Pollux Castor Traverse

Price

1 alpinist: € 1300,00
2 alpinists: € 700,00 / person
3 alpinists: € 500,00 / person

The price includes: off-road taxi from Saint Jaques to the upper Verra plains, half-board accommodation at the Lambronecca refuge, guidance for the 2-day traverse by a UIAGM mountain guide, guide’s expenses, technical equipment, off-road taxi from Colle Bettaforca to Frachey.

Program

Day 1: Meet the mountain guide at 2:00 PM at the Frachey cable cars, where we will check gear and distribute technical equipment. We will take a jeep to the Upper Verra Plains, where the trail to the Lambronecca Refuge begins. The refuge is perched at the edge of the great Verra glacier, offering a spectacular view of the Breithorn range. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2: At dawn, we will ascend the Great Verra Glacier to the base of Pollux’s southern ridge. Depending on the conditions, we will climb a steep snow slope or a mixed ridge that leads us to a chimney equipped with chains. After climbing the chimney, we will reach the fore-summit, where the statue of the Madonna and Child is located. After a gear adjustment, we will tackle the spectacular snowy ridge that will take us to the summit of Pollux at 4,089 meters (approximately 2.5 to 3 hours from the refuge).

After descending along the same route, we will continue towards the majestic west face of Castor. The ascent, zigzagging between crevasses, culminates in a final 45° slope that will bring us to the final ridge, from which there is a breathtaking view of the Swiss side of Monte Rosa. We will reach the summit of Castor at 4,225 meters in about 2.5 hours from the Verra Glacier.

The descent towards Colle Felik will test us on a horizontal ridge, giving us the opportunity to better understand what the Lyskamm traverse entails, always visible in front of us, and perhaps consider it as a future project.

From Colle Felik, we will descend a 40° slope that will lead us to the tranquil Felik Glacier and the Quintino Sella Refuge. To return to Frachey, we will follow the equipped ridge of Ometto and then the trail towards Colle della Bettaforca, from where we will descend to the valley by off-road vehicle.

Equipment required

– 5 layers of clothing for the upper body (thermal shirt, light fleece, heavy fleece, down jacket, anorak.)
– two set of gloves (soft and ski ones)
– sunglasses (with 3 or 4 protection)
– heavy trousers (windproof)
– underpants
– gaiters
– rigid, ankle height, waterproof boots.
– two pair of ski socks
– headlamp
– hat that covers your ears
– bag sheet for the hut
– sun screen & lip balm
– poles
– ice axe
– helmet
– 1lt water bottle/thermos
– harness & crampons

Please note, a sleeping bag liner is mandatory in all mountain huts.
We suggest a lightweight, reusable sleeping bag liner. Let’s protect the mountains from waste
Our favorite sleeping bag liner

Please, pay attention here

Engaging in mountaineering is inherently perilous and carries the potential for severe injury or fatality. All Monte Rosa guides hold IFMGA certification and are dedicated to taking every possible measure to mitigate risks. It’s crucial to acknowledge that while efforts are made to minimize dangers, complete elimination of risk is unattainable and must be acknowledged before participating in any of our groups.

Monte Rosa guides are committed to assisting you in achieving your objectives and ensuring a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Nevertheless, it is imperative that you place trust in their unquestionable judgment while navigating the mountains and be prepared to respect and accept any decisions they make. Adequate preparation and maintaining a minimum standard of physical fitness are essential to uphold a sufficient safety margin during mountaineering ascents.

In the event that, due to your physical condition or any other reason, your guide determines that you are not prepared for the ascent to Monte Rosa, suitable alternatives will be offered.

F.A.Q.

FAQ #1 – Will I suffer from altitude sickness?

High altitude can cause altitude sickness, with symptoms such as headaches, nausea, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people adapt more easily to altitude than others. If possible, gradual acclimatization by spending time at higher altitudes before reaching 4000 meters can help reduce altitude sickness symptoms. Good physical fitness can also aid adaptation to altitude.

FAQ #2 – Are there any medications that can help with altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness is highly subjective, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. It is advisable to bring only the headache and nausea medications that you are already familiar with and have used before. Nevertheless, we recommend consulting your primary healthcare provider for personalized advice

FAQ #3 – What happens if I feel unwell during the ascent?

If you feel unwell in the refuge, we will organize an early descent. If you feel unwell along the route, we will turn back. In the case of severe discomfort, the accompanying guide will alert rescue services, and you will be evacuated by helicopter.

FAQ #4 – Can I join a group if I’m alone?

Certainly! Choose your experience from the group hikes page by clicking <a href=”https://monterosabooking.com/product-category/group-hikes/”>here</a>

FAQ #5 – Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?

No, Monterosa’s refuges provide pillows, duvets, or blankets! However, the use of a sleeping bag liner is mandatory, and you can purchase it for a minimal cost at specialized stores. Click here for more information (affiliate link)

FAQ #6– Can I rent high mountain clothing and equipment?

You can rent equipment (boots, poles, ice axe) in Alagna, Gressoney and Champoluc. However, it will not be possible to rent clothing.

FAQ #7 – If I do not reach the summit, will I be refunded?

No, there will be no refunds as you will have already used the refuge, guide, and lifts.

FAQ #8 – What is the required fitness level for the excursion?

To successfully complete this experience, you need good physical endurance and training that allows you to sustain at least 4/5 hours of uphill walking plus the same amount in descent.

Pollux Castor Traverse

€1,300.00

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