Ski tour Pollux
Ski tour on the Pollux
Endurance
3Walking time 6-7 hours. Up to approx. 1200 vertical meters. Solid fitness required, also in alpine terrain.
Technique
3You are experienced in the terrain. You are proficient in hairpin bends, even in steeper terrain (35°), can ski in a controlled manner in all types of snow and can move safely and with stamina on ascents.
Duration
6 h
Date
Beginning of February - end of April
Participants
1 - 2 people
Gallery (5)
The Pollux (Italian: Punta Polluce) is the twin brother of the Castor. Both rise majestically in the middle of the Valais Alps. While the Castor attracts with snow and firn, the Pollux is a true alpine classic of rock and ice. We guide you on this varied ski tour to one of the most climbed 4000ers around Zermatt - an ideal preparation for your Matterhorn training.
Highlights
Description
Our ski tour begins directly at the Klein Matterhorn mountain station with the impressive crossing of the wide Breithorn plateau. The view sweeps over Castor, Liskamm and the mighty peaks of the Monte Rosa group. After a first descent along the south side of the Breithorn, we reach the foot of the Pollux. Here we deposit our skis and prepare for the ascent.
Depending on the conditions, the ascent begins with a snow couloir or a traverse over firn, which takes us up to the southwest ridge. There we follow a varied ridge with easy climbing on solid rock. The highlight of the route is a well-secured intersection, the key point of the tour. Thanks to fixed chains, it is easily doable for sure-footed alpinists.
After this passage, we reach the striking shoulder of Pollux with the small Madonna statue. From here, a short firn ascent leads to the 4,089 m summit and rewards you with a panoramic view of the Western Alps, the Matterhorn and the Mattertal valley.
The descent follows the same route back to the ski depot. From there we climb up to the Breithorn plateau and return to Klein Matterhorn before skiing down to Zermatt.
Schwarztor option: Back at the ski depot, a final short ascent leads to the Schwarztor. From here, a rewarding glacier descent over wide slopes begins – a spectacular finale to this alpine tour. Finally, we glide back to Zermatt on the pistes.
Program
Meeting with your local and IFMGA-certified mountain guide at 08:15 at the Matterhorn Express valley station (depending on the season)
Cable car ride to the Klein Matterhorn mountain station
Descent along the south side of the Breithorn and counter ascent to the foot of the Pollux, where the ski depot is made
Ascent via the south-west couloir or the south-west ridge - the normal Swiss route to Pollux
Descent via the same route back to the ski depot
Return to Klein Matterhorn and ski descent to Zermatt.
Schwarztor option in good conditions: Short counter-ascent to the Schwarztor followed by a glacier descent to Zermatt.
Say goodbye to your mountain guide
Additional costs
- Train journey Zermatt-Klein Matterhorn: from approx. CHF 70.00.
Reduction with GA, Half-Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass (more information can be found at Zermatt Bergbahnen AG) - Rental equipment:
- Avalanche transceiver (LVS), avalanche shovel and avalanche probe: can be rented at the ZERMATTERS Homebase at a special price of CHF 15.00 per person from 17:00 the day before. The rented equipment must be returned to the ZERMATTERS Homebase after the tour by 17:00 at the latest
- Other equipment: from CHF 80.00, available in a sports store in Zermatt
- Touring skis with running binding (binding adjusted)
- Touring ski boots
- Telescopic poles
- Skins
- Crampons
- Climbing harness
- 1 carabiner
- ice axe
- Backpack max 30L - skis must be able to be tied on
- Shovel
- Probe
- Avalanche Transceiver
- Warm, weatherproof touring ski clothing
- Warm gloves
- Finger gloves
- Helmet
- Hat / headband
- Goggles, sunglasses, sun cream
- Thermos flask, drinks
- Snacks (high-energy food such as chocolate, dried fruit, energy bars)
After booking
After booking, you will receive a confirmation by email. Please check that your details are correct.
Two days before the tour, you will receive a link to the customer portal.
Please contact us before the tour to go over the details (current weather, conditions, group size, etc.). You can reach us by phone, email or visit us at the ZERMATTERS Homebase.
The Pollux
General information about Pollux
- The Pollux is 4,092 m high and, together with the neighboring Castor, forms the twin pair of the Valais Alps.
- Depending on the season, we climb Pollux as an independent day tour or as part of multi-day tours, e.g. the Spaghetti Tour in the Monte Rosa region.
- The ski tour on the Pollux is a varied tour that also involves climbing - ideal for gaining alpine climbing experience.
Special features of Pollux
- Castor and Pollux come from Greek mythology - two twin brothers, inseparable, but as different as their mountains: Castor is a firn tour, Pollux a climbing tour.
- The rocks of Pollux are blue-green in color and give the mountain its very own character - unlike the reddish granite of Castor.
- A striking geological boundary runs between the two mountains - an exciting transition between primary rock and marine deposits.
