How many 4000 m peaks are there in the Alps?

The UIAA's official list, published in 1994, has 82 summits over 4,000 m; adding the subsidiary tops on its secondary list makes 128. peaks.fyi covers 80 of the 82, each with its normal route.

What is the highest 4000er in the Alps?

Mont Blanc (4,806 m), on the border of France and Italy. The way up is the normal route, the Goûter Route via the Bosses Ridge, graded PD-, about 9h 30m up over 2 days.

What is the easiest 4000er in the Alps?

By the grade of its normal route, Breithorn (4,160 m): the normal route, the South flank and west ridge from the Klein Matterhorn, graded F, about 2h 15m up. Easy is relative — every Alpine 4000er means glacier travel, altitude and fast-changing weather.

When is the season for climbing the 4000ers?

Mostly in July, when the huts are staffed and the routes are usually in condition. Many glacier routes are best early in the summer, while snow bridges are still firm; rock ridges are best once they are dry.

Do you need a guide to climb a 4000er?

Every Alpine 4000er involves glacier travel or climbing. Without experience of rope work and crevasse rescue, go with an IFMGA mountain guide; guides in Zermatt, Saas-Fee, Chamonix and Courmayeur run the easier ones as one- or two-day trips.

Explore peaks.fyi

Peak Lists

The Alpine 4000ers

In 1994 the UIAA published the official list of the Alps' 4000-metre summits: 82 peaks, chosen for their prominence, form and mountaineering importance rather than height alone. Climbing them all is one of the great projects of European mountaineering. Ueli Steck did it in 62 days in 2015; most people take a lifetime.

peaks.fyi covers 80 of the 82, from Mont Blanc (4,806 m) down to Les Droites (4,000 m). 46 stand in Switzerland, 36 in Italy and 25 in France, many of them on a border. The easiest — Breithorn, Roccia Nera and Punta Giordani — are glacier ascents graded F or PD; the hardest, like Grand Pilier d'Angle (D), need confident climbing on rock and ice.

Each row gives the normal route, its grade, the ascent time from the start of the route and the months when conditions are usually best.

