.9h |
| February | Poor | -17° - -12° | -26° | 22 mm | overcast | 84% | 8.5 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.2h |
| March | Poor | -17° - -12° | -26° | 27 mm | partly cloudy | 87% | 8.8 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Poor | -15° - -11° | -23° | 14 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 7.9 m/s | 1.0 high | 13.4h |
| May | Poor | -11° - -6° | -17° | 14 mm | overcast | 78% | 7.0 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.8h |
| June | Poor | -7° - -2° | -12° | 16 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 6.8 m/s | 1.7 very high | 15.6h |
| July | Poor | -3° - 1° | -7° | 20 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 6.7 m/s | 1.8 very high | 15.2h |
| August | Acceptable | -2° - 2° | -5° | 23 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 5.9 m/s | 1.5 high | 14.0h |
| September | Poor | -4° - -1° | -9° | 20 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 6.6 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 12.4h |
| October | Poor | -7° - -4° | -14° | 10 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 7.4 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 10.7h |
| November | Poor | -12° - -8° | -20° | 19 mm | overcast | 85% | 8.6 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.3h |
| December | Poor | -15° - -10° | -23° | 16 mm | overcast | 83% | 9.3 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.5h |
