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Advanced Mountaineering Ridges Workshop — Monte Rosa (Group)

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Level: 3

Season: Summer

Duration: 3 days

Participants: 2

My goal

Pollux 4,092 m and Castor 4,226 m

Three days on Monte Rosa to refine your ropework and movement techniques on rock, snow and exposed terrain, putting them into practice on two 4,000-metre peaks.

Move beyond knowing mountaineering techniques to applying them confidently on real high-altitude ridges.

Over three days, we will focus on rope team management, moving together on different types of terrain, short-roping techniques and abseiling.

We will begin on rocky terrain, then apply these skills during the ascent of Pollux and finally on the traverse of Castor, where we will concentrate on moving across steep snow slopes and exposed ridges.

This is more than a series of summit ascents. Each day has a specific learning objective, building towards greater technical competence and confidence in the mountains.

Where you’ll go

We will start from Frachey, in Val d’Ayas, and reach Rifugio Quintino Sella al Felik, our base for the workshop.

On the second day, we will climb Pollux, a peak combining rocky sections, fixed ropes and chains, and glaciated terrain.

On the third day, we will complete the traverse of Castor, following its narrow, exposed snow ridge before descending towards Colle del Felik and returning to Val d’Ayas.

What it takes

This workshop is designed for mountaineers who already have basic alpine experience and want to improve their ability to move safely and efficiently on more technical terrain.

You should be comfortable using crampons and an ice axe, have previous experience travelling roped up on glaciers and possess the fitness required for demanding days at high altitude.

This is not an introductory mountaineering course.

How you’ll be guided

We will work with an IFMGA Mountain Guide, combining explanations, demonstrations and practical exercises.

The guide will teach us how to select the appropriate belaying techniques for different terrain, manage rope length and spacing between climbers, and organise safe movement on both ascents and descents.

During the climbs, we will apply what we have learned, paying particular attention to efficient movement, rope management and safety.

Price

€1,400.00 per person

The price includes

Three full days with an IFMGA Mountain Guide
On nights on half board at Rifugio Guide Ayas and 1 night at Quintino Sella al Felik
Return lift tickets from Indren to Gressoney
Jeep to Piani di Verra superiore
Technical mountaineering equipment (helemt, ice axe, harness and crampons)

Not included in the price

Personal accident insurance, meals not specified, anything not expressly listed under “The price includes”.

Program

Day 1 — Ropework and movement techniques on rocky terrain

We will meet at 10:30 AM in Frachey, Val d’Ayas.

From here, we will make our way to Rifugio Quintino Sella, where we will begin our workshop on alpine ridge climbing techniques.

We will practise on rocky terrain, concentrating on rope team management and essential climbing and descent techniques:

Short-roping techniques
Moving efficiently on rock, both ascending and descending
Moving together as a roped team
Setting up belays and managing protection
Preparing and performing abseils

We will learn to select the most suitable techniques according to the terrain, the level of difficulty and the protection available.

Throughout the exercises, we will focus on movement efficiency, communication and the decisions involved in managing a rope team.

We will finish the day by reviewing the techniques practised and discussing how to apply them during the following day’s climb.

Dinner and overnight stay at Rifugio Quintino Sella.

Day 2 — Ascent of Pollux, 4,092 m

We will leave Rifugio Quintino Sella and head towards Pollux.

The main focus of the day will be rope team movement on rocky terrain, applying the techniques introduced during the first day’s workshop.

During the ascent, we will practise moving together, short-roping and negotiating the mountain’s fixed ropes, chains and rocky passages.

We will pay particular attention to the descent, where effective rope management and the choice of appropriate belaying techniques are just as important as on the ascent.

The guide will help us understand when to move together, when to use protected climbing techniques and how to organise rope manoeuvres on more demanding sections.

We will then return to Rifugio Quintino Sella.

Dinner and overnight stay at Rifugio Quintino Sella.

Day 3 — Traverse of Castor, 4,226 m

The final day will be dedicated to the traverse of Castor, putting into practice the techniques needed to move safely and efficiently on steep snow slopes and exposed ridges.

We will ascend the western side of Castor towards the summit, concentrating on crampon technique, balance and rope team management on steeper ground.

