Fixed rope routes

Jägihorn via ferrata

Klettersteig Jägihorn

Saas-Grund

This is not only one of the most beautiful via ferrata in Switzerland but the highest of the western Alps. Scenic great, with little iron and a lot of rock climbing this contact provides real climbing pleasure for the advanced.

Difficulty

Difficult

Length

5.77 km

Duration

6:00 h

Description

The Jägihorn Via Ferrata has been equipped with 1000 m steel rope, 400 pitons, 5 ladders and other attractions such as a steel rope bridge or a climbing net. It allows the climbers to get on the peak of Jägihorn on 3'203 m above sea level. Arrived on the top on 3206m above sea level, enjoy the breathtaking view on Weissmies, Allalinhorn and the Mischabel group. Guided tours are organized by "Active Dreams Weissmies" and "Saas-Fee Guides" from the end of june to mid october.

Turn-by-turn directions

Take the Hohsaas gondola to the intermediate station of Kreuzboden, located about an hour’s walk from the via ferrata. Follow the “Hüttenweg” trail to the “Weissmieshütte” refuge, and then climb a ridge up towards the start of the via ferrata.

The itinerary leads via several ladders up to a ridge and then to a chasm, which you can cross either via a rope bridge or by climbing down the rock face and back up the other side. After an ascent via a climbing net, the route continues to the summit of the Jägihorn. The way down leads to the Weissmieshütte cabin, passing impressive rocks. Afterwards, you can cross the Triftbach river again to return to Kreuzboden via the Weissmieshütte, or take the direct route to Kreuzboden (via Sandiger).

Start

Valley station of the Hohsaas cable car in Saas-Grund (2402m)

Destination

Mountain station of the Kreuzboden cable car (2402m)

Author's recommendation

After the via ferrata, enjoy a delicious rösti or other Valais specialities at the “Weissmieshütte” hut, run by the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC).

Technical information

Altitude

3203m

2400m

Ascent

+870m

Descent

-871m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Tags

  • Scenic
  • Insider tip
  • Summit route
  • Round trip
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Cableway ascent/descent
Getting there
Information

Public transport

Trains from whole Switzerland to Visp. From there (southern exit of the train station), take the busses running to Saas-Fee. Get out of the bus in Saas-Grund, one village before arriving in Saas-Fee.

Approach

From Basel/Zurich: Motorway A1 until Bern, A6 until Spiez, towards Kandersteg; Car transport Kandersteg-Goppenstein; towards Gampel - Visp - Saas-Fee. From Geneva: Motorway A1 until Lausanne; towards Sion/Sierre - Leuk - Visp - Saas-Fee.

Parking

Parking at the Hohsaas cable car

Equipment

All climbers must wear a harness. Because of the risk of falling rocks along the route, a helmet is also essential. Ensure you have sturdy footwear and appropriate clothing, and bring a small rucksack with water and a snack. A suitable pair of gloves will protect your fingers and knuckles from grazes.

Safety information

Weather conditions: before setting off to tackle a via ferrata, it is important to check the weather forecast. Bad conditions can make climbing dangerous – particularly in stormy weather.

Rockfalls: because of the risk of falling rocks – usually caused by climbers higher up or by animals – all climbers are strongly advised to wear a helmet.

Safety: always leave sufficient distance between yourself and the climber ahead. There should never be more than one person between two anchor points.

Additional information

Rental:
  • Local sports shops Saas-Fee

Find more information about the destination here:

Literature

Eugen E. Hüsler, Daniel Anker : Die Klettersteige der Schweiz 

Maps

SwissTopo Maps 1:25'000: 1329 Saas

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion