Northwest Ridge from Cabane de Tracuit
- Approach Time
- 2-3 h
- Ascent Time
- 4-6 h
- Summit Push
- 2-3 h
- Descent Time
- 3-5 h
This is the standard and best-known route to Bishorn, usually climbed from Cabane de Tracuit. It is a classic glacier ascent with generally moderate technical difficulty but significant altitude and crevasse exposure. The route is mostly on snow and glacier, with the final ridge often straightforward in good conditions. Rope travel and crevasse awareness are essential, especially early in the season. Objective hazards include crevasses, serac or snow-bridge instability on the glacier, and poor visibility on the broad upper slopes. In stable conditions it is one of the more accessible 4000-m peaks in the Pennine Alps.
Route Outline
Cabane de Tracuit (or approach from Zinal) -> Bishorn glacier basin
Cross the upper glacier toward the col between Bishorn and Weisshorn massif
Climb the broad northwest ridge / upper snow slopes
Summit of Bishorn
Descend by the ascent route to Cabane de Tracuit and onward to Zinal
