One of the IFMGA-certified guides in the Peakshunter team wants to lead you on a 2 day climb of the stunning Castor mountain in the Pennine Alps, next to its twin peak, Pollux.
Alps
2 Days
Jun - Oct
High
Beginner
The bigger of two beautiful peaks, Castor (4,226m) stands to the right of its ancient twin, Pollux (4,091m).
Located in the Pennine Alps, on the border between Switzerland and Italy, Castor is a gorgeous peak. From its snow capped summit, you will have an unforgettable view of some of the Pennine Alps' most famous peaks. From Breithorn (4,164m) to Monte Rosa (4,634m), you will stand in awe of the majestic mountains standing before you.
Like its aptly named twin, Castor is not a difficult climb. This will enable beginners to gain valuable climbing experience as you make your way to the peak. Also, for those experienced climbers that want to reach the top of this mountain, it will only further enhance your abilities. However, regardless of your skill level, Castor is a peak that will provide whoever wants to climb it with breathtaking views of the surrounding Alps.
Firstly, we leave from Gressoney to the Bettaforca pass. Once there, we will walk for 2 to 3 hours until we reach the Refuge Quintino Sella (3,585m). On day 2 we will spend between 6 to 7 hours ascending and descending Castor.
When it comes to which mountains to climb in the Pennine Alps, Castor definitely comes to mind. It is a beautiful peak. One that offers fantastic views of the Alps, while also offering a perfect view of its twin, Pollux. If you want me to guide you to the top of this wonderful mountain, just send me a message.
And if you want to climb Pollux, I can also guide you on this 2 day climb.
We'll begin by gathering at Gressoney Staffal to meet the group and our guide, where we'll have a brief introduction and check our equipment. From the Colle di Bettaforca (2,680 m), accessible by lift, we'll follow the trail to Colle della Bettolina (3,100 m).
As we continue, we’ll navigate a scenic section with fixed ropes that ascends through exposed rock formations.
Finally, a steep ramp will lead us to the Quintino Sella Hut at an elevation of 3,586 m.
From the hut, we'll ascend the Felik Glacier heading north towards the base of Punta Perazzi.
After turning right, we’ll navigate the steep snowy slope beneath the Felik Pass, climbing diagonally northwest. We’ll follow the easy border ridge, which narrows at points, until we reach the summit. Upon reaching the peak at 4,226 m, you can take in the breathtaking views all around.
The return to the refuge will follow the same route.
More info
It is recommended that you bring warm clothes, a harness, walking shoes, crampons, ice axe, sunglasses, sunscreen and a camera.
Meeting point
How far in advance should I start training and what kind of training do you suggest?
In the months leading up to the trip, we recommend consistent training to improve your endurance and your cardiovascular fitness (running, hiking, biking). When you confirm the trip, we will send you specific recommendations about the training.
Will I need to bring any technical equipment of my own? Is it possible to rent equipment, and if so, what would be the approximate cost of that?
The loan of the personal technical equipment is included in the tariff; the guide provides it on the day of departure. The gear for rental includes a mountaineering harness, straight-hand ice axe, and crampons.
In addition, the guide will bring the common safety gear, such as rope, ice screws, daisy chains, and carabiners.
All you need to check and bring is your personal mountaineering clothing, including technical mountaineering boots, waterproof, and rigid soles (please avoid bringing new ones you have never used before the ascent!).
After your booking confirmation, we will send a complete and detailed list of recommended equipment and clothing. If you need anything for rent, we will recommend some shops where you can hire the necessary gear.
Boots renting is around 20-22€/day, and trekking poles are 15€ per person.
Will there be porters to help to carry group and personal equipment?
Absolutely no porters are expected for this ascent. Each participant should bring a personal backpack and technical equipment, including a thermos for tea/water and energy bars/dried fruit and energy food for the trip.
How will accommodation and meals be handled on the mountain?
We will take care of the accommodation booking that includes the overnight stay at the Quintino Sella hut with half-board formula, which includes breakfast and dinner, but not the beverages/drinks or the extra meals for the clients and for the guide.
Any other extra meals and all the beverages for clients and the guide are NOT included and have to be covered by the customers directly on the spot.
What happens in the event of bad weather?
A few days before the trip, the guide will inform all participants about the weather forecasts and general conditions expected for the itinerary (temperatures, wind, snow conditions, etc.).
In case of bad weather, we will do our best to offer you an alternative program or move the date a few days later, depending on customer availability.
Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that we need to consider before the tour?
Yes, there are several special requirements that you need to consider for this trip. Here are some of them; please read them carefully before confirming the booking.
What is the guide-to-client ratio to climb this mountain?
For Castor the guide-to-client ratio is 1:3. This is the maximum number in order to ensure your and the guide's safety. If you are a group of more than 3 people, we have more guides available to undertake the adventure.
What is the best time of the year to climb this mountain?
The best time to do this ascent is from the beginning of June to middle of September.
Can I join a group?
Yes, you can choose to book a private tour or decide to join a group to reduce the costs.
We have already confirmed and planned group trips, departing in 2024; check the best date for you in our calendar.