Peaks: 80
Highest: 4,806 m; Mont Blanc
Countries: 3

The List

Mont Blanc, 4,806 m, Mont Blanc massif · France, ItalyMont Blanc massif · France, ItalyEasy alpine
4,806 m
Goûter Route via the Bosses Ridge · PD- · 9h 30m up · 2 days · best Jul · GPX
Mont Blanc de Courmayeur, 4,748 m, Mont Blanc massif · France, ItalyMont Blanc massif · France, ItalyEasy alpine
4,748 m
Goûter Route to Mont Blanc, then the ridge over the Col Major · PD- · 9h 45m up · 2 days · best Jul · GPX
Dufourspitze, 4,634 m, Monte Rosa Massif · Italy, SwitzerlandMonte Rosa Massif · Italy, SwitzerlandAlpine climb
4,634 m
West Ridge from the Monte Rosa Hut · AD- · III · 10h up · 2 days · best Jul · GPX
Nordend, 4,608 m, Monte Rosa Massif · Switzerland, ItalyMonte Rosa Massif · Switzerland, ItalyEasy alpine
4,608 m
From the Monte Rosa Hut via the Silbersattel · PD+ · II · 10h up · 2 days · best Apr · GPX
Zumsteinspitze, 4,563 m, Monte Rosa Massif · Italy, SwitzerlandMonte Rosa Massif · Italy, SwitzerlandEasy alpine
4,563 m
From the Gnifetti hut via the Colle Gnifetti and the SE ridge · PD · 6h up · 2 days · best Jul–Aug · GPX
Signalkuppe, 4,554 m, Monte Rosa Massif · Italy, SwitzerlandMonte Rosa Massif · Italy, SwitzerlandAlpine hike
4,554 m
From the Gnifetti hut via the Lys glacier and the Colle Gnifetti · F · 5h 30m up · 2 days · best Jul–Aug · GPX
Dom, 4,546 m, Mischabel group · SwitzerlandMischabel group · SwitzerlandEasy alpine
4,546 m
North Flank from the Domhütte · PD+ · 12h up · 2 days · best Jul · GPX
Lyskamm, 4,527 m, Pennine Alps · Switzerland, ItalyPennine Alps · Switzerland, ItalyAlpine climb
4,527 m
East Ridge from the Lisjoch · AD · II · 5h 30m up · 2 days · best Jul · GPX
Weisshorn, 4,505 m, Weisshorn Mountains · SwitzerlandWeisshorn Mountains · SwitzerlandAlpine climb
4,505 m
East Ridge from the Weisshornhütte · AD · III · 11h 45m up · 2 days · best Jul–Aug · GPX
Täschhorn, 4,491 m, Mischabel group · SwitzerlandMischabel group · SwitzerlandAlpine climb
4,491 m
Mischabelgrat from the Mischabeljoch · AD · III · 8h 45m up · 2 days · best Jul · GPX
Western Lyskamm, 4,479 m, Pennine Alps · Switzerland, ItalyPennine Alps · Switzerland, ItalyEasy alpine
4,479 m
SW ridge from the Rifugio Quintino Sella via the Felikjoch · PD+ · II · 7h 30m up · 2 days · best Jul · GPX
Matterhorn, 4,478 m, Pennine Alps · Switzerland, ItalyPennine Alps · Switzerland, ItalyAlpine climb
4,478 m
Hörnli Ridge · AD · III · 7h 15m up · 2 days · best Jul–Aug · GPX
Picco Luigi Amedeo, 4,469 m, Mont Blanc massif · ItalyMont Blanc massif · ItalyAlpine climb
4,469 m
Brouillard Ridge from the Eccles bivouac via the Col Émile Rey · AD+ · III · 12h up · 3 days · best Jul · GPX
Mont Maudit, 4,465 m, Mont Blanc massif · France, ItalyMont Blanc massif · France, ItalyEasy alpine
4,465 m
North face via the Col du Mont Maudit · PD+ · 6h 15m up · 2 days · best Jul · GPX
Parrotspitze, 4,434 m, Monte Rosa Massif · Italy, SwitzerlandMonte Rosa Massif · Italy, SwitzerlandEasy alpine
4,434 m
NE ridge from the Seserjoch · PD- · 4h 45m up · 2 days · best Jul–Aug · GPX
Dent Blanche, 4,357 m, Pennine Alps · SwitzerlandPennine Alps · SwitzerlandAlpine climb
4,357 m
South ridge from the Cabane de la Dent Blanche · AD · III · 10h 15m up · 2 days · best Jul–Aug · GPX
Ludwigshöhe, 4,341 m, Monte Rosa Massif · Italy, SwitzerlandMonte Rosa Massif · Italy, SwitzerlandAlpine hike
4,341 m
From the Gnifetti hut via the Lys Glacier and the Zurbriggenjoch · F · 4h 30m up · 2 days · best Jul–Aug · GPX
Nadelhorn, 4,327 m, Mischabel group · SwitzerlandMischabel group · SwitzerlandEasy alpine
