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The Breithorn (German language, German for literally "broad horn"; 13,661 ft. or 4,164 m) is a mountain range of the Pennine Alps with its highest peak of the same name (but also called ''Breithorn (Western Summit)''), located on the border between Switzerland and Italy. It lies on the main chain of the Alps, approximately halfway between the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa and east of the Theodul Pass. Most of the massif is glaciated and includes several subsidiary peaks, all located east of the main summit: the Central Breithorn, the Eastern Breithorn, western Breithorn Twin (or Eastern Breithorn), the Gendarm (Breithorn), Gendarm (or eastern Breithorn Twin) and the Roccia Nera. The main summit is sometimes distinguished by the name ''Western Breithorn'' (german: Breithorn (Westgipfel), it, Breithorn Occidentale). The nearest settlements are Zermatt (Valais) and Ayas, Aosta Valley, St-Jacques (Aosta Valley).
The Breithorn is considered the most easily climbed 4,000 m Alpine peak. This is due to the Klein Matterhorn Aerial tramway, cable car which takes climbers to over 3,820 m (12,700 ft) from Zermatt for a starting point. The standard route (SSW flank) is from the Italian side of the mountain (the south side) and continues over a glacier, glacial plateau before climbing to the summit on a 35 degree snow slope. However, inexperienced mountaineers may run into severe difficulty if caution is not taken near Cornice (climbing), cornices or in bad weather. For experienced climbers wanting more of a challenge, the half traverse of the Breithorn crest is another option.
The Breithorn was first climbed in 1813 by Henry Maynard (climber), Joseph-Marie Couttet, Jean Gras, Jean-Baptiste Erin and Jean-Jacques Erin.
Breithorn on SummitPost
- photos
Breithorn on 4000er.de
Breithorn on WinterClimb.com
- photos, practical info {{Portal bar, Mountains, Switzerland Alpine four-thousanders Four-thousanders of Switzerland International mountains of Europe Italy–Switzerland border Mountains of Italy Mountains of Switzerland Mountains of the Alps Mountains of Valais Pennine Alps
The Breithorn is considered the most easily climbed 4,000 m Alpine peak. This is due to the Klein Matterhorn Aerial tramway, cable car which takes climbers to over 3,820 m (12,700 ft) from Zermatt for a starting point. The standard route (SSW flank) is from the Italian side of the mountain (the south side) and continues over a glacier, glacial plateau before climbing to the summit on a 35 degree snow slope. However, inexperienced mountaineers may run into severe difficulty if caution is not taken near Cornice (climbing), cornices or in bad weather. For experienced climbers wanting more of a challenge, the half traverse of the Breithorn crest is another option.
The Breithorn was first climbed in 1813 by Henry Maynard (climber), Joseph-Marie Couttet, Jean Gras, Jean-Baptiste Erin and Jean-Jacques Erin.
See also
*List of 4000 metre peaks of the AlpsReferences
External links
Breithorn on SummitPost
- photos
Breithorn on 4000er.de
Breithorn on WinterClimb.com
- photos, practical info {{Portal bar, Mountains, Switzerland Alpine four-thousanders Four-thousanders of Switzerland International mountains of Europe Italy–Switzerland border Mountains of Italy Mountains of Switzerland Mountains of the Alps Mountains of Valais Pennine Alps