Riffelhorn, mountain summit in Valais, Switzerland

The Riffelhorn is a 2,928-metre rock peak in the Pennine Alps of Valais, south of Zermatt, forming part of the Gorner ridge. Its faces hold several climbing routes of different grades, and the Riffelsee lies on its northern side.

The sources do not record a first ascent date for the Riffelhorn. The peak has long been used by local Alpine guides to train clients in rock climbing before attempts on higher mountains such as the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa.

Local Alpine guides from Zermatt have long used the Riffelhorn's rock faces to train clients in climbing skills before attempts on higher peaks. The mountain offers several routes of different climbing grades, so guides can match the difficulty to each climber's level.

The nearest access is Rotenboden station on the Gornergratbahn, which continues up to the Gornergrat summit; from the station a marked path leads to the foot of the rock. The routes are rock climbs of several grades, so bring climbing gear and a rope rather than hiking equipment alone. The altitude of nearly 3,000 m calls for a check on conditions before setting out.

The Riffelhorn is a 2,928 m peak on the Gorner ridge, and its rock faces are used by Zermatt's Alpine guides to train clients in rock-climbing technique before attempts on higher summits. The nearest access is Rotenboden station on the Gornergratbahn, which continues up to the Gornergrat. The Riffelsee lies on the mountain's northern side.