Discover the world of the Alps with a 4000-meter peak for beginners

 Welcome to the heart of the Alps! There are a total of 48 4000-metre peaks on Swiss soil alone. But there are 82 in total, stretching across the Alps and making the hearts of mountain sports enthusiasts beat faster on fun alpine tours.

You have attended the necessary mountaineering courses and learned simple rock climbing techniques. You are in good physical condition and have already climbed a 3,000-metre peak several times. Now you want to climb something higher and reach the 4,000-meter mark.

But which peak do you start with?

 

The list of 4,000-metre peaks is long, but the necessary know-how and experience has to come from somewhere! For this reason, we have compiled a list of 4,000-metre peaks for “beginners” so that you can start your entry into the discipline of high-altitude touring on the 4,000-metre peaks of the Alps with the necessary prior knowledge. Our mountain guides are at your side and will be happy to accompany you. We will also be happy to advise you if you are unsure whether your current level of knowledge and fitness is sufficient for one of the following tours.

Have you already completed your first beginner’s 4000 meter climb and are looking for something specific?

Then browse through the list of all 4000-metre peaks according to altitude and difficulty level and ask us directly for a specific summit! We look forward to climbing with you!

Ps: The difficulties on the mountain often depend heavily on the conditions on the mountain and your personal condition. This list serves only as a guide and is based on the suggested tour difficulties according to the SAC. Every mountaineer must be able to evaluate their own skills and should ideally seek the support of a mountain guide if they are unsure whether they are up to a tour and the summit.

You can contact our mountain guides here:

4000er für anfänger

4000m peaks with difficulty E (easy) and E+:

 

PEAK

ROUTE

HEIGHT

DIFFICULTY

HM

Breithorn W-Gipfel Normal route 4164 m easy 700 m
Breithorn Mittelgipfel Normal route 4159 m easy 700 m
Allalinhorn Normal route 4027 m easy 600 m
Punta Giordani Normal route 4046 m easy 780 m
Vincent-Pyramide Normal route 4215 m easy 570 m
Signalkuppe, Zumsteinspitze Normal route 4563 m easy 950 m
Bishorn Normal route 4153 m easy 900 m
Strahlhorn Normal route over the NW-ridge 4190 m easy 1300 m
Dome Du Gouter Normal route over the Aiguille du Gouter 4304 m easy 500 m
Alphubel Normal route over the eastern ridge 4206 m easy + 1300 m
Castor Normal route over the SE-ridge 4223 m easy + 650 m

4000m peaks with difficulty LD (little difficulty) and LD+:

 

PEAK

ROUTE

HEIGHT

DIFFICULTY

HM

Lagginhorn Normal route over the WSW-ridge 4010 m little difficulty 900 m
Weissmies Normal route 4017 m little difficulty 900 m
Mönch Norma lroute over the SW-ridge 4107 m little difficulty 650 m
Castor Normal route from West 4223 m little difficulty 850 m
Pollux Normal route over the SW-ridge 4092 m little difficulty 750 m
Liskamm W-Gipfel Normal route 4479 m little difficulty 900 m
Roccia Nera Normal route 4075 m little difficulty 750 m
Punta Giordani, Piramide Vincent from P. Giordani to P. Vincent 4215 m little difficulty 950 m
Schwarzh., Ludwigshöhe, Parrotspitze Crossing of the three peaks 4432 m little difficulty 900 m
Nadelhorn Normal route over the NE-ridge 4327 m little difficulty 1000 m
Gross und Hinter Fiescherhorn Normal route 4049 m little difficulty 1200 m
Dom Normal route 4545 m little difficulty 1650 m
Mont Blanc Du Tacul Normal route 4248 m little difficulty 700 m
Dome Du Gouter Italian Normal route 4304 m little difficulty 1300 m
Mont Maudit Normal route 4465 m little difficulty 900 m
Nordend Normal route 4609 m little difficulty 1720 m
Nordend, Dufourspitze Connection Dufourspitze-Nordend 4634 m little difficulty 1870 m
Mont Blanc Bosses-ridge 4810 m little difficulty 570 m

 

You can contact our mountain guides here:

4000er für Anfänger
What are the most famous 4000m peaks for beginners?

The most famous beginner 4000-meter peaks in Switzerland include the Breithorn, Allalinhorn and Signalkuppe

Which are the most suitable 4000 meter peaks for beginners in the Swiss mountains?

For beginners, we recommend the Breithorn or Allalinhorn as your first 4000 meter peak. If you already have more experience, we will be happy to recommend a suitable high-altitude tour adapted to your level.

How can you prepare for climbing 4000-meter peaks?

A few tips from the Exped Tribe team on preparing for tours over 3500 m

  • Physical fitness: Work on your endurance, strength and flexibility to meet the physical demands of mountaineering. Running, hiking, cycling and strength training are good ways to improve your fitness before a high altitude tour.
    Altitude training: As most 4000m peaks in the Alps are at high altitude, it is important to adapt to the thinner air. Through altitude training or stays in higher regions, you can better prepare your body for the altitude.
  • Technical training: Learn basic mountaineering techniques such as how to use crampons, rope techniques and belaying techniques before the upcoming tour. Some peaks have easy and moderately difficult climbing passages. You should acquire the necessary skills in a “stress-free” situation so that you only have to worry about your physical condition on the high tour. At Exped Tribe you will find several alpine touring courses and climbing courses to acquire these skills.
  • Equipment: Make sure you have the right equipment, including weatherproof clothing, crampons, harness, helmet, rope and a good selection of food and drinking water.
    Acclimatization: Allow enough time for acclimatization to slowly adjust to the altitude and avoid the symptoms of altitude sickness.
  • First aid skills: Master basic first aid techniques and how to recognize signs and symptoms of altitude sickness. Our mountain guides will be at your side and teach you how to counteract these with the appropriate measures.
  • Route planning and weather: Find out about the planned route, current weather conditions and potential dangers, even if it is a guided tour. This will help you to sharpen your sensitivity when planning independent tours and prepare you for tours that you will then undertake on your own!

Didn’t find anything suitable?

You’ve been dreaming about a certain activity for a long time, but the necessary planning is holding you back? Maybe you need the expertise of an experienced person to help you plan your trip?

We welcome special requests, no matter what shape or size your adventures have.

Get full support while developing your adventure. Send us your requests here: Contact