Dent Blanche

Mountain Prominent Pennine Alps peak in Valais

A jagged Pennine peak in Valais, Dent Blanche challenges alpinists with steep ridges and glacier approaches; mountaineers seek classic routes and panoramic views across the Matterhorn, Zinalrothorn and neighbouring 4,000‑metre summits.

Main image

Dent Blanche is a major Alpine peak in the Pennine Alps, located in the canton of Valais, Switzerland, and rises to 4,357 metres above sea level. It is one of the higher and more prominent summits in the Valais Alps.

The mountain is best known to alpinists for its four steep ridges and classic mountaineering routes that combine glacier travel and technical rock climbing. Views from and of Dent Blanche are sought after by climbers and photographers for its distinctive pyramidal profile.

Dent Blanche has been part of the history of Alpine mountaineering since the 19th century, when the high peaks of the Pennine Alps were first explored and climbed during the Golden Age of Alpinism. Its routes have been developed and maintained by generations of climbers.

The peak sits in Valais, Switzerland, in the same general region as other high Pennine summits; it overlooks valleys in the Valais Alps and is accessible from mountain bases and huts in surrounding valleys.

  • Elevation: Summit elevation is 4,357 metres, making it one of the principal four-thousand-metre peaks of the Pennine Alps.
  • Climbing character: Climbing routes involve glacier travel and exposed rock ridges, typically attempted by experienced mountaineers with alpine equipment.
Dent Blanche
46.0342, 7.6119

Tips for Visiting Dent Blanche #

  • Dent Blanche is a high, technical alpine summit requiring glacier travel and exposed climbing-only attempt with an experienced IFMGA/UIAGM-certified guide and the proper rope, crampon and ice-axe skills.
  • Plan climbs in the main Alpine season (summer months) when routes are most stable and huts/guide services operate; check local guide services in Zinal and Zermatt for current conditions and route options.
  • Treat the approach as a mountaineering expedition: allow time for acclimatization, reserve any mountain hut in advance, and confirm current route conditions with your guide prior to ascent.

Best Time to Visit Dent Blanche #

The best time for Dent Blanche mountaineering is the high-summer window (July-September) when alpine conditions are most stable.

Summer mountaineering / hiking
July-September · Valley 10-20°C (50-68°F); summit well below 0°C (below 32°F)
Shortest, most stable weather window for high-alpine routes and glacier travel-most approachable for climbers and hikers.
Winter / ski season
December-March · Summit and high slopes well below 0°C; valley often below freezing
Cold, snowy and suitable for experienced ski mountaineers; avalanche risk and technical conditions are important considerations.

Weather & Climate near Dent Blanche #

Climate

Dent Blanche's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -16°C to 2°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.

Air Quality: AQI 38 Good
Best Time to Visit
AugustJuneOctober
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
23°
Warmest Month
-29°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of -11°C and lows of -16°C. Light rainfall, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

33 Poor

Comfort

-14°
Feels Like Freezing
-14°C
Temperature
-16° -11°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

22 mm
Rainfall
9.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.9h daylight

February

February is the coldest month with highs of -12°C and lows of -16°C. Light rainfall, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

35 Poor

Comfort

-14°
Feels Like Freezing
-14°C
Temperature
-16° -12°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

19 mm
Rainfall
8.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.3
UV Index
Low
10.2h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of -12°C and lows of -16°C. Light rainfall, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

39 Poor

Comfort

-14°
Feels Like Freezing
-14°C
Temperature
-16° -12°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

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

April

April is freezing with highs of -10°C and lows of -15°C. Light rainfall, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

41 Poor

Comfort

-13°
Feels Like Freezing
-13°C
Temperature
-15° -11°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

12 mm
Rainfall
7.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.0
UV Index
High
13.4h daylight

May

May is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -10°C. Light rainfall, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

37 Poor

Comfort

-8°
Feels Like Freezing
-8°C
Temperature
-11° -5°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

12 mm
Rainfall
6.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.4
UV Index
High
14.8h daylight

June

June is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -6°C. Light rainfall, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

45 Poor

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-7° -2°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

13 mm
Rainfall
6.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.7
UV Index
Very High
15.6h daylight

July

July is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -3°C. Light rainfall, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

44 Poor

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-3°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

17 mm
Rainfall
6.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.8
UV Index
Very High
15.2h daylight

August

August 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°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

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

September

September is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -4°C. Light rainfall, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

43 Poor

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-4° -1°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

17 mm
Rainfall
6.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.0
UV Index
Moderate
12.4h daylight

October

October is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -7°C. The driest month with just 9 mm, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

45 Poor

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-7° -4°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

9 mm
Rainfall
7.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.5
UV Index
Moderate
10.7h daylight

November

November is freezing with highs of -8°C and lows of -12°C. Light rainfall, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

35 Poor

Comfort

-10°
Feels Like Freezing
-10°C
Temperature
-12° -8°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

17 mm
Rainfall
8.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.3h daylight

December

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

37 Poor

Comfort

-12°
Feels Like Freezing
-12°C
Temperature
-14° -10°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

13 mm
Rainfall
8.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.5h daylight

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