The Bishorn Climb

The first day is a good warm-up, as you need to climb 1600m to reach the hut. It’s best to start early since dinner at the hut is served at 6 PM. The initial section leads through a forest, which is left behind around 2000m after crossing the Tracuit stream. From there, the valley gradually fades below as you ascend via long switchbacks. The slope becomes steeper until you pass a visible waterfall. After this point, the trail eases slightly and continues on an open path.

There is only one route, so navigation is straightforward. Further along, the path passes by the ruins of an old barn, which is a good spot for a lunch break. The final section consists of a long moraine crossing, where it is crucial to follow the white-red-white trail markings. A short passage with a fixed chain leads to the ridge at the pass between the Anniviers and Turtmann valleys, where the hut (3256m) is located. The view from the hut is spectacular, featuring the Bishorn, Weisshorn, Zinalrothorn, Dent Blanche, and the Anniviers Valley.

The hut wardens wake climbers at 5 AM (or at 2 AM for those heading to the Weisshorn). After a solid breakfast, the Bishorn ascent begins. From the hut, head east to a small cross (less than 100m away), then traverse the Turtmann Glacier eastward to a first col, or immediately step onto the glacier near the hut. Most of the time, it’s enough to follow the existing track and roped parties. Initially, the route winds through crevasses, which may be quite open depending on the season.

Gradually, the slope steepens towards the saddle between the Bishorn’s two summits. The final section leads to the right-hand summit, where a relatively steep (35-40°) snow slope must be climbed to reach the top, crossing a large crevasse just before the summit. The descent follows the same route. However, it is a long and demanding return, as you must descend the full 2500m gained over the two days in one go.

This trail is accessible from June to September. That’s when the hut will be open, as well as the trails will be accessible. You’ll need to have fair weather for the summit of Bishorn, as it is 4151 meters. Always follow the decisions of your guide to decide if you will climb the peak.

If you’re unsure of the weather in the days before your hike, you can call the hut warden or email the tourism board for advice on the conditions of the trail. This is always advised before a difficult trail.

It is highly recommended to hire a guide for the ascent of the Bishorn. While this high-altitude hike is not extremely difficult, the final section takes place on a glacier, requiring you to navigate numerous crevasses. The presence of a professional guide will help you have a pleasant and safe hike. You can source a guide here.

You’ll need to pack the essentials, as well as gear specific to glacier crossings. This includes an ice axe, crampons, a helmet, and a sling. You will also want to bring hiking poles, a headlamp, and a first aid kit in case of emergency. Finally, download the GPX offline to your device for backup!

The Bishorn Climb is a difficult trail because of the glacier at the peak. You’ll have to navigate some deep crevasses, one right before the summit, for this hike. It is highly recommended to hire a guide to help you with this!

To train for the Bishorn Climb, taking long walks or runs will be helpful, especially with a full pack or weighted vest. If you’re training in a colder season, spending time on the treadmill and stairmaster, as well as working on balance exercises will be very helpful for this trail.