Four-thousanders
Castor and Pollux
Southeast Ridge (PD) and Southwest Ridge (PD, II)
Südtirolalpin
Certified Mountain Guide
IFMGA - Mountain Guides Associations
Mail suedtirolalpin@gmail.com
Prices from
900,- €
ABOUT THE TOUR
Two striking four-thousanders in the Valais Alps, linked into a well-rounded alpine tour through glacier terrain, snow and easy rock.
Difficulty PD, II · 2 days
Castor and Pollux – normal route: The twin summits Castor and Pollux are often climbed in combination. They lie between the Breithorn massif and the Liskamm on the border between Italy and Switzerland. Thanks to the cable car up to the Klein Matterhorn, you avoid the arduous ascent from the valley and can start directly into this fascinating glacier world.
Although only around 700 vertical metres separate the upper station from the summit, there is still a considerable distance to cover. A few demanding sections to overcome, combined with the high altitude and huge crevasse zones, are good reasons for less experienced mountaineers to rely on the expertise of a mountain guide. This lets you look forward to the summit in a much more relaxed way and enjoy the panorama in which you are moving all the more.
Two four-thousanders whose ascent will stay with you as wonderful memories for a long time. It is precisely the combination of glacier ascent, easy rock on Pollux and the elegant snow arête on Castor that makes this tour in the Monte Rosa massif so appealing.
INFO
Services
Included in the price:
- Entire organization and guidance by a state-certified mountain guide
- All necessary reservations are made in advance
Additional costs:
- 1 overnight stay with half board (Rifugio Guide della Val d'Ayas)
- Return cable car ticket: Zermatt - Klein Matterhorn (approx. €105)
- Transfer to and from the meeting point
- Expenses (accommodation, cable car) for the mountain guide
- Individual tips
* Rental equipment (€10 per piece of equipment)
Facts
Location:
Valais Alps
Best time of year:
Mid-June - end of September
Duration:
2 days
Meeting point:
Zermatt - Matterhorn Express valley station
What you need
Requirements:
- Surefootedness
- Fitness for 1,000 meters of elevation gain and walking times of 6-7 hours
PRICING
Participants:
1 - 2 people
Prices:
1 person:
2 people:
1.500,- €
900,- €
If you have any questions or need further information, please write them in the comment field of the inquiry form.
Before submitting your request: Please read the "important information" about risks in mountaineering carefully.
Dates:
upon request
Short-term dependent on the conditions on the mountain
PROGRAM
Day 1: Pollux
We meet at 7:00 am at the valley station of the Matterhorn Express. After a short equipment check, we head to the cable car station and get our ticket to the Klein Matterhorn. The Matterhorn Express takes us up comfortably in just under 40 minutes. The cable car ride itself is particularly impressive. As soon as we arrive at the upper station, we step out into the glacier world. We descend onto the Breithorn Plateau and traverse the glaciers below the Breithorn summits eastwards. Via the Schwarztor col we reach the south-west ridge of Pollux. We follow the rocky ridge to the summit by means of easy, enjoyable climbing. Afterwards we descend to the Rifugio Guide della Val d´Ayas, where we will spend the night.
Total time: 5 h | ↑ 500 m | ↓ 900 m | Difficulty: PD, II
⌂ Rifugio Guide della Val d´Ayas
Day 2: Castor
The following morning, the second summit of these twins is on the programme. After a relaxed breakfast, we set off towards the Zwillingsjoch. Via the west face we reach Castor. The return route leads us back down to the Zwillingsjoch and beneath the Breithorn summits back to the upper station at the Klein Matterhorn. All in all, this is an enjoyable high-alpine tour and, thanks to the immense panorama of the surrounding peaks, a very impressive one that has plenty to offer those entering the world of four-thousanders.
Total time: 7 h | ↑ 1.100 HM | ↓ 900 HM | Difficulty: PD
Any changes to the program that may be necessary for various reasons (weather, conditions, accommodation booking situation, etc.) will always be made in consultation with the participants.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - (FAQs)
Who is the Castor and Pollux tour suitable for?
The tour is suitable for fit mountaineers with some initial experience on high-alpine tours. You should be confident moving in crampons and sure-footed on easy rock as well. Climbing experience is especially helpful on Pollux.
What equipment do I need for the tour?
You will receive the exact packing list with the confirmation email. The most important things are suitable mountaineering boots and clothing for cold conditions. Technical equipment can be hired from Südtirolalpin for a small wear fee.
Why are Castor and Pollux often combined?
Because the two summits can be linked very well in terms of the route. With the start at the Klein Matterhorn, the overnight stay at the Ayas Hut and the differing characters of Castor and Pollux, the result is a varied two-day tour.
