Snowshoeing to the Allalinhorn Mountain 4027 Meters – Guest Article

Fellow adventurer and explorer Michael Baumann undertook a breathtaking snowshoe hike to the famous Allalinhorn, which is 4027 metres above sealevel. Read his report about snowshoeing to the Allalinhorn here!


Start of the snowshoeing to the Allalinhorn mountain in Saas Fee Switzerland
The route to Feejoch continues behind the mountain

My brother and I decided to take up a new challenge: crest a mountain higher than 4000 meters. However, before I am going to write a review about this lifetime experience, I would like to introduce myself:

I am Michael and I love to be outdoors as often as I can. At the beginning of the year, I was travelling around the world. Among other countries, I visited Australia, Hawaii and the West Coast of the USA. During this time, I undertook many hikes, went mountain biking, kayaking and scuba diving.

Shortly after I had undertaken the snowshoeing to the Allalinhorn, Tom from Expeditom asked me if I would like to write a report about this experience. Instantly I agreed and this is the result:

Back in Switzerland, the time was coming to discover my home country. This December, my twin brother and I drove up to the small mountain village Saas Fee. A perfect place to start the journey to the snow-covered mountain. Early in the morning, under a cloudless sky, we met our tour guide and namesake Michael from Saas Fee Guides in front of the Alpin Express. By cable-car we drove to Felskinn, thenceforth we took the worlds highest metro Alpin up to Mittelallalin, which is 3500 meters above sea level. Next, we prepared ourselves for the ascend. We had to calculate Glacier fissures, icy sections even avalanches were not to be ignored. This is why we wore climbing equipment, snowshoes, crampon, ski sticks and the most important piece of equipment: avalanche burial devices.

Panorama after snowshoeing to the Allalinhorn
Panorama after snowshoeing to the Allalinhorn

After checking each other, we were ready to start our ascend. The way goes the first 500 meters along the ski slope. Carefully, we mastered this part. Thereafter, we had to attach our ropes together. Now, the worst part began, because the path was just a one foot wide. Additionally, there was the abysm on the right side and on the other side huge ice pieces that were threatening to fall. Behind this nerve-racking section, we arrived at the intermediate destination, called Feejoch.

“The feeling on top of the 4027 meters high mountain was indescribable and it was as if we were on top of the world.

snowshoeing to the Allalinhorn mountain in Saas Fee Switzerland - Summit
Me and my twin on the summit of the Allalinhorn

Even now, the view to the Matterhorn was amazing. Relieved by the short break, we left Feejoch and continued all the way up to the top. Although, there were a few icy sections, it was not a problem with the snowshoes. Thus, we had not to change them.

The last stage was the steepest one and the thin air made it even more arduous. We used our last forces. After snowshoeing 2.5 hours uphill, we arrived at the peak and the views on the ridge were incredible. This panorama across the Alps to the Lago Maggiore in Italy and the Monte Rosa Massif was just breathtaking. The feeling on top of the 4027 meters high mountain was indescribable and it was as if we were on top of the world.

Panorama after snowshoeing to the Allalinhorn in Saas Fee, Switzerland
Panorama after snowshoeing to the Allalinhorn in Saas Fee, Switzerland

After the pictures were taken, we took off, back the same way. Due to the snowshoes, the return was pretty easy, and it was almost as if we flew over the snow. But the worst part was yet awaiting us. It looked like it was steeper and more dangerous than before. Slowly and warily we hiked down. Half an hour later, we arrived at Mittelallin. Exhausted, lucky and glad to be well.

Pure Swiss Alps - snowshoeing to the Allalinhorn mountain in Saas Fee Switzerland
Magnificent views on top of the Allalinhorn mountain

To sum up, I definitely recommend you to go snowshoewing to the Allalinhorn, provided you are in a good shape. It is one of the easiest 4000er mountains you can climb. Still, it is very demanding. The company we undertook this spectacular ascend was SaasFee Guides, which offers a range of different tours and are professional tour guides.

Panorama snowshoeing to the Allalinhorn mountain in Saas Fee Switzerland
Pure Swiss Alps. Do you see the Matterhorn?

Summary of Michael’s report about snowshoeing to the Allalinhorn

It strikes me, that most world travellers, who return to their home country feel urged to discover it more thoroughly. This was the case after my language exchange in New Zealand, after which I wrote the post about ExpediTom goals for 2016 to explore more home waters. The very same thing seems to have happened to Michael and I totally feel him about this matter. Everytime I return to Switzerland, I am in awe at the first sight of the gorgeous mountains we have.

Thanks Michael for this impressive insight into your exciting snowshoe journey to the Allalinhorn. It was a pleasure to read your review.

4 Responses

  1. Leonard

    Wow what a view! thanks for sharing these amazing pictures. All the best . Leonard

    • Tom

      It’s indeed absolutely spectacular. You’re welcome Leonard and same to you.
      Cheers Tom

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