The day before – welcome in Saint-Gervais
Welcome at 6:30 pm at the Saint-Gervais Guides’ Office. Meet your guide, presentation of the program, and gear check. A phone briefing is possible if you are unable to attend in person.
Day 1 – Ascent to the Mezzalama Hut (3,004 m)
Morning departure from Saint-Gervais toward the Aosta Valley. Scenic drive to the villages of Champoluc and Saint-Jacques, followed by a 4×4 ascent to the Véraz alpine pasture (2,350 m). Approach hike to the Mezzalama Hut (3,004 m) along a beautiful glacial moraine. Elevation gain: +650 m – 2 hours of ascent. Overnight at the Mezzalama Hut.
Day 2 – Ascent of Pollux (4,089 m)
Departure before dawn to reach the Ayas Guides’ Hut (3,420 m) via mixed terrain alternating scree, snow, and a rocky spur equipped with fixed ropes. The climb then continues across the Véraz Glacier to the foot of Pollux. The ascent follows a mixed ridge and then a fine equipped rocky section before reaching the snowy summit crest. Summit of Pollux (4,089 m), followed by a descent to the Ayas Guides’ Hut – Lambronecca. Elevation gain: +1,100 m – Elevation loss: -670 m – Duration: 6 to 7 hours. Overnight at the hut.
Day 3 – Castor Traverse (4,225 m)
Departure at first light toward the west face of Castor (4,225 m). Glacier travel leads to the base of the west face, followed by a 400 m ascent of the face to reach the magnificent summit ridge—airy and harmonious, among the finest in the massif. Traverse of the Castor summit to reach the Felik Col, then descent to the Quintino Sella Hut (3,585 m). Continue along the equipped trail to the Bettaforca Col (2,672 m). Return to the village of Saint-Jacques by 4×4. Elevation gain: +800 m – Elevation loss: -1,550 m – Duration: 7 to 8 hours.
The guides may adjust the program according to the weather, mountain conditions, and the participants’ skill level.
The Castor–Pollux Traverse is a must-do route for mountaineers seeking a complete experience on the most beautiful 4,000-meter peaks of the Alps. In the heart of the Monte Rosa massif, nestled between the Breithorn summits and the Lyskamm range, these two peaks offer a varied ascent combining glacial slopes, rocky sections, and airy ridges in a unique alpine atmosphere.
Led by a high mountain guide, this three-day program allows for progressive acclimatization before reaching the summits. You will discover the richness of the Aosta Valley and the beauty of the Upper Valais, between welcoming huts, vast glaciers, and spectacular views.
An intense and elegant adventure, for those looking to take their mountaineering to the next level.
Group option: every Wednesday from mid-June to late September, depending on conditions.
Private option: every day from mid-June to late 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 must be paid 60 days before departure.
Maximum 2 people per guide. Group departure guaranteed with 2 people. You will be led by an IFMGA mountain guide or a guide-in-training.
Previous mountaineering experience is required for this route.
Good physical preparation is required for this ascent; it is intended for fit, athletic participants. You will be required to hike for around 10 hours per day, so you should prepare by practicing long-duration cardio activities. Endurance sports such as cycling and running are recommended. And don’t forget that for 2 days you will be hiking with an 8-kilogram backpack, which significantly increases the effort required, so during your training outings make sure to walk 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:
€1,470 per person
Prices for the private options:
1 participant: €2,550
2 participants: €1,470 per person
3 participants: €1,790 per person
4 participants: €1,470 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.
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You can call us at (+33)4 50 47 76 55.
