Dufourspitze
Mountain Switzerland's highest mountain summit in the Monte Rosa massif
Dufourspitze, the highest summit of the Monte Rosa massif, is Switzerland’s top peak; alpinists tackle technical ice-and-rock climbs while trekkers use nearby mountain huts for high-altitude routes.
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Dufourspitze is the highest peak of the Monte Rosa massif and the highest point in Switzerland, with an elevation of 4,634 metres above sea level.
Alpinists come for high-mountain climbing and panoramic views over the Pennine Alps; routes involve long glacier approaches and technical glacier and snow ridges. The peak is part of a multi-summit massif that attracts mountaineers in the summer and ski-mountaineers in spring.
Named after the Swiss engineer and topographer Guillaume-Henri Dufour, the summit has been climbed since the mid-19th century and became a key objective during the golden age of alpinism. Its status as Switzerland’s highest point has made it a national geographic reference.
Dufourspitze sits on the border ridge of the Monte Rosa massif between the Swiss canton of Valais and Italy, forming part of the Pennine Alps.
- Elevation and status: At 4,634 metres it is the highest summit in Switzerland and the culminating peak of the Monte Rosa massif, on the border with Italy.
- Climbing requirements: Climbing routes require glacier travel and alpine mountaineering experience; common approach involves high alpine huts and crevassed terrain.
How to Get to Dufourspitze #
Dufourspitze (the highest summit of the Monte Rosa massif) is a high-Alpine objective reached only by mountaineers. The usual access for climbs starts from the Valais side-travel to Zermatt (by car to Täsch, then shuttle/train into Zermatt or by rail via Visp/Brig). From Zermatt (or from the Italian Val Sesia for alternate routes) mountaineers proceed into the Monte Rosa massif and approach via glacier routes and mountain huts; ascents require alpine equipment and, unless you are an experienced glacial climber, a mountain guide.
Tips for Visiting Dufourspitze #
- Attempting Dufourspitze requires glacier travel and alpine climbing skills; plan ascents in the main climbing season (typically June-September), acclimatize in nearby valleys (Zermatt/Saas-Fee), and book a certified mountain guide and hut spaces well in advance.
- Start summit pushes very early in the morning to take advantage of firmer snow and more stable weather; the route involves crevasse and steep-ice sections, so rope teams and crevasse-rescue knowledge are essential.
Best Time to Visit Dufourspitze #
Dufourspitze is typically attempted in the high-alpine summer (July-September) for the most stable weather and route conditions; winter ascents are for experienced mountaineers only.
Weather & Climate near Dufourspitze #
Dufourspitze's climate is classified as Ice Cap - Ice Cap climate with freezing summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in March). Temperatures range from -18°C to -1°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is freezing with highs of -14°C and lows of -17°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm), partly cloudy skies, and windy conditions.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -15°C and lows of -18°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm), partly cloudy skies, and windy conditions.
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March
March is the coldest month with highs of -15°C and lows of -18°C. The wettest month with 47 mm of rain, partly cloudy skies, and windy conditions.
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April
April is freezing with highs of -14°C and lows of -17°C. Light rainfall, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is freezing with highs of -9°C and lows of -13°C. Light rainfall, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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June
June is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -9°C. Light rainfall, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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July
July is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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August
August is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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September
September is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is freezing with highs of -7°C and lows of -9°C. The driest month with just 22 mm, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -11°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm), partly cloudy skies, and windy conditions.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -12°C and lows of -16°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm), partly cloudy skies, and windy conditions.
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