4,327 m
NE Ridge from the Mischabelhütte · PD · II · 8h up · 2 days · best Jul–Aug · GPX
Schwarzhorn, 4,321 m, Monte Rosa Massif · ItalyMonte Rosa Massif · ItalyEasy alpine
4,321 m
North flank from the Zurbriggenjoch · PD+ · 4h 15m up · 2 days · best Jul · GPX
Grand Combin, 4,309 m, Pennine Alps · SwitzerlandPennine Alps · SwitzerlandEasy alpine
4,309 m
NW flank, Voie du Gardien, from the Panossière hut · PD · 11h 45m up · 2 days · best Apr–May · GPX
Dôme du Goûter, 4,304 m, Mont Blanc massif · France, ItalyMont Blanc massif · France, ItalyEasy alpine
4,304 m
Via the Aiguille du Goûter · PD · 7h 15m up · 2 days · best Jul · GPX
Lenzspitze, 4,293 m, Mischabel group · SwitzerlandMischabel group · SwitzerlandAlpine climb
4,293 m
South ridge from the Domhütte via the Lenzjoch · AD- · 11h 30m up · 2 days · best Jul–Aug · GPX
Finsteraarhorn, 4,274 m, Bernese Alps · SwitzerlandBernese Alps · SwitzerlandEasy alpine
4,274 m
SW flank and NW ridge via the Hugisattel · PD · 11h 15m up · 2 days · best Apr–May · GPX
Mont Blanc du Tacul, 4,248 m, Mont Blanc massif · FranceMont Blanc massif · FranceEasy alpine
4,248 m
North-west flank from the Aiguille du Midi · PD · 4h 30m up · 2 days · best Jun–Jul · GPX
Grand Pilier d'Angle, 4,243 m, Mont Blanc massif · ItalyMont Blanc massif · ItalyHard alpine
4,243 m
From the Eccles bivouac via the Col Eccles and Col de Peuterey · D · 11h 15m up · 2 days · best Jul · GPX
Stecknadelhorn, 4,240 m, Mischabel group · SwitzerlandMischabel group · SwitzerlandAlpine climb
4,240 m
From the Mischabelhütte via the Windjoch and the Nadelhorn NE ridge · AD- · 8h 15m up · 2 days · best Jul–Aug · GPX
Castor, 4,225 m, Pennine Alps · Switzerland, ItalyPennine Alps · Switzerland, ItalyEasy alpine
4,225 m
SE ridge from the Rifugio Quintino Sella via the Colle del Felik · PD- · 6h 15m up · 2 days · best Jul–Aug · GPX
Zinalrothorn, 4,221 m, Pennine Alps · SwitzerlandPennine Alps · SwitzerlandAlpine climb
4,221 m
North ridge from the Cabane du Mountet · AD · III · 11h up · 2 days · best Jul–Aug · GPX
Hohberghorn, 4,218 m, Mischabel group · SwitzerlandMischabel group · SwitzerlandAlpine climb
4,218 m
From the Mischabelhütte via the Windjoch, Nadelhorn ridge and Stecknadelhorn · AD · 8h 45m up · 2 days · best Jul–Aug · GPX
Vincent Pyramid, 4,215 m, Monte Rosa Massif · ItalyMonte Rosa Massif · ItalyAlpine hike
4,215 m
North-west slope from Punta Indren via the Gnifetti or Mantova hut · F · 4h up · 2 days · best Jun–Aug · GPX
Grandes Jorasses, 4,208 m, Mont Blanc massif · Italy, FranceMont Blanc massif · Italy, FranceAlpine climb
4,208 m
Normal route from Planpincieux via the Boccalatte hut, Rocher du Reposoir and Rochers Whymper · AD · IV · 9h 45m up · 2 days · best Jul · GPX
Alphubel, 4,206 m, Mischabel group · SwitzerlandMischabel group · SwitzerlandEasy alpine
4,206 m
East flank from Längfluh · PD · 5h up · best Apr · GPX
Rimpfischhorn, 4,199 m, Pennine Alps · SwitzerlandPennine Alps · SwitzerlandEasy alpine
4,199 m
From the Britannia Hut via the Allalinpass and Rimpfischsattel · PD · II · 13h 30m up · 2 days · best Jul–Aug · GPX
Aletschhorn, 4,194 m, Aletschhorn-Bietschhorn Group · SwitzerlandAletschhorn-Bietschhorn Group · SwitzerlandEasy alpine
4,194 m
South-west rib from the Oberaletsch Hut · AD- · II · 12h 30m up · 2 days · best Jul–Aug · GPX
Strahlhorn, 4,190 m, Pennine Alps · SwitzerlandPennine Alps · SwitzerlandEasy alpine
4,190 m
From the Britannia Hut via the Adlerpass and WNW ridge · PD · I · 12h 45m up · 2 days · best Apr–Jul · GPX
