Oberrothorn

Description

At 3415m the Oberrothorn is the highest of Zermatt's mountains attainable by the walker being some 9m above the Mettelhorn on the far side of the valley. Indeed, one of the highest hiking trails in the Alps, the so named Weg zur Freiheit or Freedom Path, leaves the cable car station on the lower peak of Untherrothorn just to the West and climbs the peak by its southern slopes. This is the asiest way to the summit and is a fine walk with the views of most of the area's 4000m peaks including the Matterhorn, Weisshorn and Monte Rosa making it well worth the effort! A longer day out can be achieved by making the ascent from Blauherd, Sunegga or - for an epic 1800m climb - from Zermatt itself.

The northern and eastern sides of the peak are much more recipitous with steep crags dropping from the summit and a pinnacled ridge leading eastwards to the 4199 m Rimpfischhorn. Routes on this side are of a more technical nature and should be left well alone by the unguided walker!

Thanks to Pete Buckley for this description.