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.
Mont Collon at a Glance#
About Mont Collon#
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.
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.
Weather & Climate near Mont Collon#
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -14° - -9° | -21° | 23 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 7.0 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.0h |
| February | Poor | -14° - -10° | -21° | 21 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 6.5 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.2h |
| March | Poor | -14° - -9° | -21° | 25 mm | partly cloudy | 87% | 6.8 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Poor | -13° - -8° | -19° | 17 mm | overcast | 83% | 6.3 m/s | 1.0 high | 13.4h |
| May | Poor | -8° - -3° | -12° | 19 mm | overcast | 78% | 5.8 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.7h |
| June | Poor | -4° - 0° | -8° | 17 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 5.5 m/s | 1.8 very high | 15.4h |
| July | Acceptable | -1° - 4° | -3° | 18 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 5.5 m/s | 1.9 very high | 15.1h |
| August | Acceptable | 1° - 5° | -1° | 23 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 4.9 m/s | 1.6 very high | 13.9h |
| September | Acceptable | -2° - 2° | -5° | 22 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 5.5 m/s | 1.0 high | 12.4h |
| October | Poor | -5° - -2° | -10° | 16 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 5.8 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 10.8h |
| November | Poor | -10° - -6° | -16° | 21 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 6.6 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.4h |
| December | Poor | -12° - -8° | -19° | 16 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 7.0 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.6h |
