Ober Gabelhorn, Anniviers, Sierre, Wallis, 3961, Švicarska
The Ober Gabelhorn, towering at 4,063 meters, is a striking mountain in the Pennine Alps of Switzerland, located between Zermatt and Zinal. It stands out in the Valais region, particularly in the Zinal valley, flanked by the Dent Blanche to the west and the Zinalrothorn to the north. The mountain is notable for its pyramidal shape, reminiscent of the iconic Matterhorn but on a smaller scale.
First ascended on 6 July 1865 by A. W. Moore, Horace Walker, and Jakob Anderegg, the Ober Gabelhorn is known for its mixed climbing routes, ranging from snow climbs to more technical rock sections. The climb’s history includes numerous notable ascents, such as the tragic story of Lord Francis Douglas, who successfully climbed the mountain a day after its first ascent, only to perish a week later on the first ascent of the Matterhorn.
The Ober Gabelhorn is surrounded by several glaciers, including the Bonne Pierre, Glacier Blanc, Glacier du Vallon de la Pilatte, and Glacier Noir, contributing significantly to its challenging climbing conditions. The mountain’s climbing routes, history, and unique geographical setting continue to make it a sought-after destination for alpinists.