Castor Group
Guided Castor ascent in a group
-
Endurance
3Walking time 6-7 hours. Up to approx. 1200 metres in altitude. Solid physical condition required, also in alpine terrain. -
Technique
3You are experienced in climbing in 2nd grade and in moderately steep terrain on rock and ice. You are familiar with crampons, ice axe and rope techniques. You have mastered combined terrain and can move safely in crevasse zones and on ridges. -
Duration
approx. 6 -
Date
June - Mid-September -
Participants
2 people
Gallery (6)
The Castor (Italian: Punta Castore) is the twin brother of the Pollux - both form an iconic duo in the heart of the Valais Alps. This pure snow and firn tour takes you high above the Breithorn plateau, with breathtaking views of the Matterhorn, the Liskamm and the Monte Rosa massif. An alpine experience for ambitious mountaineers - directly from Zermatt.
Secure your place on our next Castor rope team now!
Highlights
Description
Our guided high-altitude tour starts at the Klein Matterhorn mountain station. From there, we cross the wide, glaciated Breithorn plateau - with a constant view of the Castor, our destination. After an easy descent to the south side of the Breithorn, we pass the foot of the Pollux to the imposing western flank of the Castor.
The ascent is a steady traverse over snow and firn. Depending on the conditions, a somewhat steeper passage awaits at the end, which we master safely together with ice axes and crampons. Once at the top, you can enjoy an incomparable view of the Monte Rosa massif and the Liskamm.
Then the highlight begins: crossing the narrow firn ridge - a balancing act against a magnificent backdrop. The way back takes the same route back to the mountain station, where we make our way home to Zermatt after an intensive day.
Program
Meeting point at 06:30 with your local IFMGA-certified mountain guide and other participants at the Matterhorn Express valley station (depending on the season)
Joint cable car ride to the Klein Matterhorn mountain station
Ascent to the Castor via the west flank (normal Swiss route)
Descent via the same route back to the Klein Matterhorn mountain station
Joint return journey to Zermatt and farewell
Additional costs
- Rail journey Zermatt-Klein Matterhorn return: from approx. CHF 57.00.
Reduction with GA, Half-Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass (more information can be found at Zermatt Bergbahnen AG) - Rental equipment: between CHF 50.00 and CHF 70.00, available in a sports store in Zermatt
- Crampon-compatible mountaineering boots with profiled, stiff Vibram soles
- Climbing harness
- 1 carabiner
- Crampons with anti-balling plates
- Ice axe
- Hiking pole
- Backpack, approx. 30 L
- Warm weatherproof clothing
- Gloves (possibly spare gloves)
- Hat / headband
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Drinks
- Snacks (high-energy food such as chocolate, dried fruit, energy bars)
Notes
The ascent of the Castor is a long high-altitude tour. When making your booking inquiry, please let us know which four-thousand-metre peaks you have already climbed and what other mountaineering experience you have.
We recommend that you prepare for the challenge in advance with a guided training tour with us - for example on the Breithorn normal route or on the Alphubel. This is also an ideal way to acclimatize. This can also be done in a group, provided another person has registered for it.
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 Castor
General information about Castor
- Castor is 4,223 m high and is considered the "twin brother" of the slightly lower Pollux.
- Depending on the season, we climb Castor as a day tour or as part of a multi-day tour - for example during the famous Spaghetti Tour in the Monte Rosa region.
Special features of the Castor
The geological boundary between the crystalline Monte Rosa group and the former marine deposits of the Pennine zone runs exactly between Castor and Pollux - a fascinating transition zone in the high mountains.
Do I need a mountain guide for a high-altitude tour?
Yes, especially for beginners, the company of a certified mountain guide is highly recommended. Alpine tours often lead over glaciers with crevasses, steep firn flanks and exposed ridges. An experienced guide not only ensures safety, but also imparts valuable knowledge about technique, route selection and alpine dangers.
What advantages does a local mountain guide offer?
A local mountain guide knows the specific conditions of the region, such as weather conditions, glacier conditions and current route conditions. This expertise enables flexible tour planning and increases safety. In addition, a local guide enriches the experience with background information on the local mountains and culture.
What should I look out for when booking a mountain 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 levels of difficulty are alpine tours divided into?
Alpine tours are rated according to the SAC mountain and alpine tour scale, which ranges from L (easy) to EX (extremely difficult). The French designations range from F (facile) to ED (extrêmement difficile). These classifications take into account the technical requirements, length of the tour and objective dangers.
What equipment do I need for an alpine tour?
The equipment required varies depending on the alpine tour and can be viewed directly on the equipment list for the respective ski tour.
In general, the standard equipment for an alpine tour includes
- Crampon-proof mountain boots
- Crampons
- Ice axe
- Climbing harness
- Rope (depending on tour type and group size)
- Carabiners and slings
- helmet
- Warm, weatherproof clothing
- Sunglasses and sun protection
- First aid kit
- Map, compass or GPS device
When will a decision be made on the implementation of the high tour?
