The day before – Welcome in Saint-Gervais
Meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Saint-Gervais guides’ office. Meeting with your guide and presentation of the itinerary.
Day 1 – Ascent to the Quintino Sella Hut (3,585 m)
Morning departure from Saint-Gervais to reach the village of Staffal in the Gressoney Valley (approximately 2 hr 30 min drive).
Cable car ascent to Bettaforca (2,727 m), start of the hike. The route follows a high-altitude trail ending with an airy section equipped with handrails and footbridges. Overnight at the Quintino Sella Hut.
Elevation gain: approximately +850 m | Hiking time: 3 hours
Day 2 – Ascent of Castor (4,228 m)
Early departure from the hut. Progression on the snow slopes of the Felik Glacier, then along the magnificent summit ridge of Castor. Spectacular views of Lyskamm, the Matterhorn, and the 4,000-meter peaks of the Valais.
Descent via the same route, lunch at the hut, then return to Staffal in the late afternoon.
Elevation gain: +650 m / loss: -1,500 m | Total time: approximately 10 hours
The guides may adjust the program according to the weather, mountain conditions, and the participants’ skill level.
The ascent of Castor (4,228 m) is a great classic of the Monte Rosa massif, renowned for the beauty of its snow-covered ridge and the purity of its lines. This twin summit of Pollux, overlooking the Gressoney Valley, is climbed in a high-altitude glacial atmosphere, facing the Lyskamm range and the Breithorn.
From the Quintino Sella Hut (3,585 m), the ascent follows broad snow slopes before reaching the narrow summit ridge—a magnificent balance line above pristine glaciers. The view encompasses the entire Mont Blanc massif, the Matterhorn, and the 4,000-meter peaks of the Valais, offering one of the finest panoramas in the Alps.
An ideal route for mountaineers with some prior high-altitude experience, this guided ascent of Castor combines glacier travel, airy sections, and full immersion in the world of the great peaks. A complete itinerary, both technical and aesthetic, in the largest alpine massif.
Group option: every Thursday from late June to mid-September, depending on conditions.
Private option: every day from late June to mid-September, depending on conditions and hut availability.
Directly on our website or using the dated and signed registration form, accompanied by a 40% deposit and any optional insurance fees. The balance is to be paid 60 days before the departure date.
A maximum of 3 people per guide. Departure guaranteed for the group option with a minimum of 3 participants. You will be guided by a high mountain guide.
Prior experience with basic mountaineering techniques is recommended (cramponing, roped travel). Good physical preparation is required for this ascent; it is intended for fit, athletic participants. You may be required to hike for up to around 10 hours per day, so you should prepare by practicing long-duration cardio activities. Endurance sports such as cycling, running, or long hikes are recommended.
Remember that for 2 days you will be hiking with an 8-kg backpack, which significantly increases the effort required, so during your training outings, practice walking with this additional weight.
You will be traveling on an unmarked high-mountain route and must be aware of the hazards associated with this activity (crevasses, serac falls, rockfall, avalanches, very low temperatures).
We are available to answer any questions you may have.
Price for the group option:
€780 per person
Prices for the private options:
1 participant: €1,650
2 participants: €990 per person
3 participants: €800 per person
4 participants: €980 per person
The price includes
The price does not include
Repatriation
Having “assistance–repatriation” insurance is mandatory to take part in our trips: it must cover you in high mountains for search and rescue by helicopter. If you do not have “assistance–repatriation” insurance, we can provide one at a rate of €5/day.
Cancellation
We also offer optional “cancellation” insurance at a rate of €12/day. This insurance does not take into account the sporting nature of our trips. It must be purchased at the time of registration to take effect.
As a reminder, cancellation insurance covers you from the moment you register until the start of your trip if something happens and you cannot attend. We apply cancellation fees as specified on our registration form and in our terms of sale. These fees may be reimbursed by the cancellation insurance if your reason for cancelling is covered.
If you pay by credit card, feel free to check the insurance included with it.
As a reminder, in the event of cancellation you must file your claim with the insurer within 5 days of the accident or reason for cancelling, otherwise it will not be valid (then check whether the reason for cancellation is covered).
Insurance fees are non-refundable.
Technical equipment
Technical equipment is available for rent from our partners:
For Saint Gervais : blanc-sport-saintgervais.com/ www.unlimited-saintgervais.com,
For les Contamines : www.intersport-lescontamines.com/
Clothing
Essential accessories
Feel free to contact us if you need advice on physical preparation, gear selection, or organizing your trip.
You will meet the guides the day before departure at the Saint-Gervais Guides Office (43 rue du Mont Blanc, 74170 Saint-Gervais), located inside the tourist office in the village center, at 6:30 p.m. Please let us know if you cannot attend; the briefing can be done by phone.
For all the latest news, you can follow us on social networks, here are the upcoming events.
Site under construction
Our website is currently in its finalization phase.
If you notice any issue or error, please feel free to let us know!
You can call us at (+33)4 50 47 76 55.