Punta Maria Cristina

Punta Maria Cristina is a mountain summit in the Valais region standing at 3,706 meters elevation within the Pennine Alps between the Dent d'Herens and Matterhorn. The peak is accessible via established routes that begin from valleys in the surrounding area.

The mountain received its name during early alpine explorations when surveyors and climbers mapped the Pennine Alps systematically. These expeditions established the foundations for the climbing routes used today.

The permanent bivouac shelter Giorgio e Renzo Novella built in 1983 honors two brothers from Vercelli who died during climbing expeditions. Mountaineers visiting this place acknowledge the memorial as they pass through the high alpine terrain.

Summer months offer the best conditions for climbing, when snow and ice are least problematic. Starting from established base camps in the surrounding valleys provides the safest approach.

The summit sits on the main Alpine watershed, standing about 71 meters above the adjacent col. This geographical position makes it a notable point when traversing the mountain ridge.