The final decision on whether to go ahead with an alpine tour is usually made 48 hours (sometimes only 24 hours) before the start of the tour, based on current weather and route conditions. You will be informed by us as early as possible about possible changes or cancellations.
How do I choose the right high-altitude tour for my ability?
The choice of an alpine tour should always be based on your personal ability and alpine experience. A gradual progression - from shorter to longer tours, from easy to technically more demanding - is advisable. Our mountain guides are happy to accompany you on this path and support you in your alpine development
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 are happy to provide you with personal advice directly. Come and visit us at the home base!
How can I best prepare myself for a high-altitude tour?
Good preparation is the key to a safe and enjoyable high-altitude experience. Regular endurance training - such as hiking, running or cycling - not only improves your fitness, but also your resilience at high altitudes. Technique training is just as important: you need to practise using crampons and ice axes to be able to move safely in the terrain. If you also attend alpine courses, study maps and familiarize yourself with meteorology and alpine dangers, you will have a solid foundation for making independent decisions in the mountains. Our mountain guides will not only support you along the way, but will also be happy to give you tips on how best to prepare - so that your alpine tour with ZERMATTERS is an unforgettable experience.
How difficult are alpine tours and how are they classified?
Alpine tours can be divided into seven main levels of difficulty according to the SAC Alpine Touring Scale:
- L: Easy
- WS: Not very difficult
- ZS: Fairly difficult
- S: Difficult
- SS: Very difficult
- AS: Extremely Difficult
- EX: Extremely difficult
Some of these grades can be additionally refined by a minus (-) or plus (+) to allow even more precise grading.
The rating is based on main criteria such as steepness, exposure, technical requirements and type of terrain (e.g. firn, ice, rock or glacier). Auxiliary criteria such as objective hazards, retreat options and seriousness of the route are also taken into account.
What happens if I don't meet the requirements for a tour?
Our mountain guides not only have a lot of experience, but also pay attention to the difficulty level of the tour when assessing it. At the same time, they decide on site whether the tour can be carried out as planned. If you do not meet the requirements and this compromises safety or the course of the tour, the tour may have to be adjusted or terminated prematurely. This decision is always made in the interests of the safety of everyone involved.
By the way, with a private mountain guide you are more flexible and can adjust the pace and route individually.
-
Endurance
3Walking time 6-7 hours. Up to approx. 1200 metres in altitude. Solid physical condition required, also in alpine terrain. -
Technique
3You are experienced in climbing in 2nd grade and in moderately steep terrain on rock and ice. You are familiar with crampons, ice axe and rope techniques. You have mastered combined terrain and can move safely in crevasse zones and on ridges. -
Duration
approx. 6 -
Date
June - Mid-September -
Participants
2 people
The Castor (Italian: Punta Castore) is the twin brother of the Pollux - both form an iconic duo in the heart of the Valais Alps. This pure snow and firn tour takes you high above the Breithorn plateau, with breathtaking views of the Matterhorn, the Liskamm and the Monte Rosa massif. An alpine experience for ambitious mountaineers - directly from Zermatt.
Secure your place on our next Castor rope team now!
Highlights
Duration
- Ascent to the summit of the Castor (4,223 m): approx. 3.5 - 4 hours from the Klein Matterhorn station
- Descent back to the Klein Matterhorn station (3,883 m): approx. 3.5 - 4 hours
Number of participants
The group offer requires a minimum number of 2 participants. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, it is possible that the tour cannot take place.
Description
Our guided high-altitude tour starts at the Klein Matterhorn mountain station. From there, we cross the wide, glaciated Breithorn plateau - with a constant view of the Castor, our destination. After an easy descent to the south side of the Breithorn, we pass the foot of the Pollux to the imposing western flank of the Castor.
The ascent is a steady traverse over snow and firn. Depending on the conditions, a somewhat steeper passage awaits at the end, which we master safely together with ice axes and crampons. Once at the top, you can enjoy an incomparable view of the Monte Rosa massif and the Liskamm.
Then the highlight begins: crossing the narrow firn ridge - a balancing act against a magnificent backdrop. The way back takes the same route back to the mountain station, where we make our way home to Zermatt after an intensive day.
Program
Meeting point at 06:30 with your local IFMGA-certified mountain guide and other participants at the Matterhorn Express valley station (depending on the season)
Joint cable car ride to the Klein Matterhorn mountain station
Ascent to the Castor via the west flank (normal Swiss route)
Descent via the same route back to the Klein Matterhorn mountain station
Joint return journey to Zermatt and farewell
Additional costs
- Rail journey Zermatt-Klein Matterhorn return: from approx. CHF 57.00.
