The Allalin element is a pre-Germanic toponym of disputed origin. One reading derives it from the Saracen raids on Valais in the 10th century (Arabic 'allah-'); another sees a Celtic or pre-Indo-European water-name on the same root as the river Aar. The peak takes its name from the Allalin glacier and the alp of the same name on its south-west side.
Snow-domed peak between Zermatt and Saas-Fee, made accessible by the Metro Alpin funicular to Mittelallalin. The normal route via the Feejoch and west-northwest ridge is one of the easiest 4000ers in the Alps.
Climbed on 28 August 1856 by the English clergyman E. L. Ames with the Saas guide Andenmatten. Today the Allalinhorn is by some distance the easiest 4000er in the Saas valley: the Metro Alpin funicular climbs to 3500 m at the Mittel-Allalin station, and the standard ascent of the Hohlaubgrat from there is a three-hour glacier walk and snow ridge that is the standard introduction to glaciated terrain for hundreds of beginners every summer.
Route lines are approximate — drawn from guidebook waypoints, not GPS tracks. Don't navigate by them.