Before confirming a group tour, please remember that you will share the ascent with other climbers who could have a different fit and previous experience. The guide will be responsible for the entire team and in any case or reason, it could guarantee the summit if only 1 participant has physical problems or isn’t enough fit to respect the timetable for the ascent and descent. The decision to share a trip with others to reduce the total costs requires accepting to be part of a team, in which adaptation and capacity for mutual support are essential requirements for all participants.
If you evaluate your fitness level and your technical skills as too low or inadequate to the abilities and efforts that this demanding ascent requires, you probably should take the PRIVATE trip, as the best option for you.
How can I reach the meeting point?
The meeting point is in Gressoney Staffal, at the bar Wunderbar, next to the lifts ticket desk, reachable by car from the Pont-Saint-Martin exit (Milan-Turin highway) in about 50 minutes, or by public bus service (Arriva company).
At what time will we be back to the parking area?
The meeting with the guide on the first day will be around 12:30 am (please remember to check the bus timetable in case you need to reach the meeting point by public transport).
The time back to the parking area on the second day is expected around 3:00 pm.
Is this trip suitable for children? Which is the minimum age for participants?
Yes, the ascent could be done even by young people (the minimum age is 14 years, depending on the fitness level and skills). They must be accompanied by at least 1 parent. We ask both parents to fill out and sign a release form for their children, with privacy consent and self-declaration of responsibility.
What additional costs should I consider?
The hiring of the trek poles and the renting of the boots are NOT included.
If needed, the renting of the boots has to be done by the customers before the trip in one of the shops in Gressoney. We will send you more details in case of need.
The costs for beverages and extra meals for the clients and the Guide are NOT included and have to be covered on the spots, sharing the guide’s fee between all the participants.
The transfer to the meeting point is NOT included.
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
4.7
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Mountain Guide
Giving and receiving smiles, seeing the satisfaction on the faces of our customers, seeking opportunities for growth, stimulating authenticity in personal and group relationships, in sharing mountaineering disciplines, fears, efforts, and moments of difficulty, which are part of the integrated with experiences, essential ingredients of every summit climb: these are our focus, our beliefs, and our most important results, as outdoor Professionals and as people who love the mountains and their work as Alpine Guides!
Founded in 2013 by Elis and Silvia, PEAKSHUNTER Mountain Guides is a team of IFMGA-certified Mountain Professionals and outdoor activities experts, based in the town of Aosta, not far from Courmayeur-Chamonix, on the Italian side of the Mont Blanc massif.
We live and work in the beautiful Aosta Valley region, very close to French and Swiss borders near to Geneva, Milan, and Turin international airports.
Mont Blanc, Matterhorn, Dufourspitze, Pyramide Vincent and Regina Margherita Hut, Gran Paradiso, Breithorn, Lyskamm, Castor and Pollux are only a few of several 4000 Alps summits you can climb with us: most of our team of Guides were born and grew up close to these mountains and they have explored the ascent routes several times during different seasons, with skis or crampons!
- We love our work: we plan all our trips with great commitment and deep respect for the Alpine environment, for its inhabitants, and its territories. Including local traditions in different valleys and Alpine areas.
- We love Mountain, Nature, and Outdoor activities, that we like to share with people from all around the world. We are enthusiastic to meet like-minded adventurers and share new experiences and memorable emotions with the support of our Mountain Guides.
- Safety and Risk Management are essential for us, as elements of fundamental importance during every single trip we plan and carry out with our customers: for this reason, we offer introductory courses to the different alpine disciplines (Mountaineering, Rock climbing, Ice climbing, Ski mountaineering, Freeride, Rescue Crevasse, and Avalanche) to convey awareness and responsibility to our customers.
- We offer solid Experience, with several years organizing outdoor disciplines around mountain and wild areas, in many different countries of Italy and Europe, for individuals or groups, including 7-day customer support for booking, logistics, and personal assistance for planning and reservations.
- As certified Mountain Guides, we offer training courses, to improve technical skills and to learn basic knowledge about mountaineering in the Alps, which is essential to explore and climb the Mountains safely in any situation or conditions.
- We are happy to provide customized programs for every customer's demand: our Experience is synonymous with Professionalism and Customer Care to guarantee unforgettable emotions and beautiful smiles!
Fulfill your dreams, discover breathtaking views or simply enjoy an extraordinary day: you just need to use your imagination and we will carry out your trip as you desire to live it!
Let’s plan your next mountain project together!
Certificates
IFMGA
Great professionalism, competence and excellent organization from the whole team and in particular from Paolo, our guide. Thanks for everything, I absolutely recommend it!
Excellent organization of the whole team. Thanks for everything, definitely recommend!
Amazing trip organised by Peakshunter Mountain Guides over the monte rosa massif, I've had an experience this past weekend that I'll remember forever thanks guys
We had an amazing time! Marco was a brilliant guide, and we found some incredible powder and met some fantastic people. An unforgettable day, thanks so much!
Very professional mountain guides making dreams come true. The team is very communicative and helpful from the beginning of contact until tour completion. The guides are flexible in case of weather/condition changes and they are very safety-conscious making me feel very comfortable. Thank you Peakshunter that I could be on tour with you!
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