• Advanced mountaineering course: Castor (4228m) with a private guide
  • Advanced mountaineering course: Castor (4228m) with a private guide
  • Advanced mountaineering course: Castor (4228m) with a private guide
  • Advanced mountaineering course: Castor (4228m) with a private guide
  • Advanced mountaineering course: Castor (4228m) with a private guide
  • Advanced mountaineering course: Castor (4228m) with a private guide
  • Advanced mountaineering course: Castor (4228m) with a private guide
  • Advanced mountaineering course: Castor (4228m) with a private guide
Monte Rosa Massif - France / Aosta Valley

Advanced mountaineering course: Castor (4228m) with a private guide

Réf : GCGZCN

In summary

  • Sports
    Mountaineering
  • Duration
    2 days
  • Level
    Advance

    Levels

    Mountaineering
    Beginner
    Mountaineering is a demanding sport; consequently, there is no "beginner" physical level for it. If you have never mountaineered before, you can aim for an intermediate or advanced level.
    Intermediate
    For fit hikers who wish to experience the high mountains. No specific mountaineering skills are required; the crampon work is straightforward. Guides are on hand to provide instruction and ensure your safety. The daily elevation gain generally ranges from 700 to a maximum of 1,000 meters.
    Confirmed
    For those who engage in endurance or mountain sports (running, cycling, trail running, rock climbing, trekking, etc.) three or more times a week. You are capable of hiking for long hours in the mountains and ascending around 1,500 meters in a single day. Ideally, you have some prior high-altitude experience (such as walking in crampons), though this is not essential if you are in excellent physical condition. To aid acclimatization, it is recommended to go mountain hiking in the days leading up to the trip.
    Advanced
    For those who regularly practice endurance or mountain sports (running, cycling, trail running, rock climbing, trekking, etc.)—at least four times a week. You are capable of hiking for over eight hours in the mountains and ascending between 1,500 and 2,000 vertical meters in a single day. You have mastered crampon techniques. Prior mountaineering experience (ascents or ice training) is mandatory.
    Expert
    For those in excellent physical condition who regularly engage in mountain activities (rock climbing, mountaineering, ice climbing, etc.): you have mastered mountaineering techniques and are capable of undertaking climbs rated D or higher.
  • Destination
    Monte Rosa Massif - France / Aosta Valley
  • Age
    From the age of 18
  • CO₂-Emissions
    5.89 kg CO2
  • Type of stay
    This personalized stay offers you the opportunity to experience a sporting adventure with an organization tailored to your needs.
    Type of stay
    Independent traveler
  • Languages
    French
    English

In a few words

Located on the border between Switzerland and Italy , Castor (4,221 m) offers an unforgettable climb in the heart of the Monte Rosa massif . Dominating a magnificent panorama between the Matterhorn and the Gnifetti peak , this iconic summit captivates with its summit ridge, as aesthetically pleasing as it is challenging.

This trip is designed for experienced mountaineers who wish to improve their technical skills and prepare for more ambitious climbs. The high-altitude experience continues with an overnight stay at the Sella refuge (3,585 m), in a warm and authentic high-mountain atmosphere.

The highlights

  • Breathtaking view of the entire Monte Rosa massif
  • A route accessible to experienced climbers, ideal for improving your mountaineering technique.
  • Private stay with a guide
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Photos

Sport

Level

Mountaineering

Advance

Levels

Mountaineering
Beginner
Mountaineering is a demanding sport; consequently, there is no "beginner" physical level for it. If you have never mountaineered before, you can aim for an intermediate or advanced level.
Intermediate
For fit hikers who wish to experience the high mountains. No specific mountaineering skills are required; the crampon work is straightforward. Guides are on hand to provide instruction and ensure your safety. The daily elevation gain generally ranges from 700 to a maximum of 1,000 meters.
Confirmed
For those who engage in endurance or mountain sports (running, cycling, trail running, rock climbing, trekking, etc.) three or more times a week. You are capable of hiking for long hours in the mountains and ascending around 1,500 meters in a single day. Ideally, you have some prior high-altitude experience (such as walking in crampons), though this is not essential if you are in excellent physical condition. To aid acclimatization, it is recommended to go mountain hiking in the days leading up to the trip.
Advanced
For those who regularly practice endurance or mountain sports (running, cycling, trail running, rock climbing, trekking, etc.)—at least four times a week. You are capable of hiking for over eight hours in the mountains and ascending between 1,500 and 2,000 vertical meters in a single day. You have mastered crampon techniques. Prior mountaineering experience (ascents or ice training) is mandatory.
Expert
For those in excellent physical condition who regularly engage in mountain activities (rock climbing, mountaineering, ice climbing, etc.): you have mastered mountaineering techniques and are capable of undertaking climbs rated D or higher.
For those who regularly practice endurance or mountain sports (running, cycling, trail running, rock climbing, trekking, etc.)—at least four times a week. You are capable of hiking for over eight hours in the mountains and ascending between 1,500 and 2,000 vertical meters in a single day. You have mastered crampon techniques. Prior mountaineering experience (ascents or ice training) is mandatory.