From the summit, we will follow the narrow and exposed snow ridge, where maintaining a steady pace, controlling the distance between climbers and moving precisely will be essential.

We will descend towards Colle del Felik, completing the traverse before returning to Rifugio Quintino Sella and continuing down towards Frachey.

This final ascent will bring together the skills developed over the previous two days, applying them to a complete high-altitude mountaineering route.

The itinerary and summit objectives will depend on weather, snow and mountain conditions.

Equipment required

For the Advanced Mountaineering Workshop, you will need:

mountaineering clothing suitable for high altitude and changing weather conditions
mountaineering boots compatible with crampons
30–35 litre backpack
sunglasses with category 3 or 4 protection
SPF 50+ sunscreen
protective lip balm
mountaineering gloves and a spare pair
headlamp
sleeping bag liner for the mountain huts
water bottle or thermos and energy snacks

Crampons, climbing harness, helmet, ice axe and technical equipment required for the training exercises are provided by us. If you have your own equipment, we recommend bringing it so you can learn to use it correctly during the workshop.

After booking, we will send you a complete and detailed equipment checklist, including guidance on clothing, technical gear and accessories. This will help you prepare your backpack according to the programme and the expected mountain conditions.

Please, pay attention here

The guides of Monte Rosa may modify the itineraries and activity schedules based on weather conditions, the accessibility of the huts, and the physical preparation of the participants.
Mountaineering, ski touring, off-piste skiing and trekking take place in a natural, uncontrolled environment.
Weather conditions, snow, ice, terrain, visibility, altitude and physical fatigue can change rapidly and directly affect the course of the activity. For this reason, there is always an inherent level of objective risk, which cannot be eliminated but only managed.
All our activities are led by IFMGA Mountain Guides and Certified Hiking Guides (AMM).
The guide continuously assesses environmental conditions and the physical and mental state of participants, sets an appropriate pace, manages progression and ensures the correct use of equipment. If conditions require it, the guide may modify the itinerary or interrupt the activity, always in the interest of individual and group safety.
Participants are required to be in good physical and mental condition, adequately prepared for the level of the activity, and to follow the guide’s instructions at all times.
Group activities
During group outings, the pace is set according to the slowest participant. In case of fatigue or discomfort, the guide may decide to adjust the programme or return early. In the mountains, the group ascends and returns together.
Learn more here
The periods planned for activities may vary due to weather conditions and the physical state of the locations (snow cover, ground conditions, etc.).

F.A.Q.

FAQ #1 – Do I need previous mountaineering experience?

Yes. This workshop is intended for climbers who already have experience using crampons, an ice axe and a climbing harness, and who are familiar with roped glacier travel. It is not suitable for complete beginners.

FAQ #2 – Do I need to know how to abseil?

You do not need to have fully mastered abseiling techniques. On the first day, we will practise setting up and carrying out abseils under the supervision of the guide.

FAQ #3 – What will I learn during the workshop?

We will work on short-roping, moving together as a rope team, belaying techniques and efficient movement on rock, snow and exposed terrain. The ascents of Pollux and Castor will provide opportunities to apply these skills in a real alpine environment.

FAQ #4 – How demanding are the climbs?

Both are high-altitude mountaineering routes requiring good fitness, confident crampon technique and the ability to move on exposed terrain. Castor features a narrow, airy snow ridge, while Pollux involves rocky sections with fixed ropes and chains.

FAQ #5 – Where will we stay overnight?

The programme includes two nights at Rifugio Quintino Sella al Felik, which will serve as our base for the practical exercises and both summit ascents.

FAQ #6 – Are the ascents of Pollux and Castor guaranteed?

No. The guide will assess weather, snow and terrain conditions and may modify the itineraries when necessary. The primary objective of the workshop is to develop mountaineering skills in suitable and safe conditions, rather than simply reach the summits.

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Advanced Mountaineering Ridges Workshop — Monte Rosa (Group)

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Categories: Activities, Alpine Training

Insurance

Before departure, check that your insurance policy specifically covers mountaineering, glacier travel, altitude, trip cancellation, repatriation, and personal liability. For more information, read our complete guide to mountain insurance.

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Advanced Mountaineering Ridges Workshop — Monte Rosa (Group)

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