Dom
Snow-capped Dom mountain stands between Randa and Saas-Fee in the Pennine Alps in the canton of Valais, Switzerland. In German, Dom translates to “dome,” but it can also mean “cathedral,” which is fitting since the mountain is named after Canon Berchtold of Sitten cathedral, who was the first person to survey the area. It is the main summit of the Mischabel massif.
Nearby mountains to Dom include Nadelhorn and Stecknadelhorn to the north, Längfluh to the east, Täschhorn to the south, Kinhorn to the southwest, and Hohgwächte to the northwest. Visitors can enjoy camera lookouts and several dining options just to the east of Dom peak, including Gletschergrotte, Spielboden, and Morenia.
Country: Switzerland
State/Province: Valais
Mountain Range: Mischabel massif, Pennine Alps
Parents: Monte Rosa
Elevation: 14,911 feet / 4,545 meters
Prominence: 3,432 feet / 1,046 meters
First Ascent: 1858, by John Llewelyn Davies guided by Johann Zumtaugwald, Johann Krönig and Hieronymous Brantschen
Fun Fact: The Dom is the highest peak of the Mischabel group, which is the highest massif sitting entirely in Switzerland.
Plant Life: In the Pennine Alps, conifers and larch trees are a common sight, and spring is a wonderful time to see the flowers blooming on the slopes. Beautiful edelweiss and glacier buttercups dot the hills of the Monte Rosa area in the spring. Locals enjoy the fruits of fruit trees, grape vines, and blueberry bushes that grow in the lower valleys.
Animal Life: Ibex, chamois, marmots, and stoats can all be seen in the Pennine Alps.
Bird Life: Several species of birds know the area as home, including the rock partridge, golden eagle, griffon vulture, peregrine falcon, hazel and black grouse, black woodpecker, and ptarmigan.
Sources:
- Wikipedia: Dom (mountain)
- Armchair Mountaineer: Monte Rosa
- European Environment Agency: Monte Rosa
- Google Maps
