Dents du Midi
Mountains Prominent Swiss Alpine massif with multiple jagged peaks
The Dents du Midi range in Valais comprises several jagged summits popular with hikers, alpine climbers and skiers. Routes and refuges lead into high meadows, glaciers and viewpoints over Lac Léman and the Rhône valley.
The Dents du Midi are a serrated mountain massif in the Valais canton of southwestern Switzerland, noted for a line of seven distinct summits. The tallest point on the ridge, the Haute Cime, reaches 3,257 metres.
Hikers and mountaineers use established trails and a system of mountain huts to access ridges, cols and summits, while the serrated profile is a landmark visible across the Rhône valley and from Lake Geneva. In winter the surrounding valleys are used for ski-touring and alpine routes.
The peaks have been known and climbed since the 19th century with alpine routes and local pastoral use predating modern mountaineering; the massif has long been an orienting feature for travellers and communities across the Chablais and Valais regions.
Rising above the Valais valleys in the Chablais Alps, the Dents du Midi form a prominent skyline in southwestern Switzerland and are accessible from valley towns and alpine passes in the region.
- Seven summits and height: The massif comprises seven main summits with the highest at 3,257 metres, making it a prominent feature in the Chablais Alps.
What to See #
- Haute Cime (highest summit): The highest summit on the ridge, reaching 3,257 metres and forming the massif's dominant peak seen from the Rhône valley.
- Ridge of seven summits: A serrated ridge composed of seven distinct peaks that forms the skyline known as the Dents du Midi, visible from the Swiss Plateau and Lake Geneva.
- Trails and huts: A network of alpine trails, mountain huts and routes used for summer hiking and winter ski-touring in adjoining valleys.
How to Get to Dents du Midi #
Access is commonly via the towns of Champéry or Salvan in Valais. Regional rail and bus services connect to these towns from larger centers like Lausanne or Sion; alpine lifts and hiking trails provide access to higher routes.
Tips for Visiting Dents du Midi #
- For summits and alpine routes hire a certified mountain guide-conditions change rapidly in alpine terrain.
- Use cable cars from nearby resorts to access trailheads, especially if short on time.
- Check avalanche conditions in winter and spring before planning any ski or climb.
Best Time to Visit Dents du Midi #
Summer is best for hiking and climbing; winter is for skilled snow sports under proper precautions.
Weather & Climate near Dents du Midi #
Dents du Midi's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -10°C to 11°C. Abundant rainfall (1795 mm/year), wettest in November, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -10°C. Significant rainfall (172 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of -5°C and lows of -10°C. Significant rainfall (165 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -9°C. Significant rainfall (160 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -8°C. Significant rainfall (152 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (151 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (128 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (121 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (150 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -5°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (185 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -8°C. Significant rainfall (181 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.