Castor, at 4,228 meters high, is one of the giants of Monte Rosa, located on the border between the Aosta Valley and Valais. Its name, along with that of the nearby Pollux peak, derives from the twins of Greek mythology, Castor and Pollux, due to their similar shape.

The ascent, which is relatively simple, is characterized by a sharp final ridge leading directly to the summit, offering a breathtaking view of all the main peaks of Monte Rosa, including the Dufourspitze and the Grenz glacier below, the Lyskamm, and the Breithorn. On clear days, the view extends to the Matterhorn, Gran Paradiso, and the Pennine Alps in general.

Program

Climbing Castor with a mountain guide is an alpine excursion with a difficulty rating of F (medium). It requires good physical and technical preparation, as well as knowledge of glacier mountaineering techniques. The mountain guide will provide all the necessary assistance to tackle the climb safely.

DAY 1

Departure from Cuneo (or meeting in Ivrea on the motorway) to travel to Gressoney Stafal. Check of the group's mountaineering equipment and cable car ascent to Colle Bettaforca (2,720 m). Trek to the Quintino Sella Refuge (3,585 m) following the CAI path n. 2. The walking time is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

DAY 2

Departure from the refuge early in the morning, reaching the Felik Pass (4,062m) by crossing the glacier of the same name. You follow the famous and spectacular snowy ridge which, with some airy passages, leads towards the summit of Castor (4,228m). The ascent requires 4 to 5 hours for the climb and about 2 or 3 hours for the descent to the refuge via the same ascent route.

Necessary materials

Mountaineering equipment

• mountain boots, preferably with crampons or semi-crampons
• telescopic trekking poles
• harness
• helmet
• crampons
• ice axe

Harness, helmet, crampons and ice axe can be rented.

High mountain clothing

• thermal first layer
• technical sweatshirt or fleece
• down jacket or padded jacket
• Goretex jacket or similar windproof jacket
• mountaineering trousers
• warm gloves
• spare gloves
• cap or buff

Essential accessories

• sleeping bag sheet (mandatory in all high mountain refuges)
• category 3 or 4 sunglasses
• thermos or thermal flask
• sunscreen
• headlamp
• energy bars and basic medicines

Rates per person for private/pre-formed groups

Tariffe a persona per gruppi privati/precostituiti:

• 650€ - 1 persona
• 350€ - 2 persone
• 280€ - 3 persone
• 250€ - 4 persone