The peak · CH/IT · Monte Rosa Alps
Castor
4,223 m
Named after Castor, one of the twin Dioscuri of Greek mythology — the inseparable pair Castor and Pollux, sons of Leda. The Italian topographers who named the Zwillinge (the 'twins') in the mid-19th century chose classical names in keeping with the romantic alpinism of the period.
Coordinates45.9261° N · 7.8000° E
UIAA rank№ 28 / 82
CountriesSwitzerland · Italy
Normal gradePD · peu difficile
First ascent1861 · F.W. Jacomb & William Mathews with J.B. & Michel Croz
Typical seasonJune to October
Higher of the Zwillinge (twin) peaks named after the Gemini twins; climbed by a snow ridge between Liskamm and Pollux.
The higher of the two Zwillinge ('twins') above the Felikjoch, climbed on 23 August 1861. Castor's south-east ridge from the Quintino Sella hut is one of the most popular introductions to a serious snow ridge in the Alps.
Summit · huts that serve as bases for routes on this peak
F+Topo ↗
Vertical / summit day640 m gain · 4h
A popular and aesthetic snow ridge — easy in good conditions but exposed. From Rifugio Quintino Sella climb the Felik glacier to the Colle del Felik (4061 m); the final SE ridge is a narrow snow crest with steep drops on both sides leading to the summit. Often combined with Pollux from the Ayas side.
Sections
Rifugio Quintino Sella (3585 m)→Colle del Felik (4061 m)+476 m2h
Colle del Felik→Summit (4223 m)+162 m2h
Huts on this route
Rifugio Quintino Sella al FelikCAI · late June to mid-September3,585 mRifugio Guide della Val d'AyasCAI · late June to mid-September3,420 mRifugio Guide della Val d'AyasCAI · mid-March to mid-September3,420 mRifugio Guide del CervinoCAI · mid-March to mid-September3,480 mRifugio Ottorino MezzalamaCAI · mid-March to mid-September3,036 m