Explore-Share logo and link to home

Guided Ascent to Pollux via the SW ridge, near Zermatt

Guided Ascent to Pollux via the SW ridge, near Zermatt | undefined

Follow certified guide Herbert on this 1-day guided ascent on Pollux via the SW ridge, close to Zermatt and conquer one of the twin 4,000-meter summits of the Pennine Alps!

Private

Alps

1 Day

All year

High

Intermediate


Highlights

  • Achieve one of Switzerland's classic summits.
  • Take your mountaineering skills to the next level under expert guidance.
  • Stand on the summit of a 4-thousander and admire the views of the Pennine Alps.

Description

I invite you to climb the Pollux summit via SW ridge (4,092 m) close to the charming village of Zermatt. Are you ready for this 1-day mountaineering adventure in Switzerland?

Located in the border between Switzerland and Italy, Castor and Pollux-SW ridge are known as the twin peaks of the Monte Rosa massif in the Pennine Alps.

We’ll start ascending from the Klein or “little” Matterhorn (3,883 meters). From here we’ll reach the top of Pollux-SW ridge climbing through a beautiful area and surrounded by the most spectacular views of the Pennine Alps, this will be a great way for participants to improve their mountaineering skills.

To participate in this program, all climbers will need to have some prior mountaineering experience as well as a great fitness level. Of course, I will be there every step of the way to make sure you reach the summit of this beautiful mountain in the best possible conditions.

Ready for this 1-day guided ascent on Pollux via SW ridge? Then send your request now and prepare for this magical experience in Switzerland!

If you are looking to climb both of “the twins “summits, you may also join me on this Castor 1-day guided ascent near Zermatt in the Pennine Alps

Price includes

  • Guiding fee
  • Rope
  • Quickdraws

Details

More info

Compulsory Equipment

Rucksack 30 litre – Mountaineering boots* – Climbing seat harness* – Crampons with front points, steel, adjusted* – Ice axe* – Head torch, with spare battery (not for LED)* – Touring trousers / salopettes – Waterproof / breathable jacket with hood – Fleece jacket or jumper – Gloves – Thermal underwear – Shirt – Socks – Warm hat – Sun hat – Sunglasses with side protection – Sun screen factor >25 – Lip balm factor >15 – Flask or water bottle, about 1 Litre, no camel bag – Picnic for every touring day – Personal medication – Euros and Swiss francs – Id or passport.

Nice to have Helmet* – Mitts – Alpine club member card – Telescope pol* – Compeed, second skin, sport tape – Foam ear plugs – sleeping pills (not strong ones) – Spare socks – Spare shirt – Spare underwear – Pocket knife – Camera (small and light) – Tooth brush and paste – Toilet paper – Insurance card – Credit card – Sleeping bag liner (cotton or silk) – Reduction card for tickets.

Items with a * can be rented.

Meeting point

SW Ridge near Zermatt

About the guide

Guide profile image

-Herbert

4.0

(13)

Mountain Guide

I am a nature lover who made his hobbies and passion into his profession. I possess only international recognized qualifications. As I am active in the mountains the whole year round my goal is to complement the programmes of the local organizations. My desire is to share with you my joy on the mountains, my knowledge, my experience and to make your stay in Zermatt to an unforgettable experience.

In the following pages you will find a few suggestions and ideas for your holiday in Zermatt. If my ideas or suggestions do not meet your demands, please do not hesitate to let me know what you would like to do and I will create your own personal programme. I am not only active in Zermatt but also everywhere where outdoor activities can be done. It would be a pleasure to accompany you safely and competently in the mountains.

Languages

German | French | English

Request more information

What people are saying about -Herbert

Justin

Herbie was fantastic! He rescheduled with us because of weather and we were so grateful to be able to still summit the mountain during our trip. He was really knowledgeable - told us about the peaks we could see from the summit and recommended some restaurants on our way back down the mountain. He was really attentive, making sure my husband and I understood what we needed to do and if we were feeling ok the entire time. I can’t recommend him more for a high altitude climb!

Anthony

Herbie guided us as a group of 5 up the Breithorn. He was very experienced and knowledgeable. He got us to the summit and back safely and efficiently and set a perfect pace. He also had good humour. We all enjoyed the experience and thought he did a great job. Would definitely use Herbie again

Tommy

Herbie was rude and did not honor nor address our request to ski some moguls or any semi off piste runs even between the groomed runs. He skied so fast that he lost us at the beginning and then yelled at us for not keeping up. His communication skills were poor. We realized that snow conditions and temperature was such that there may not have been any moguls but I feel a paying customer should never be yelled at. I would not recommend this booking or Herbie to anyone. 15 minutes into the experience, we thought about dismissing him because he was so unpleasant. He did do a good job booking a restaurant for lunch at the border. There was zero ski instruction. A little advance warning prior to the booking would haven been better. Respectfully, Tommy Yen

Wayne

Great guy with alot of experiance . Learnt alot from him. Would definaltey recommend . And i will 100% be using him again. Thank you herbert and hope to see you again soon . Take care . Wayne

Scott

We were group of 3 with Herbert to the Monte Rosa drop off location. Our group has done lots of heli-skiing, cat skiing, and hiked routes. What we look for in guides is 1) safety 2) matching route to technical ability 3) advice in complex sections 4) having a personality and making the day fun. On safety: Herbert did a good safety briefing and told us where to position ourselves relative to his tracks, that was the extent of his safety. One of our group members fell part-way into a crevasse and was dangling on the ice wall, and he leisurely pulled out his rope to throw it down even after being told there was a very far drop. He routinely skiied out-of-sight of the entire group even in more dangerous sections. If someone had fallen through again, there was no rescuing them as he was the only one with the safety gear. On matching the route the technical ability of the group he did fine, the only part that was an issue was the very long flat ski out (he warned us about this, so we knew it ahead of time, I wouldn't do this route again because of this). On advice/tips for complex routes, he had nothing to offer, and was annoyed when you asked him questions, the only thing he said was "lean forward on your skiis", and didn't try to help anyone who had challenges. On the last part, personality, this was the worst. He was extremely annoyed that he had to help the person out of the crevasse, and even more annoyed that a snowboarder in our group was slower in the flat section. He complained to other ski guides that passed by that he was late for his lunch. When we stopped to break and took pictures he asked us to stop wasting time with taking our phones out. When we asked him if we should bring water (for a 5 hour ski) he said it's no necessary, which was crazy. Overall, it really put a damper on the entire experience, we spent a lot of money and came from Canada to experience this, and he nearly ruined it. He's a really good technical skiier, but has no patience nor does he put an ounce of effort in to making it fun or making people feel safe.


You may also like

Join our newsletter!

Stay up-to-date on the best adventures.