Safety and risk warnings
- Even if the tour is technically easy, you should not underestimate the alpine risks. The route leads over glaciers where there is always a risk of crevasses. For this reason, ZERMATTERS will always accompany you professionally and provide you with the necessary safety equipment. Weather changes can occur unexpectedly on the Pfulwe, which is why the orientation and experience of our local mountain guides are crucial.
Do I need a mountain guide for a ski tour?
Yes, a mountain guide is highly recommended for a ski tour. Ski tours in alpine terrain require experience in avalanche awareness, route selection and snow conditions. Especially in high alpine regions such as Zermatt, many tours lead through challenging terrain with steep descents and possible crevasses. If you want to get the best out of your ski tour and minimize risks, a professional guide is the best choice.
What are the advantages of a local ski tour guide?
A local ski tour guide from Zermatt knows the mountains, snow and weather conditions like no other. Thanks to his regional expertise, the tour can be optimally planned and flexibly adapted to current conditions. He also enriches the experience with exciting stories and insights into the regional culture and mountain world - for a safe and unforgettable ski tour.
What should I look out for when booking a ski tour guide?
Make sure that your mountain guide is certified according to the standards of the International Union of Mountain Guide Associations (UIAGM/IFMGA). This certification guarantees comprehensive training and compliance with the highest safety standards. All ZERMATTERS mountain guides are trained according to these international guidelines.
What difficulty levels are ski tours divided into?
Ski tours are divided into seven main levels of difficulty according to the SAC ski tour scale:
- L: Easy
- WS: Less difficult
- ZS: Fairly difficult
- S: Difficult
- SS: Very difficult
- AS: Extremely Difficult
- EX: Extremely difficult
Each of these grades can be additionally refined by a minus (-) or plus (+) to allow finer gradations.
The classification is based on main criteria such as steepness, exposure, terrain shape and bottlenecks in the descent. Auxiliary criteria such as the complexity of the route and the correctability of errors can also be taken into account.
How do I choose the right ski tour for my ability?
The choice of ski tour should always be based on your personal ability and alpine experience. Our offers are therefore provided with clear information on the level of difficulty, required stamina and technique to help you make the right decision. We will be happy to provide you with personal advice directly.
- Endurance
3Walking time 6-7 hours. Up to approx. 1200 vertical meters. Solid fitness required, also in alpine terrain. - Technique
3You are experienced in the terrain. You are proficient in hairpin bends, even in steeper terrain (35°), can ski in a controlled manner in all types of snow and can move safely and with stamina on ascents. - Duration
6 h - Date
Beginning of February - end of April - Participants
1 - 2 people
The Pollux (Italian: Punta Polluce) is the twin brother of the Castor. Both rise majestically in the middle of the Valais Alps. While the Castor attracts with snow and firn, the Pollux is a true alpine classic of rock and ice. We guide you on this varied ski tour to one of the most climbed 4000ers around Zermatt - an ideal preparation for your Matterhorn training.
Highlights
Duration
- Ascent to the summit of Pollux (4,092 m): approx. 2.5 – 3 hours from Klein Matterhorn station.
- Return to Klein Matterhorn and descent to Zermatt (1,620 m): approx. 2 h.
- Alternative with good conditions and fitness: Descent via Schwarztor to Zermatt (1,620 m): approx. 2 – 3 hours.
Description
Our ski tour begins directly at the Klein Matterhorn mountain station with the impressive crossing of the wide Breithorn plateau. The view sweeps over Castor, Liskamm and the mighty peaks of the Monte Rosa group. After a first descent along the south side of the Breithorn, we reach the foot of the Pollux. Here we deposit our skis and prepare for the ascent.
Depending on the conditions, the ascent begins with a snow couloir or a traverse over firn, which takes us up to the southwest ridge. There we follow a varied ridge with easy climbing on solid rock. The highlight of the route is a well-secured intersection, the key point of the tour. Thanks to fixed chains, it is easily doable for sure-footed alpinists.
After this passage, we reach the striking shoulder of Pollux with the small Madonna statue. From here, a short firn ascent leads to the 4,089 m summit and rewards you with a panoramic view of the Western Alps, the Matterhorn and the Mattertal valley.
The descent follows the same route back to the ski depot. From there we climb up to the Breithorn plateau and return to Klein Matterhorn before skiing down to Zermatt.
Schwarztor option: Back at the ski depot, a final short ascent leads to the Schwarztor. From here, a rewarding glacier descent over wide slopes begins – a spectacular finale to this alpine tour. Finally, we glide back to Zermatt on the pistes.
Program
Meeting with your local and IFMGA-certified mountain guide at 08:15 at the Matterhorn Express valley station (depending on the season)
Cable car ride to the Klein Matterhorn mountain station
Descent along the south side of the Breithorn and counter ascent to the foot of the Pollux, where the ski depot is made
Ascent via the south-west couloir or the south-west ridge - the normal Swiss route to Pollux
Descent via the same route back to the ski depot
Return to Klein Matterhorn and ski descent to Zermatt.
