The southwest ridge is the standard documented mountaineering route on Petit Combin. It is an alpine snow-and-rock route with generally moderate difficulty, but conditions can vary significantly with snow and ice. The route typically involves glacier travel and route-finding on the upper mountain. Objective hazards include crevasses, serac or snow instability, and rockfall on exposed sections. It is usually climbed from a high mountain hut in the Grand Combin area. The final part to the summit is a sustained alpine ascent rather than a hiking path.
Route Outline
Cabane de Panossière or valley approach
Glacier approach to the base of Petit Combin
Ascend the southwest ridge and upper snow slopes
Summit of Petit Combin
Return by the same route
