Besso, Mountain summit in Pennine Alps, Switzerland
Besso is a mountain summit in the Pennine Alps with two prominent peaks rising to 3,669 meters (12,038 feet) in Valais. The distinctive double-peak formation is visible from many angles and creates a recognizable profile along the ridge.
The first ascent was made in 1862 by mountain guides J. B. Épinay and J. Vianin, who navigated the challenging terrain to reach the summit. A route along the south-west ridge was later established in 1906 as an alternative approach.
The name comes from the Val d'Hérens dialect and means twins, referring to the two distinctive peaks that dominate the ridge. Local mountain communities have long recognized this dual character as a defining feature of the landscape.
The standard route begins from the Mountet hut at 2,886 meters (9,468 feet), which serves as the main staging point for climbers. Visitors should expect alpine conditions and wear proper mountaineering boots while checking weather patterns before starting.
The south-west ridge is often preferred by experienced climbers despite its more demanding PD+ technical difficulty rating. This alternative route offers a less crowded approach with its own alpine character.
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