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2-day ascent to Castor and Pollux near Zermatt
Join internationally-qualified guide Herbert on a 2-day climbing trip and ascend the classic twin peaks of Castor and Pollux.
Highlights
Conquer the classic mountain range in Switzerland.
Experience the alpine summits of Castor and Pollux.
Take in the fantastic views around the famed town of Zermatt.
Description
Join me on this exhilarating ascent to Castor and Pollux, which offers a classic mountaineering experience while conquering 2 giants that soar beyond 4,000 meters.
The 2 giants of the Pennine Alps are named after the Gemini twins from Roman mythology.
Castor is a mountain that borders the Swiss valley of Valais and the Italian valley of Aosta. It stretches to 4,223 meters and is connected via a pass to its slightly smaller twin peak of Pollux, that measures 4,092 meters.
The twin mountains stand closely to Zermatt, the famed mountaineering town that lies at the feet of Switzerland’s largest peaks.
We will start our climb on Klein Matterhorn (or Little Matterhorn), whose peak is at 3,883 meters. From here we will ascend farther to the first twin peak of Castor before retiring for the night in the Val a’Ayas refuge.
On the second day we will conquer the second twin peak of Pollux before returning to the Klein Matterhorn.
Due to the level of difficulty of the ascent, potential climbers are required to have great stamina, physically fit for high altitude exposure, and already a competent climber that can use crampons.
Get in touch now to reserve your place in one of Europe’s most stunning mountain scenery and conquer Castor and Pollux, two giants of the Pennine Alps.
Please note that you can also choose to climb one of the mountains in a 1-day trip. Let me know if you are interested in this option.
Accommodation Val d’Ayas refuge. |
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, touring trousers that are 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. |
Photos
About the 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.
For booking assistance
Have any doubts? Talk directly with an Explore Share assistant.
The Concierge service is a great tool for when you still haven't decided what kind of Adventure you're looking for and you're open to suggestions
Prices per person
Group of 1 | CHF 2124 each |
Group of 2 | CHF 1114 each |
Want a different number of travellers?
Price includes
• Guiding fee
• Accommodation
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
What people are saying about Herbert Luethi
Harry Smith
5.00
August 2020
Scott Walton
4.00
March 2020
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.
Thomas Reid
5.00
March 2018
My wife and I had an incredible day with Herbert in Zermatt. Our guide did an excellent job of adjusting the skiing to fit our ability. Would not hesitate to highly recommend Herbert.....thank you for an epic memory.
The guide was very knowledgeable.