Reduction with GA, Half-Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass (more information can be found at Zermatt Bergbahnen AG) - Rental equipment: between CHF 50.00 and CHF 70.00, available in a sports store in Zermatt
Material
So that you are well equipped for the ascent of the Castor, you should definitely have this equipment with you:
- Crampon-compatible mountaineering boots with profiled, stiff Vibram soles
- Climbing harness
- 1 carabiner
- Crampons with anti-balling plates
- Ice axe
- Hiking pole
- Backpack, approx. 30 L
- Warm weatherproof clothing
- Gloves (possibly spare gloves)
- Hat / headband
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Drinks
- Snacks (high-energy food such as chocolate, dried fruit, energy bars)
Notes
The ascent of the Castor is a long high-altitude tour. When making your booking inquiry, please let us know which four-thousand-metre peaks you have already climbed and what other mountaineering experience you have.
We recommend that you prepare for the challenge in advance with a guided training tour with us - for example on the Breithorn normal route or on the Alphubel. This is also an ideal way to acclimatize. This can also be done in a group, provided another person has registered for it.
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 Castor
General information about Castor
- Castor is 4,223 m high and is considered the "twin brother" of the slightly lower Pollux.
- Depending on the season, we climb Castor as a day tour or as part of a multi-day tour - for example during the famous Spaghetti Tour in the Monte Rosa region.
Special features of the Castor
The geological boundary between the crystalline Monte Rosa group and the former marine deposits of the Pennine zone runs exactly between Castor and Pollux - a fascinating transition zone in the high mountains.
Do I need a mountain guide for a high-altitude tour?
Yes, especially for beginners, the company of a certified mountain guide is highly recommended. Alpine tours often lead over glaciers with crevasses, steep firn flanks and exposed ridges. An experienced guide not only ensures safety, but also imparts valuable knowledge about technique, route selection and alpine dangers.
What advantages does a local mountain guide offer?
A local mountain guide knows the specific conditions of the region, such as weather conditions, glacier conditions and current route conditions. This expertise enables flexible tour planning and increases safety. In addition, a local guide enriches the experience with background information on the local mountains and culture.
What should I look out for when booking a mountain 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 levels of difficulty are alpine tours divided into?
Alpine tours are rated according to the SAC mountain and alpine tour scale, which ranges from L (easy) to EX (extremely difficult). The French designations range from F (facile) to ED (extrêmement difficile). These classifications take into account the technical requirements, length of the tour and objective dangers.
What equipment do I need for an alpine tour?
The equipment required varies depending on the alpine tour and can be viewed directly on the equipment list for the respective ski tour.
In general, the standard equipment for an alpine tour includes
- Crampon-proof mountain boots
- Crampons
- Ice axe
- Climbing harness
- Rope (depending on tour type and group size)
- Carabiners and slings
- helmet
- Warm, weatherproof clothing
- Sunglasses and sun protection
- First aid kit
- Map, compass or GPS device
When will a decision be made on the implementation of the high tour?
The final decision on whether to go ahead with an alpine tour is usually made 48 hours (sometimes only 24 hours) before the start of the tour, based on current weather and route conditions. You will be informed by us as early as possible about possible changes or cancellations.
How do I choose the right high-altitude tour for my ability?
The choice of an alpine tour should always be based on your personal ability and alpine experience. A gradual progression - from shorter to longer tours, from easy to technically more demanding - is advisable. Our mountain guides are happy to accompany you on this path and support you in your alpine development
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 are happy to provide you with personal advice directly. Come and visit us at the home base!
How can I best prepare myself for a high-altitude tour?
Good preparation is the key to a safe and enjoyable high-altitude experience. Regular endurance training - such as hiking, running or cycling - not only improves your fitness, but also your resilience at high altitudes. Technique training is just as important: you need to practise using crampons and ice axes to be able to move safely in the terrain. If you also attend alpine courses, study maps and familiarize yourself with meteorology and alpine dangers, you will have a solid foundation for making independent decisions in the mountains. Our mountain guides will not only support you along the way, but will also be happy to give you tips on how best to prepare - so that your alpine tour with ZERMATTERS is an unforgettable experience.
How difficult are alpine tours and how are they classified?
Alpine tours can be divided into seven main levels of difficulty according to the SAC Alpine Touring Scale:
- L: Easy
- WS: Not very difficult
- ZS: Fairly difficult
- S: Difficult
- SS: Very difficult
- AS: Extremely Difficult
- EX: Extremely difficult
Some of these grades can be additionally refined by a minus (-) or plus (+) to allow even more precise grading.
The rating is based on main criteria such as steepness, exposure, technical requirements and type of terrain (e.g. firn, ice, rock or glacier). Auxiliary criteria such as objective hazards, retreat options and seriousness of the route are also taken into account.
What happens if I don't meet the requirements for a tour?
Our mountain guides not only have a lot of experience, but also pay attention to the difficulty level of the tour when assessing it. At the same time, they decide on site whether the tour can be carried out as planned. If you do not meet the requirements and this compromises safety or the course of the tour, the tour may have to be adjusted or terminated prematurely. This decision is always made in the interests of the safety of everyone involved.
By the way, with a private mountain guide you are more flexible and can adjust the pace and route individually.
