Breithorn
| Breithorn | |
|---|---|
 The Breithorn as seen from the Klein Matterhorn | |
| Elevation: | 4,164 metres (13,661 feet) |
| Latitude: | 45° 56′ N |
| Longitude: | 7° 44′ E |
| Location: | Switzerland-Italy |
| Range: | Pennine Alps |
| First ascent: | 1813 |
| Easiest route: | basic glacier/snow climb |
The Breithorn is a mountain in the Alps, considered the easiest 4,000 m peak to climb in the Alps. This is due to the Klein Matterhorn cable car which takes climbers to over 3,870 m (12,700 ft) for a starting point. The standard route (SSW flank) continues over a glacial plateau before climbing to the summit on a 35 degree snow slope. However, inexperienced mountaineers may run into severe difficulty if caution is not taken near cornices or in bad weather. For experienced climbers wanting more of a challenge, the half traverse of the Breithorn crest is another option.
The Breithorn was first climbed in 1813 by Henry Maynard, Joseph-Marie Couttet, Jean Gras, Jean-Baptiste Erin and Jean-Jacques Erin.