Balmenhorn, Mountain summit in Province of Vercelli, Italy
Balmenhorn is a mountain summit within the Monte Rosa massif at 4,167 meters in the Province of Vercelli. It sits among the vast ice fields of the Lys Glacier, where small rocky outcrops break through the frozen landscape.
The first documented ascent occurred on August 6, 1875, when Giovanni Mariotti and his team reached the summit. Since then, the peak has been a regular destination for mountaineers in the Monte Rosa region.
The Cristo delle Vette statue at the summit was created by Turin artist Alfredo Bai in 1955 using materials collected after World War II. It serves as a landmark for climbers and defines the appearance of the peak.
Access to the summit is via the Lys Col route, passing mountain huts along the way to the peak. A cable car system from Punta Indren offers easier transport to the starting point for both experienced and less experienced climbers.
The name Balmenhorn comes from cave formations at the cliff bases, known as 'Balmen' in the local Walser language. This connection reflects the linguistic heritage of the mountain region's settlements.
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