Schwarztor option in good conditions: Short counter-ascent to the Schwarztor followed by a glacier descent to Zermatt.
Say goodbye to your mountain guide
Additional costs
- Train journey Zermatt-Klein Matterhorn: from approx. CHF 70.00.
Reduction with GA, Half-Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass (more information can be found at Zermatt Bergbahnen AG) - Rental equipment:
- Avalanche transceiver (LVS), avalanche shovel and avalanche probe: can be rented at the ZERMATTERS Homebase at a special price of CHF 15.00 per person from 17:00 the day before. The rented equipment must be returned to the ZERMATTERS Homebase after the tour by 17:00 at the latest
- Other equipment: from CHF 80.00, available in a sports store in Zermatt
Material
To ensure that you are optimally equipped for your ski tour on the Pollux, you should definitely have this equipment with you.
- Touring skis with running binding (binding adjusted)
- Touring ski boots
- Telescopic poles
- Skins
- Crampons
- Climbing harness
- 1 carabiner
- ice axe
- Backpack max 30L - skis must be able to be tied on
- Shovel
- Probe
- Avalanche Transceiver
- Warm, weatherproof touring ski clothing
- Warm gloves
- Finger gloves
- Helmet
- Hat / headband
- Goggles, sunglasses, sun cream
- Thermos flask, drinks
- Snacks (high-energy food such as chocolate, dried fruit, energy bars)
After booking
After booking, you will receive a confirmation by email. Please check that your details are correct.
Two days before the tour, you will receive a link to the customer portal.
Please contact us before the tour to go over the details (current weather, conditions, group size, etc.). You can reach us by phone, email or visit us at the ZERMATTERS Homebase.
The Pollux
General information about Pollux
- The Pollux is 4,092 m high and, together with the neighboring Castor, forms the twin pair of the Valais Alps.
- Depending on the season, we climb Pollux as an independent day tour or as part of multi-day tours, e.g. the Spaghetti Tour in the Monte Rosa region.
- The ski tour on the Pollux is a varied tour that also involves climbing - ideal for gaining alpine climbing experience.
Special features of Pollux
- Castor and Pollux come from Greek mythology - two twin brothers, inseparable, but as different as their mountains: Castor is a firn tour, Pollux a climbing tour.
- The rocks of Pollux are blue-green in color and give the mountain its very own character - unlike the reddish granite of Castor.
- A striking geological boundary runs between the two mountains - an exciting transition between primary rock and marine deposits.
Safety and risk warnings
- Even if the tour is technically easy, you should not underestimate the alpine risks. The route leads over glaciers where there is always a risk of crevasses. For this reason, ZERMATTERS will always accompany you professionally and provide you with the necessary safety equipment. Weather changes can occur unexpectedly on the Pfulwe, which is why the orientation and experience of our local mountain guides are crucial.
Do I need a mountain guide for a ski tour?
Yes, a mountain guide is highly recommended for a ski tour. Ski tours in alpine terrain require experience in avalanche awareness, route selection and snow conditions. Especially in high alpine regions such as Zermatt, many tours lead through challenging terrain with steep descents and possible crevasses. If you want to get the best out of your ski tour and minimize risks, a professional guide is the best choice.
What are the advantages of a local ski tour guide?
A local ski tour guide from Zermatt knows the mountains, snow and weather conditions like no other. Thanks to his regional expertise, the tour can be optimally planned and flexibly adapted to current conditions. He also enriches the experience with exciting stories and insights into the regional culture and mountain world - for a safe and unforgettable ski tour.
What should I look out for when booking a ski tour guide?
Make sure that your mountain guide is certified according to the standards of the International Union of Mountain Guide Associations (UIAGM/IFMGA). This certification guarantees comprehensive training and compliance with the highest safety standards. All ZERMATTERS mountain guides are trained according to these international guidelines.
What difficulty levels are ski tours divided into?
Ski tours are divided into seven main levels of difficulty according to the SAC ski tour scale:
- L: Easy
- WS: Less difficult
- ZS: Fairly difficult
- S: Difficult
- SS: Very difficult
- AS: Extremely Difficult
- EX: Extremely difficult
Each of these grades can be additionally refined by a minus (-) or plus (+) to allow finer gradations.
The classification is based on main criteria such as steepness, exposure, terrain shape and bottlenecks in the descent. Auxiliary criteria such as the complexity of the route and the correctability of errors can also be taken into account.
How do I choose the right ski tour for my ability?
The choice of ski tour should always be based on your personal ability and alpine experience. Our offers are therefore provided with clear information on the level of difficulty, required stamina and technique to help you make the right decision. We will be happy to provide you with personal advice directly.
