Platthorn
From Mount Wiki
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Platthorn | |
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| General | |
| Elevation | 3,345m10,974.409 ft 2.078 miles |
| Location | Valais, Switzerland |
| Range | Pennine Alps |
| Massif | Weisshorn Group |
| Sponsored Links | |
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| Coordinates | |
| DMS Coor. | 46°3´13"N, 7°44´11"E |
| Swiss Coor. | 623045 / 100275 |
| Links | Topographic Detail |
| Nearby Features | |
| Mettelhorn | |
| Alpinist's Info | |
| Topo. Map | SLK 1348: Zermatt |
| Easiest Route |  F
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| Map | |
  Platthorn | |
Contents |
[edit] General information
The Platthorn mountain lies close to Mettelhorn mountain. It is one of the most popular hiking destination nearby the town of Zermatt. One advantage is that during the summer months one does not have to ascend/ descend on snow or ice. At the east side of the mountain starts a glacier, but it is used only when going on the Mettelhorn mountain. The main peak is about 60 m high and previous experience is needed to scramble on it. The surface when nearing the last 10 m can be described as a climb on a slippery surface, as there is almost no hand holds. Platthorn is also close to Zinalrothorn mountain and the east face is very visible, like both of the ridges. One can also see the Schali glacier ending at the south side of the Weisshorn mountain.
[edit] ROUTES
The most popular and used route starts from Zermatt. The mountain does not get ascended from other directions, as the only path leading on the mountain is the best way of doing it.
[edit] SOUTHERN ROUTE
One starts from the town of Zermatt. The path is at the north side of the town, very close to the Alpine Center. There is sign posting in the town of Zermatt, but one can ask for a free map from the Tourist Information Office. After walked over an alpine meadow one nears a forest. Here one goes towards left, over a bridge and starts descending higher on a path. After one hour one will meet the Pension Edelweiss, where one can also eat. Nearby Zermatt is a few places where one can eat and drink when hiking on the mountains. One will now ascend next to a river about one hour going through a canyon like a terrain. From the Hotel Trift one continues towards right/ north east. From the hotel one can also continue towards the Zinalrothorn mountain and the Obergabelhorn mountain. After about one hour ascending a wider terrain opens. There is a lake and a start of a river. One keeps on the left side. The west side of the Platthorn becomes very visible soon. One may meet sheeps on the way up as on the Alps is very common to see farm animals higher on the mountains, especially there where is water. Here is plenty of loose stones next to path and sometimes on the path. Finally one arrives on a saddle, called Furggi pass. The saddle leads on the north face of the Platthorn mountain. It takes about half an hour to scramble on the peak. One needs to pay attention on the last meters, as the surface is slippery.
[edit] Additional photos
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