Bishorn 4153m – Two Day Private Guided Climb

The Bishorn is one of the most accessible 4000m peaks in the Alps and a fantastic introduction to high-altitude mountaineering.

Its normal route is technically straightforward, making it suitable for complete mountaineering beginners with good mountain fitness. But at 4153m, this is still a proper high-altitude mountain: we travel roped across glaciated terrain, use crampons and an ice axe, and manage the risks associated with crevasses, weather, snow conditions and altitude.

Our Bishorn climbs are private trips only, with a maximum of four climbers per guide. You can meet us in Zinal or travel with your guide from Chamonix.

Available June to October.

Two-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Zinal to the Cabane de Tracuit

We travel to Zinal and begin the climb to the Cabane de Tracuit at 3256m.

It’s a substantial first day, with around 1580m of ascent and approximately 5 hours of walking. As we climb above the valley, the terrain becomes increasingly alpine before we reach the spectacularly situated Tracuit hut.

We’ll have time at the hut to prepare equipment and go through the skills needed for the following morning before dinner and an early night.

Ascent: 1580m
Time: approximately 5 hours
Night: Cabane de Tracuit, 3256m

Day 2 – Bishorn Summit, 4153m

After an early breakfast, we put on our crampons and rope together before heading onto the glacier.

The normal route crosses the Turtmann Glacier before climbing broad snow slopes towards the summit. The climbing is technically straightforward, allowing you to experience a genuine high-altitude glacier ascent without requiring previous mountaineering experience.

From the 4153m summit, there are superb views across the Valais Alps, with the Weisshorn rising immediately nearby.

We descend back to the Cabane de Tracuit for a break before continuing all the way down to Zinal.

Summit ascent: approximately 900m
Ascent time: approximately 2½–3 hours
Total descent: approximately 2480m

Who is the Bishorn for?

The Bishorn is ideal for fit hillwalkers and complete mountaineering beginners wanting to climb their first 4000m peak.

No previous experience with crampons, an ice axe or glacier travel is required. Your guide will introduce the skills you need during the trip.

Good fitness is important. The approach to the hut involves around 1580m of ascent, and summit day finishes with a long descent from 4153m all the way back to Zinal.

Private Guiding & Prices

All Bishorn climbs are private bookings, with a maximum ratio of 1 guide to 4 climbers.

1 climber: €1,700
2 climbers: €900 per person
3 climbers: €750 per person
4 climbers: €700 per person

Larger private groups can be accommodated with additional guides.

What’s Included?

• Two days of private IFMGA mountain guiding
• Half-board accommodation at the Cabane de Tracuit
• Guide’s hut accommodation and expenses
• Transport between Chamonix and Zinal if required
• Pre-trip advice and planning

Not Included

• Personal travel to Chamonix or Zinal
• Accommodation before or after the trip
• Lunches, snacks and drinks
• Personal clothing
• Mountaineering boots and technical mountaineering equipment
• Rescue and travel insurance

Equipment

You’ll need suitable mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axe, harness and helmet, as well as normal clothing and equipment for summer mountaineering.

Mountaineering equipment is not included in the trip price, but we can provide hire equipment separately if required.

If you’re new to mountaineering, there’s no need to buy specialist equipment specifically for the trip. We’ll send you a full equipment list and can advise you on what to bring or hire.

Getting There

You can meet your guide directly in Zinal, or we can provide transport from Chamonix to Zinal and back as part of the trip.

This makes the Bishorn straightforward to add to a stay in the Chamonix valley.