Mont Collon

Mountain Alpine peak in Valais known for its glaciers

A jagged peak above the Arolla valley in Valais, Mont Collon attracts mountaineers for steep faces, glacier routes and multi-pitch alpine climbs in classic high-Alpine terrain.

Main image

Mont Collon is a mountain in the Pennine Alps of Valais, Switzerland, reaching roughly 3,637 metres in elevation. It is noted for its prominent, steep faces and glaciated slopes.

The mountain offers technical alpine routes and glacier travel, with routes commonly approached from the Arolla valley. Its north face and the adjacent glacier fields are principal features for climbers and ski mountaineers.

Alpine exploration and mountaineering development in the 19th and 20th centuries established Mont Collon as a classic objective for experienced climbers; huts and routes in the Arolla area support ascents.

Mont Collon sits above the Val d’Arolla in the canton of Valais, within the Pennine Alps range of southern Switzerland, accessible from mountain villages in the Hérens and Arolla valleys.

  • Height and climbing: Rises to approximately 3,637 metres and is notable for a steep, glaciated north face that is a target for experienced alpinists.
Mont Collon
45.9771, 7.5075

How to Get to Mont Collon #

Access via the Val d’Hérens or Val d’Arolla. The usual base is the village of Arolla (Valais), reached by road from Sion or Sierre. From Arolla, mountain trails and glacier approaches lead to the refuges that serve as starting points for ascents.

Tips for Visiting Mont Collon #

  • Hire a local alpine guide if planning technical climbs - routes have mixed rock and glacier sections.
  • Check current glacier conditions at the local alpine club (CAS) office in Arolla or the regional hut keepers.
  • Photographers should plan for early-morning light on the north faces; afternoons often bring cloud build-up.

Best Time to Visit Mont Collon #

Summer offers the safest access for climbers and hikers; winter is for expert ski-tourers with proper avalanche training.

Summer (climbing season)
Jun-Sep · 0-10°C on higher slopes (32-50°F)
Glacier travel and mountaineering routes are most accessible; alpine huts operate.
Winter-Spring
Dec-Mar · -10-0°C (14-32°F)
Ski-mountaineering and snow conditions dominate; avalanche risk is significant - expertise required.

Weather & Climate near Mont Collon #

Climate

Mont Collon's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -14°C to 5°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustSeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
23°
Warmest Month
-29°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of -9°C and lows of -14°C. Light rainfall, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

39 Poor

Comfort

-12°
Feels Like Freezing
-12°C
Temperature
-14° -9°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

23 mm
Rainfall
7.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.0h daylight

February

February is the coldest month with highs of -10°C and lows of -14°C. Light rainfall, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

39 Poor

Comfort

-12°
Feels Like Freezing
-12°C
Temperature
-14° -10°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

21 mm
Rainfall
6.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.3
UV Index
Low
10.2h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of -9°C and lows of -14°C. Light rainfall, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

39 Poor

Comfort

-12°
Feels Like Freezing
-12°C
Temperature
-14° -9°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

25 mm
Rainfall
6.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
11.8h daylight

April

April is freezing with highs of -8°C and lows of -13°C. Light rainfall, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

35 Poor

Comfort

-10°
Feels Like Freezing
-10°C
Temperature
-13° -8°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

17 mm
Rainfall
6.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.0
UV Index
High
13.4h daylight

May

May is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -8°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.

41 Poor

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-8° -3°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

19 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.4
UV Index
High
14.7h daylight

June

June is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -4°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

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

Weather

17 mm
Rainfall
5.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.8
UV Index
Very High
15.4h daylight

July

July is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

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

Weather

18 mm
Rainfall
5.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.9
UV Index
Very High
15.1h daylight

August

August is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 1°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

23 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.6
UV Index
Very High
13.9h daylight

September

September is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

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

Weather

22 mm
Rainfall
5.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
High
12.4h daylight

October

October is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -5°C. The driest month with just 16 mm and partly cloudy skies.

45 Poor

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-5° -2°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

16 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.5
UV Index
Moderate
10.8h daylight

November

November is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -10°C. Light rainfall, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

39 Poor

Comfort

-8°
Feels Like Freezing
-8°C
Temperature
-10° -6°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

21 mm
Rainfall
6.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.4h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of -8°C and lows of -12°C. The driest month with just 16 mm, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

39 Poor

Comfort

-10°
Feels Like Freezing
-10°C
Temperature
-12° -8°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

16 mm
Rainfall
7.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.6h daylight

Nearby Attractions to Mont Collon