Combin de Valsorey, 4,184 m, Pennine Alps · SwitzerlandPennine Alps · SwitzerlandAlpine climb
4,184 m
Arête du Meitin from the Cabane de Valsorey · AD+ · III+ · 10h up · 2 days · best Jul–Aug · GPX
Punta Whymper, 4,184 m, Mont Blanc massif · Italy, FranceMont Blanc massif · Italy, FranceAlpine climb
4,184 m
Grandes Jorasses normal route via the Rocher du Reposoir and Rochers Whymper · AD · III+ · 10h up · 2 days · best Jul · GPX
Dent d'Hérens, 4,173 m, Pennine Alps · Italy, SwitzerlandPennine Alps · Italy, SwitzerlandAlpine climb
4,173 m
Tiefmatten ridge from the Rifugio Aosta · AD · III · 10h up · 2 days · best Jul · GPX
Breithorn, 4,160 m, Pennine Alps · Switzerland, ItalyPennine Alps · Switzerland, ItalyAlpine hike
4,160 m
South flank and west ridge from the Klein Matterhorn · F · 2h 15m up · best Jun–Sep · GPX
Jungfrau, 4,158 m, Jungfrau-Fiescherhorn Group · SwitzerlandJungfrau-Fiescherhorn Group · SwitzerlandAlpine climb
4,158 m
From the Jungfraujoch via the Rottalsattel and south-east ridge · AD- · 3h 15m up · best Apr–Jun · GPX
Bishorn, 4,149 m, Pennine Alps · SwitzerlandPennine Alps · SwitzerlandAlpine hike
4,149 m
North-west flank from the Cabane de Tracuit · F · I · 10h up · 2 days · best Jul–Aug · GPX
Combin de la Tsessette, 4,135 m, Pennine Alps · SwitzerlandPennine Alps · SwitzerlandEasy alpine
4,135 m
Le Corridor from the Cabane FXB Panossière · PD · 11h 15m up · 2 days · best May · GPX
Aiguille Verte, 4,122 m, Mont Blanc massif · FranceMont Blanc massif · FranceAlpine climb
4,122 m
Whymper Couloir · AD · 10h 30m up · 2 days · best Jun · GPX
L'Isolée, 4,114 m, Mont Blanc massif · FranceMont Blanc massif · FranceHard alpine
4,114 m
Traverse of the Aiguilles du Diable from the Col du Diable · D+ · V+ · 6h up · 2 days · best Jul–Aug · GPX
Aiguille Blanche de Peuterey, 4,112 m, Mont Blanc massif · ItalyMont Blanc massif · ItalyAlpine climb
4,112 m
From the Eccles bivouac via the Col de Peuterey · AD+ · IV+ · 11h 45m up · 3 days · best Jun–Jul · GPX
Mönch, 4,110 m, Jungfrau-Fiescherhorn Group · SwitzerlandJungfrau-Fiescherhorn Group · SwitzerlandAlpine climb
4,110 m
South-east ridge · AD- · II · 3h 45m up · 2 days · best Jul–Aug · GPX
Punta Croz, 4,110 m, Mont Blanc massif · Italy, FranceMont Blanc massif · Italy, FranceAlpine climb
4,110 m
Grandes Jorasses normal route to Pointe Whymper, then the summit ridge west to Pointe Croz · AD · III · 9h 45m up · 2 days · best Jul · GPX
Pointe Carmen, 4,109 m, Mont Blanc massif · FranceMont Blanc massif · FranceHard alpine
4,109 m
Traverse of the Aiguilles du Diable from the Col du Diable · D+ · V · 5h 45m up · 2 days · best Jul–Aug · GPX
Breithornzwillinge, 4,106 m, Pennine Alps · SwitzerlandPennine Alps · SwitzerlandEasy alpine
4,106 m
From Klein Matterhorn via the Rossi-Volante bivouac and the Roccia Nera ridge · PD+ · 3h up · best Jul · GPX
Barre des Écrins, 4,102 m, chaine Écrins-Grande Ruine-Agneaux · Francechaine Écrins-Grande Ruine-Agneaux · FranceEasy alpine
4,102 m
Normal route via the Glacier Blanc, north face and west ridge · PD · III · 12h up · 2 days · best Jun–Jul · GPX
Grande Rocheuse, 4,102 m, Mont Blanc massif · FranceMont Blanc massif · FranceAlpine climb
4,102 m
Couloir Whymper from the Couvercle hut · AD+ · 10h 15m up · 2 days · best May–Jun · GPX
Pointe Médiane, 4,097 m, Mont Blanc massif · FranceMont Blanc massif · FranceHard alpine
4,097 m
Arête du Diable from the Col du Diable · D+ · V · 5h 30m up · 2 days · best Jul–Aug · GPX
Pollux, 4,089 m, Pennine Alps · Switzerland, ItalyPennine Alps · Switzerland, ItalyEasy alpine
