Breithorn
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- For other places with the same name, see Breithorn (disambiguation).
| Breithorn | |
|---|---|
 The Breithorn as seen from the Klein Matterhorn |
|
| Elevation | 4,164 metres (13,661 feet) |
| Location | Switzerland-Italy |
| Range | Pennine Alps |
| Prominence | 429 m |
| Coordinates | |
| First ascent | 1813 |
| Easiest route | basic glacier/snow climb |
The Breithorn is a mountain in the Alps, considered the most easily climbed 4,000 m Alpine peak. This is due to the Klein Matterhorn cable car which takes climbers to over 3,870 m (12,700 ft) for a starting point. The standard route (SSW flank) continues over a glacial plateau before climbing to the summit on a 35 degree snow slope. However, inexperienced mountaineers may run into severe difficulty if caution is not taken near cornices or in bad weather. For experienced climbers wanting more of a challenge, the half traverse of the Breithorn crest is another option.
The Breithorn was first climbed in 1813 by Henry Maynard, Joseph-Marie Couttet, Jean Gras, Jean-Baptiste Erin and Jean-Jacques Erin.
[edit] Gallery
 Breithorn with Gentian in the foreground |
