Balmhorn

Balmhorn (L) and Altels seen from Niesen (NW) Photo by Andreas Fischer

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Setting from the SW

Overview

From the east. Gitzigrat is left skyline.

From the SW Altels left, Balmhorn right

The Balmhorn is a large peak located above Lötschenpass and Gemmipass in the western Bernese Alps. The peak supports a large glacier on its north side. The eastern and northeastern aspects are rock. To the southeast, it is connected to the Rinderhorn by long snow and rock ridge (Zackengrat). To the west, it is connected to Altels by an elegant narrow ridge. Jakob and Melchior Anderegg with Frank, Horace, and Lucy Walker made the first ascent of the Balmhorn via the Zackengrat on 21 July 1864.

Views from Balmhorn

East to Eiger, etc.

South to the Valais.

SW to Rinderhorn

Getting There

From the NW.

Routes on the north side of the peak are climbed from the Balmhorn Hut that is reached from the town of Kandersteg through the Gasterntal (about a three hour hike from town, or two hours from the nearest road access). The Zackengrat is climbed from Berghotel Schwarenbach which can be reached from either Kandersteg or Leukerbad. The southern and shortest approach is via Gemmipass from Leukerbad (about 1hour from the top of the Gemmibahn). From the north, one can either hike or ride the lift from Kandersteg (about two hours from the top of the Sunnbüel Lift). The Gitzigrat is climbed from the Lötchenpass Hut which is most easily approached from the Lötchental (about two and a half hours from Kummen Alp) or with more difficulty from Kandersteg (about 4 hours from Selden). TOPO MAP LINK: .

Routes Overview

Z-grat is right skyline.

There are four major routes on the Balmhorn. 1) SW Ridge or Zackengrat, WS, This is the normal route and takes about 5 hours from Berghotel Schwarenbach. The ridge is gained by climbing the steep slope directly above the head of the Schwarz Glacier to Zackenpass. First Ascent: Jakob and Melchior Anderegg with Frank, Horace, and Lucy Walker on 21 July 1864.  

Summit.

2) North Face, S, 4 to 6 hours from the Balmhorn Hut. This is a long steep glacier climb with various options. The steepest way involves overcoming steep section varying from 60 to 90 degrees. First Ascent: Pierre Desaules and Edgar Seiler on 14 July 1935. 3) Northeast Ridge or Wildelsiggrat, ZS, 5 to 7 hours from the Balmhorn Hut. This ridge climbs steeply along the eastern side of the north face and is a combination of snow, ice, and rather poor rock with places of III. First Ascent: Hans Bichly, P. & A. Müller, and Herman Seiler on 12 July 1901.  

Lötschenpass Hut. Gitzigrat on left.

4) Southeast Ridge or Gitzigrat, ZS+, about 6 hours from the Lötchenpass Hut. Mainly a rock climb in its lower parts with climbing of III and several places of IV. First Ascent: Heinrich Dübi, Christian & Hans Hari, and Louis Liechti on 29 July 1886. The North Face, Wildelsiggrat (with traverse to Altels), and the Gitzigrat are included in BERNER OBERLAND die 100 schönsten Touren by Hans Grossen with Gaston Rébuffat.

Huts

Balmhorn Hut.

Balmhornhütte Lötschenpass Hut 1 Lötschenpass Hut 2 Berghotel Schwarenbach

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