Climbing Routes and Huts
Despite its considerable height above the surrounding valleys, the Dom can be climbed quite easily, as the normal route does not present major difficulties. It is however a demanding 3,100-metre ascent with objective danger in the upper part. Cable cars and other facilities are located only in the Saas Fee area on the east side of the mountain, from which all the routes are difficult.
The easiest way to the summit starts from Randa (railway station, 1,450 m), where a trail leads to the Dom Hut (2,940 m). Climbing the mountain requires an overnight stay (a note of caution: the Dom Hut will be closed throughout the whole year 2011 for reconstruction). Most popular sleeping sites are the Dom hut and the camping place one hour higher from the hut. The hut needs to be booked in advance and is not free to use like the camping place. The normal route starts from the hut and goes towards the Festijoch pass (3,720 m). Then it follows the Hohberg Glacier to the summit above the north face. The Festigrat, traversed on the first ascent, is the north-western ridge going directly from the Festijoch to the summit. It is preferred by climbers who wish to avoid the long slopes of the north flank.
The Mischabel Hut on the east side is generally used for the ascent of lower summits in the district, such as the Nadelhorn, Lenzspitze, and peaks on the Nadelgrat.
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