Strahlhorn

Mountain Alpine peak offering challenging climbs and glaciated slopes

A 4,000‑metre-class peak in Valais, Strahlhorn offers alpine climbing, glacier routes and long ridgelines between Saas-Fee and Zermatt for experienced mountaineers.

Main image

Strahlhorn is a high alpine summit in the canton of Valais, part of the Pennine Alps in Switzerland, with a summit elevation of about 4,190 metres. It is one of the region’s 4,000-metre peaks and is known to mountaineers for its glacier-covered slopes.

Routes to the summit typically involve glacier crossings and high-alpine terrain; it is climbed in summer and also attracts ski-mountaineers. The mountain forms part of the broad High-Alpine ridge running through Valais.

The peak has featured in classic alpine climbing and ski-mountaineering itineraries and is visited as part of multi-peak tours in the Pennine Alps. Mountain weather and crevasse hazard make proper preparation essential.

Strahlhorn sits in southern Switzerland’s Valais, on the main alpine chain of the Pennine Alps, with approach valleys served from sides of the range in the canton.

  • Alpine conditions: Alpine routes involve glacier travel and are generally attempted by experienced mountaineers with appropriate equipment.
Strahlhorn
46.0132, 7.9020

How to Get to Strahlhorn #

Access is typically from the Saas Fee or Saas-Almagell valleys. Saas Fee is reachable by regional transport from Visp or Brig; from there mountaineering routes begin at trailheads and alpine huts. Hire a certified mountain guide for route planning and safety.

Tips for Visiting Strahlhorn #

  • Strahlhorn is an alpine peak requiring mountaineering experience - hire a certified mountain guide and ensure appropriate equipment for glaciers and crevasses.
  • Approach from Saas Fee or Saas-Almagell for established routes; check current glacier conditions before attempting a summit.
  • Start early in the day to avoid afternoon storms; high-altitude weather can change rapidly even in summer.

Best Time to Visit Strahlhorn #

Best attempted in summer with experienced guides; weather and glacier conditions determine safety and accessibility.

Summer Climbing Season
June-September · 0-10°C (at higher elevations)
Main alpine climbing window with long daylight and usually safer glacier travel conditions.
Winter/Ski Season
December-March · -10-0°C
Used by ski mountaineers; avalanche risk makes knowledgeable partners and local guides essential.

Weather & Climate near Strahlhorn #

Climate

Strahlhorn's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with freezing summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -17°C to 1°C. Very dry conditions with minimal 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 -12°C and lows of -16°C. Light rainfall, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

35 Poor

Comfort

-14°
Feels Like Freezing
-14°C
Temperature
-16° -12°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

21 mm
Rainfall
8.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.9h daylight

February

February is the coldest month with highs of -12°C and lows of -17°C. Light rainfall, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

35 Poor

Comfort

-14°
Feels Like Freezing
-14°C
Temperature
-17° -12°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

18 mm
Rainfall
7.7 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.3
UV Index
Low
10.2h daylight

March

March is the coldest month with highs of -12°C and lows of -16°C. Light rainfall, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

39 Poor

Comfort

-14°
Feels Like Freezing
-14°C
Temperature
-17° -12°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

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

April

April is freezing with highs of -11°C and lows of -15°C. Light rainfall, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

41 Poor

Comfort

-13°
Feels Like Freezing
-13°C
Temperature
-15° -11°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

13 mm
Rainfall
7.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.0
UV Index
High
13.4h daylight

May

May is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -11°C. Light rainfall, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

37 Poor

Comfort

-8°
Feels Like Freezing
-8°C
Temperature
-11° -6°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

13 mm
Rainfall
6.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.4
UV Index
High
14.8h daylight

June

June is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -7°C. Light rainfall, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

45 Poor

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-7° -3°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

14 mm
Rainfall
6.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.7
UV Index
Very High
15.6h daylight

July

July 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°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

18 mm
Rainfall
6.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.8
UV Index
Very High
15.2h daylight

August

August is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -2°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

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

Weather

21 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.5
UV Index
High
14.0h daylight

September

September is freezing with highs of -2°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° -2°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

18 mm
Rainfall
6.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.0
UV Index
Moderate
12.4h daylight

October

October is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -7°C. The driest month with just 10 mm, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

41 Poor

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-7° -5°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

10 mm
Rainfall
6.7 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.5
UV Index
Moderate
10.7h daylight

November

November is freezing with highs of -8°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° -8°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

16 mm
Rainfall
7.7 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.3h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of -10°C and lows of -14°C. Light rainfall, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

37 Poor

Comfort

-12°
Feels Like Freezing
-12°C
Temperature
-14° -10°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

12 mm
Rainfall
8.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.5h daylight

Nearby Attractions to Strahlhorn