Mischabel

Mountains Alpine massif in Valais containing several high peaks

The Mischabel massif in Valais includes the Dom, Switzerland’s highest peak entirely within the country. Mountaineers attempt long glacier routes; hikers use high huts and alpine passes for multi-day treks.

Main image

The Mischabel is a high Alpine massif in the Pennine Alps of canton Valais, Switzerland, containing several 4,000-metre peaks. Its highest summit is the Dom at 4,545 m, the tallest mountain wholly within Swiss territory.

The massif is a focus for technical mountaineering and glacier routes, with sustained high ridges and steep faces. Climbs typically involve glacier travel, mixed climbing and long routes that demand alpine experience and equipment.

Formed by Alpine orogeny, the Mischabel has long been part of the region’s mountaineering history and sits among neighbouring high peaks that define the Valais high Alps.

Geographically the range lies between the Saas Valley (Saas-Fee) and the Mattertal, above valley villages such as Saas-Fee and Randa in canton Valais.

  • Alpine peaks: The massif is part of the Pennine Alps and contains several 4,000-metre peaks frequently climbed by experienced mountaineers.
  • Access: Approaches are commonly made from the Saas Valley (Saas-Fee) side and from the Mattertal side near Randa, with glacier travel required for many routes.

What to See #

  • Dom: Dom, the highest summit of the massif and of all mountains located entirely within Switzerland, at 4,545 metres.
  • Te4schhorn: Täschhorn, a prominent 4,491-metre peak in the massif that is a classic objective for experienced alpinists.
Mischabel
Mischabel range, Valais, Switzerland
46.0947, 7.8617
Access to many alpine routes is free; lifts and guided services on approaches vary by operator

How to Get to Mischabel #

The Mischabel massif is most commonly accessed from Saas-Fee or Täsch/Zermatt in Valais. Trains from Visp connect to regional services; car access is to valley towns with onward lifts and trails. Mountain huts and guides are accessed from the valley towns.

Tips for Visiting Mischabel #

  • Hire a certified mountain guide for technical routes on the Mischabel and for glacier travel.
  • Approach the range from Saas-Fee or Zermatt depending on the specific summit; both towns offer facilities and transport.
  • Acclimatize over several days - the Mischabel group rises to over 4,000 m and altitude sickness is a genuine risk.

Best Time to Visit Mischabel #

Best visited June-September for climbing and glacier routes; winter access is possible but technical and weather-dependent.

Summer climbing season
June-September · 0-15°C (summit to valley)
Main window for mountaineering and high-alpine routes; huts open and guides operating.
Winter
December-March · -10-0°C
Ski touring and alpine skiing in adjacent resorts; many high routes are snowbound and technical.

Weather & Climate near Mischabel #

Climate

Mischabel'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 0°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.

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

January

January is freezing with highs of -13°C and lows of -17°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.

31 Poor

Comfort

-15°
Feels Like Freezing
-15°C
Temperature
-17° -13°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

40 mm
Rainfall
11.1 m/s
Wind
Windy
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.9h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of -14°C and lows of -18°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

31 Poor

Comfort

-16°
Feels Like Freezing
-16°C
Temperature
-18° -14°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

34 mm
Rainfall
9.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.3
UV Index
Low
10.2h daylight

March

March is the coldest month with highs of -14°C and lows of -18°C. The wettest month with 42 mm of rain, partly cloudy skies, and windy conditions.

35 Poor

Comfort

-16°
Feels Like Freezing
-16°C
Temperature
-18° -14°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

42 mm
Rainfall
10.0 m/s
Wind
Windy
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
11.8h daylight

April

April is freezing with highs of -13°C and lows of -17°C. Light rainfall, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

39 Poor

Comfort

-15°
Feels Like Freezing
-15°C
Temperature
-17° -13°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

25 mm
Rainfall
8.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.0
UV Index
High
13.4h daylight

May

May is freezing with highs of -7°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° -7°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

21 mm
Rainfall
7.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.4
UV Index
High
14.8h daylight

June

June is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -8°C. Light rainfall, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

43 Poor

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-8° -4°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

23 mm
Rainfall
7.5 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 -4°C. Light rainfall, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

43 Poor

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-4° -1°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

28 mm
Rainfall
7.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.8
UV Index
Very High
15.2h daylight

August

August is freezing with highs of 0°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°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

29 mm
Rainfall
6.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.5
UV Index
High
14.0h daylight

September

September is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -5°C. Light rainfall, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

43 Poor

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-5° -3°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

27 mm
Rainfall
7.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.0
UV Index
Moderate
12.4h daylight

October

October is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -8°C. The driest month with just 18 mm, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

39 Poor

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-9° -6°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

18 mm
Rainfall
8.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.5
UV Index
Moderate
10.7h daylight

November

November is freezing with highs of -10°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

31 Poor

Comfort

-11°
Feels Like Freezing
-11°C
Temperature
-13° -10°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

30 mm
Rainfall
9.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.3h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of -11°C and lows of -15°C. Light rainfall, mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.

33 Poor

Comfort

-13°
Feels Like Freezing
-13°C
Temperature
-15° -11°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

28 mm
Rainfall
10.9 m/s
Wind
Windy
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.5h daylight

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