4,089 m
South-west ridge from Klein Matterhorn · PD+ · III · 3h up · best Jul · GPX
Schreckhorn, 4,078 m, Schreckhorn-Wetterhorn Group · SwitzerlandSchreckhorn-Wetterhorn Group · SwitzerlandAlpine climb
4,078 m
South-west ridge from the Schreckhornhütte · AD+ · IV- · 11h 15m up · 2 days · best Jul–Aug · GPX
Roccia Nera, 4,075 m, Pennine Alps · Switzerland, ItalyPennine Alps · Switzerland, ItalyAlpine hike
4,075 m
South-west flank from Klein Matterhorn · F+ · 2h 30m up · best Jun–Jul · GPX
Pointe Chaubert, 4,074 m, Mont Blanc massif · FranceMont Blanc massif · FranceHard alpine
4,074 m
Arête du Diable from the Col du Diable · D+ · IV+ · 5h 30m up · 2 days · best Jul–Aug · GPX
Mont Brouillard, 4,069 m, Mont Blanc massif · ItalyMont Blanc massif · ItalyEasy alpine
4,069 m
From the Eccles bivouac via the Col Émile Rey · PD+ · 10h 45m up · 2 days · best Jul · GPX
Punta Margherita, 4,066 m, Mont Blanc massif · Italy, FranceMont Blanc massif · Italy, FranceAlpine climb
4,066 m
Grandes Jorasses normal route to Pointe Whymper, then the summit ridge west to Pointe Marguerite · AD · IV · 10h up · 2 days · best Jul–Aug · GPX
Corne du Diable, 4,064 m, Mont Blanc massif · FranceMont Blanc massif · FranceAlpine climb
4,064 m
Col du Diable south-west couloir and north-west ridge · AD · III+ · 5h 30m up · 2 days · best Jul · GPX
Ober Gabelhorn, 4,063 m, Pennine Alps · SwitzerlandPennine Alps · SwitzerlandAlpine climb
4,063 m
East-north-east ridge via the Wellenkuppe · AD · III+ · 10h 15m up · 2 days · best Jul–Aug · GPX
Gran Paradiso, 4,061 m, Gran Paradiso massif · ItalyGran Paradiso massif · ItalyAlpine hike
4,061 m
Normal route from the Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele II · F+ · II · 8h 15m up · 2 days · best Jun–Jul · GPX
Aiguille de Bionnassay, 4,052 m, Mont Blanc massif · France, ItalyMont Blanc massif · France, ItalyAlpine climb
4,052 m
South ridge from the Refuge Durier · AD · II · 11h 45m up · 2 days · best Jun–Jul · GPX
Gross Fiescherhorn, 4,049 m, Jungfrau-Fiescherhorn Group · SwitzerlandJungfrau-Fiescherhorn Group · SwitzerlandEasy alpine
4,049 m
North-west ridge from the Mönchsjochhütte · AD- · II · 7h 15m up · 2 days · best Jul–Aug · GPX
Piz Bernina, 4,048 m, Bernina Range · SwitzerlandBernina Range · SwitzerlandEasy alpine
4,048 m
Spallagrat from the Rifugio Marco e Rosa, approached from Diavolezza via the Fortezza · PD+ · III · 7h 30m up · 2 days · best Jul–Aug · GPX
Punta Giordani, 4,046 m, Monte Rosa Massif · ItalyMonte Rosa Massif · ItalyAlpine hike
4,046 m
From Punta Indren via the Indren Glacier · F · 3h 30m up · best Jun–Jul · GPX
Punta Elena, 4,045 m, Mont Blanc massif · Italy, FranceMont Blanc massif · Italy, FranceAlpine climb
4,045 m
Grandes Jorasses normal route to Pointe Whymper, then the summit ridge west over Pointe Croz · AD · IV · 10h 45m up · 2 days · best Jul · GPX
Grünhorn, 4,043 m, Jungfrau-Fiescherhorn Group · SwitzerlandJungfrau-Fiescherhorn Group · SwitzerlandEasy alpine
4,043 m
From the Konkordiahütte over the Grünegghorn and the SW ridge · PD+ · II · 11h 15m up · 2 days · best Jul–Aug · GPX
Lauteraarhorn, 4,042 m, Schreckhorn-Wetterhorn Group · SwitzerlandSchreckhorn-Wetterhorn Group · SwitzerlandAlpine climb
4,042 m
From the Aarbiwak via the south-face couloir and SE ridge · AD · II · 11h 30m up · 2 days · best Jul · GPX
Aiguille du Jardin, 4,035 m, Mont Blanc massif · FranceMont Blanc massif · FranceAlpine climb
4,035 m
Couloir Whymper, Grande Rocheuse and the W ridge via the Col Armand Charlet · AD+ · III · 10h 45m up · 2 days · best Jun · GPX
