About the Weissmies
With an altitude of 4017, the Weissmies is onthe list of 82 mountains reaching above 4000 meters. It is often set as a mountaineering goal by climbers as the ascent has little technical difficulty. The normal route is graded PD, making it an easy climb. The normal route starts near the cable car station Hohsaas (3140m) over the glacier and is relatively easy for experienced mountaineers. The mountain was first climbed in 1855 by Jacob Christian Häuser and Peter Josef Zurbriggen.
The Weissmies is located in the eastern part of the Wallis region, close to the Italian border. Together with neighboring peaks, Lagginhorn (4010m) and Fletschhorn (3993m) (4023m), it is part of a massif between the Saas valley and the Simplon pass.
From the summit, it is possible to see Lago Maggioreon a clear day, as well as many other mountain massifs in the Alps. Some even claim that it is possible to see the Dom of Milan with a pair of binoculars.
Accommodations in the Region of Weissmies
Saas Valley
Saas Valley, Photo by James BillingsSimplon Area
The municipality of Simplon is located in the Brig district, on the south side of the Simplon Pass near the Italian border. It consists of the village of Simplon and the hamlets of Gabi, Egga and Maschihüs as well as the Hospice in the Simplon Pass. However, despite being smaller than the Saas Valley, there are still plenty of accommodation options to spend a holiday here, if you are looking for a fine hotel, these are worth checking out: Hotel-Restaurant Grina is a personally run family business and enjoys a central yet quiet location in the charming, rustic Simplon village. The Grina has 13 inviting, quiet non-smoking rooms, all with shower / bath / WC, some with balcony. The cozy restaurant with 50 seats on the first floor and the 40-seat restaurant with bar on the ground floor invite you to eat and drink. Hotel Walliserhof, located only 150 m from the ski lifts to Hannigalp. You will enjoy Swiss kitchen in themed restaurants, free Wi-Fi in themed rooms and warm Swiss hospitality throughout hotel. Hotel Portjengrat, located in the heart of Saas-Almagell. Surrounded by numerous four-thousand-meter peaks, you can spend your holidays close to nature and actively in a stylish, cozy ambience.Weissmies Hut
The Weissmies Hut (2,726 m) is a mountain hut above Saas Grund in the Pennine Alps in the canton of Valais, Switzerland. There are actually two huts: a smallish old one and a reasonably large and modern one, situated 2 km west of the Lagginjoch below the frontal moraines of the glacier forming the flank of the col on this side. The hut warden is Arthur Anthamatten. The location is often a starting point for ascents of Weissmies, Lagginhorn and Fletschhorn and it can accommodate up to 150 people. To reach the hut from Saas Grund, it takes about 3 hours, or 1 hour if you use the cable car to Chrizbode.
Hohsaas Hut
Close to the Weissmies Hut, you will find the Hohsaas Hut, only a 30 minute walk. Although it started life as a traditional mountain hut, over the years, it was converted into a modern mountain restaurant (2006). Signature cheeses and excellent local wines are some of the Swiss specialties served here, and the welcoming atmosphere at 3200 above sea level makes lunch or dinner an experience never to forget. Besides being a restaurant serving traditional dishes, it is still possible to book a cozy room here.
Brittannia Hut
The Britannia Hut at 3030meters above sea level is one of the most-booked SAC huts and marks the start of the legendary Haute Route. In 1997, it was fully renovated and now offers 134 comfortable beds, three dining rooms, and modern bathrooms. Solar energy delivers the power for the lighting and phones, and the hut collects snowmelt and rain. Saving the environment is a priority when it comes to waste disposal: rubbish is separated and flown down to the valley by helicopter along with waste water.
Hiking in the Region of the Weissmies
Unter dem Berg – Saas Fee
This hike from Unter Dem Berg to Saas Fee passes along three churches and 16 chapels and let’s you experience alpine nature at its best. Completing the trail takes about 2hours 40 minutes with only a little altitude difference gained (400m).Hiking in the Furggtälli
Furggtälli, Photo by Sander VancanneytGspon – Saas Grund
The hike connecting Gspon to Saas Grund is an all-time favorite among those who know the area well. It is part of the “Great Walser Trail” which traces the historic west-east migration pattern of the Walser. High above the gorge that houses the babbling Saaser Vispa, the trail is mostly just above the treeline. Because of this, it offers wonderful views of the glaciers of the mighty Mischabel range. Walking time: 4hours 10 minutes. Altitude difference: 430m ascent and 770m descent.Grachen to Saas Fee
Saas Fee, Photo by Neil GregoryHohenweg Kreuzboden
This scenic walk, with panoramic views of the Mischabel Range, traverses high above the east side of the Saas Valley before entering the beautiful Almageller Valley. You can end the hike by descending to Saas Almagell or taking the challenging Adventure Trail to Furggstalden.Things to do in the Weissmies region
Saas Fee is often described as the Pearl of the Alps, and this has more to do than with the hiking options. On the peak of Mittelallalin, you will find the world’s biggest ice grotto. This ice cave is accessible by cable car year-round. After your visit,have a drink or something to eat in the world’s highest revolving restaurant, ThreeSixty, where stunning 360-degree panoramic views are paired with delicious meals.
The Saaser Museum is a good option for a rainy day or when you want to take a break from hiking. It features a typical apartment from the turn of the 20th century, folklore items, and traditional costumes of the region.
When all that hiking has made your legs sore, a relaxing day at a spa might be just what you need. There are five day spas in Saas-Fee alone, and even more further down in the valley.