In figures

Mountaineering

  • Average duration/day: 6h30
  • Average distance/day: 11 km
  • Average daily elevation gain: 746 m
  • Average daily descent: 600 m
  • Maximum altitude: 4226 m

Management

During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Band : 1 supervisor for 1 to 3 people
Languages ​​spoken:
French
English
Supervisor

Danilo and his team

Experienced mountain guides Danilo and his team accompany you on all types of terrain: mountaineering, multi-pitch climbs, ski touring, and high-altitude treks. Passionate and meticulous, they prioritize safety, progress, and enjoyment on every outing. With them, every climb becomes a shared and authentic adventure in the heart of the most beautiful mountains in the Alps.

A French-speaking UIAGM High Mountain Guide, for a group of up to 3 people.

Price for a solo departure with a guide: €1950

Price for 2 people with a guide: €1120 per person

Price for a group of 3 with a guide: €830 per person


Program

Day 1
Day 2
  • map

    Staffal (Gressoney) - Quintino Sella Refuge

    • Activity Mountaineering
    • Duration of the activity 4h
    • Distance 10 km
    • Positive elevation gain 846 m
    • Maximum altitude 3585 m
    • Accommodation Refuge
    • Breakfast not included
    • Lunch not included
    • Dinner included

    Meet your mountain guide at 9:00 AM in Staffal, Gressoney, at the parking area. After a quick equipment check, you'll take the cable car to the Bettaforca Pass. It will take approximately 3 hours to hike to the Rifugio Quintino Sella, where you'll have dinner and spend the night.

    The ascent is magnificent, following a footpath with a ridge that extends to the summit of the Lyskamm peaks, two summits linked by one of the most beautiful mountaineering routes in the Alps, the Lyskamm Traverse. The climb is easy up to the Passo della Bettolina, then the path becomes a little steeper, and a fixed rope or cable will help you progress.


    Your guide will give you advice to facilitate progress on the few small climbing sections; at the end of the rocky ridge we will see the Sella Refuge, which is at the beginning of the glacial plateau.

    Day 1

Accommodation

🏔️ Mountain refuge - Day 1

Access

Departure
Staffal
Day 1 : 09h00
End of stay
Staffal
Day 2 - 16h00

Go to the starting point

Access by car
Travel to the place of stay with parking available

Price details

The price includes

  1. The supervision of the UIAGM High Mountain Guide from our team and all their expenses (accommodation, meals, travel, lifts)
  2. Half-board at the refuge (dinner and breakfast)
  3. The Staffal cable car at the Bettaforca Pass
  4. The equipment for group activities (ropes, lanyards, carabiners)

The price does not include

  1. Personal technical equipment (crampons, ice axe and harness)
  2. Drinks and personal expenses
  3. Lunches and snacks are provided so you can eat as you wish at altitude.
  4. Your personal insurance

Options

  1. Flex fare and insurance

Practical information

Specific formalities

Specifics

Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).


In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.

It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.


ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.

Equipment

Equipment provided on site

  1. The equipment for group activities (ropes, carabiners, etc...)

Equipment to bring

  1. High-quality Gore-Tex mountaineering boots compatible with crampons (available for hire in Chamonix, Aosta or Bourg Saint Maurice)
  2. Personal technical equipment: harness, crampons, ice axe and helmet
  3. 40L backpack
  4. Walking sticks

Clothing to bring

First layer against the skin: underwear

  1. Thermal and breathable T-shirt (merino wool recommended)
  2. Thermal and breathable tights (merino wool recommended)
  3. Warm socks.

Second layer:

  1. Warm and breathable technical fleece;
  2. Windproof and waterproof mountaineering trousers

Third layer:

  1. Thin but warm down or fleece

Final layer:

  1. High-quality Gore-Tex jacket or similar, waterproof and windproof


Don't forget:

  1. Warm winter hat
  2. Neck warmer
  3. Warm ski gloves
  4. Headlamp
  5. Sunscreen
  6. Water bottle and thermos
  7. Sunglasses
  8. Mobile phone
E
Decathlon Travel Partner

Our partner team

4.5/5 (153 reviews) • 47 stays
Specializing in the Alps at the crossroads of France, Switzerland, and Italy, our local partner is a small, family-run agency dedicated to mountain travel. With extensive field experience, they design tried-and-tested itineraries to take you to the heart of wild landscapes, far from the beaten track. Committed to responsible tourism, they prioritize the local economy and a limited environmental footprint. Their certified guides and leaders, true enthusiasts of the region, guarantee an authentic and safe immersion in the most pristine Alpine massifs.
Discover their team and their trips
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