Dürrenhorn, 4,035 m, Mischabel group · SwitzerlandMischabel group · SwitzerlandAlpine climb
4,035 m
From the Bordierhütte via the Galenjoch and the N ridge · AD- · III+ · 12h 15m up · 2 days · best Jul–Aug · GPX
Allalinhorn, 4,027 m, Pennine Alps · SwitzerlandPennine Alps · SwitzerlandEasy alpine
4,027 m
From Mittelallalin via the Feejoch and WNW ridge · PD- · 2h 15m up · best Jul–Aug · GPX
Hinter Fiescherhorn, 4,025 m, Jungfrau-Fiescherhorn Group · SwitzerlandJungfrau-Fiescherhorn Group · SwitzerlandEasy alpine
4,025 m
From the Mönchsjochhütte via the Ewigschneefäld, Fieschersattel and NW ridge · AD- · 6h up · 2 days · best Apr · GPX
Weissmies, 4,017 m, Pennine Alps · SwitzerlandPennine Alps · SwitzerlandEasy alpine
4,017 m
North-west flank from Hohsaas · PD · 3h 30m up · best Jul · GPX
Dôme de Neige des Écrins, 4,015 m, chaine Écrins-Grande Ruine-Agneaux · Francechaine Écrins-Grande Ruine-Agneaux · FranceAlpine hike
4,015 m
North face from the Refuge des Écrins · F+ · 11h 45m up · 2 days · best May–Jul · GPX
Dôme de Rochefort, 4,015 m, Mont Blanc massif · Italy, FranceMont Blanc massif · Italy, FranceAlpine climb
4,015 m
Rochefort Ridge from the Rifugio Torino · AD · III · 6h up · 2 days · best Jul · GPX
Dent du Géant, 4,013 m, Mont Blanc massif · France, ItalyMont Blanc massif · France, ItalyAlpine climb
4,013 m
South-west face by the Burgener Slabs · AD+ · IV+ · 3h 45m up · 2 days · best Jul–Aug · GPX
Punta Baretti, 4,013 m, Mont Blanc massif · ItalyMont Blanc massif · ItalyAlpine climb
4,013 m
From the Col Émile Rey via the Bivacco Eccles and Mont Brouillard · AD · II · 11h 15m up · 3 days · best Jul · GPX
Lagginhorn, 4,010 m, Pennine Alps · SwitzerlandPennine Alps · SwitzerlandEasy alpine
4,010 m
WSW ridge from Hohsaas or the Weissmieshütte · PD · II · 3h 45m up · best Jul–Sep · GPX
Aiguille de Rochefort, 4,001 m, Mont Blanc massif · Italy, FranceMont Blanc massif · Italy, FranceAlpine climb
4,001 m
Rochefort Ridge from the Rifugio Torino · AD · III · 4h 30m up · 2 days · best Jul · GPX
Les Droites, 4,000 m, Mont Blanc massif · FranceMont Blanc massif · FranceAlpine climb
4,000 m
East buttress from the Talèfre glacier · AD+ · 10h up · 2 days · best Jun · GPX

Questions

How many 4000 m peaks are there in the Alps?: The UIAA's official list, published in 1994, has 82 summits over 4,000 m; adding the subsidiary tops on its secondary list makes 128. peaks.fyi covers 80 of the 82, each with its normal route.
What is the highest 4000er in the Alps?: Mont Blanc (4,806 m), on the border of France and Italy. The way up is the normal route, the Goûter Route via the Bosses Ridge, graded PD-, about 9h 30m up over 2 days.
What is the easiest 4000er in the Alps?: By the grade of its normal route, Breithorn (4,160 m): the normal route, the South flank and west ridge from the Klein Matterhorn, graded F, about 2h 15m up. Easy is relative — every Alpine 4000er means glacier travel, altitude and fast-changing weather.
When is the season for climbing the 4000ers?: Mostly in July, when the huts are staffed and the routes are usually in condition. Many glacier routes are best early in the summer, while snow bridges are still firm; rock ridges are best once they are dry.
Do you need a guide to climb a 4000er?: Every Alpine 4000er involves glacier travel or climbing. Without experience of rope work and crevasse rescue, go with an IFMGA mountain guide; guides in Zermatt, Saas-Fee, Chamonix and Courmayeur run the easier ones as one- or two-day trips.