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I would say the Breithorn has the reputation as the easiest 4000er. But a 4000er is a 4000er, don´t think you´ll go up any in pumps and with your hands in your pockets

Cheers

sjarelkwint wrote:No, only singing aloud and crazy

Then you´ll be OK!

sjarelkwint wrote:Lagginhorn looks pretty doable to me ... no glaciers, no crevasses just "walking" up the hill. Can be done as a solo-ascent ...

True. Check out picture of the day today ))

Lagginhorn: http://www.hikr.org/tour/post165.html

Weissmies: http://www.hikr.org/tour/post161.html

Breithorn: http://www.hikr.org/tour/post177.html

Text is written in german, but you can watch the photos. a photo says more than 1000 words. have fun!

Plenty of peaks over 4000m you can safely do solo in the Sierra Nevada in California (in the summer that is)

With the dollar being crap, it's probably very cheap to fly to the US anyway

sjarelkwint wrote:

Digitalis wrote:Lagginhorn: http://www.hikr.org/tour/post165.html

Weissmies: http://www.hikr.org/tour/post161.html

Breithorn: http://www.hikr.org/tour/post177.html

Text is written in german, but you can watch the photos. a photo says more than 1000 words. have fun!

but do you think it's possible AND SAFE to climb it alone?

Lagginhorn definitive. When not, turn over.

Yes, Digitalis' right. If the conditions are good for Lagginhorn you won't need any kind of equipment /no glacier crossing etc/- but only if the rocks under the summit are free of snow.

climbing in solo on the most popular 4000 of the Alps doesn't mean "to be alone" on the mountain, you're going to meet many people on the normal routes and, of course, use their steps or real "paths" marked on the snow.
and it's often better go on unroped than roped to "some" occasional partners

I could suggest the Gran Paradiso from Vittorio Emanuele

jck wrote:Yes, Digitalis' right. If the conditions are good for Lagginhorn you won't need any kind of equipment /no glacier crossing etc/- but only if the rocks under the summit are free of snow.

Weissmies from Almageller-hut, from south side, there is no glacier too.

Almageller hut - Zwischenbergen pass - south ridge - Weissmies.

no glacier, only a small firn.

Guys, you forgot Allalinhorn and Gran Paradiso (longer route)

sjarelkwint wrote:Allalinhorn and Grand Paradiso is with gletsjer i thought?
Am I Wrong?

No, you're not wrong, both peaks have a glacier in the normal route. I climbed Gran Paradiso in 2005 and Allalinhorn in 2006 and they are not difficult ones, but glaciers always have crevasses. Anyway, I wouldn't expect to be alone in any of those peaks if you choose the normal routes (Vittorio Emmanuele/Mittelallalin) and a fairly good weather.

sjarelkwint wrote:Allalinhorn and Grand Paradiso is with gletsjer i thought?
Am I Wrong?

Allalinhorn, there are big crevasses. it is underestimated

Digitalis wrote:

sjarelkwint wrote:Allalinhorn and Grand Paradiso is with gletsjer i thought?
Am I Wrong?

Allalinhorn, there are big crevasses. it is underestimated

Agreed, there are big crevasses on the access to the Feejoch. Snow bridges over them are also big, but they should not be underestimated

Yep, I didn't read well sjarelkwint's first message. Anyway, I don't remember to cross big crevasses when ascending Allalinhorn (4027 m) in July'94 though I bet they form just to the N of the ski runs below Point 3597 and Feejoch (3826 m) in late summer. We were not roped when climbing Allalinhorn. BTW, why climbing a non glacier route for acclimatizing to Mont Blanc You should be in training with crampons and ice axe before attempting it.

Enrique (eza), that crevasse is next to but not on the normal route of Allalinhorn.

Wait, I dont understand. You want to prepare for climbing the Mont Blanc; a mountain that is mainly done on ice and snow, but you dont want to practice on another mountain with snow, glaciers, etc? Strange. Why not?
Wouldnt it make more sense to climb a mountain that is similar to the Mont Blanc, with its glaciation, and other such conditions, so that when you actually do climb the Mont Blanc, you will have more experience?
And second of all, I can tell you from experience. The Mont Blanc can be done in 2 days, with out acclimatization. To be realistic, the weather is more of a concern then the altitude. Yeah, you may experience some headaches, maybe lose your appitite, but it can be done.
I am not saying that there is anything wrong with climbing other BEAUTIFUL 4000m peaks in the alps, bc in my opinion, they are all very beautiful, but just do it as its own seperate adventure, and not for MAJOR preparation for climbing the Mont Blanc.
If you want, climb Maudtit, next to the Mont Blanc, and then if you feel ready, go for the white lady herself.
Good luck, and please take pics.