• Advanced mountaineering training on the Castor
  • Advanced mountaineering training on the Castor
  • Advanced mountaineering training on the Castor
  • Advanced mountaineering training on the Castor
  • Advanced mountaineering training on the Castor
  • Advanced mountaineering training on the Castor
  • Advanced mountaineering training on the Castor
  • Advanced mountaineering training on the Castor
  • Advanced mountaineering training on the Castor
  • Advanced mountaineering training on the Castor Jeremy - verified review - june 2024
Italy

Advanced mountaineering training on the Castor

5/5 (2 reviews)
Réf : ZIQSGQ

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
    Europe / Italy
  • Age
    From the age of 18
  • CO₂-Emissions
    5.77 kg CO2
  • Type of stay
    This group trip is perfect for travelers who want to experience a sporting adventure with other enthusiasts and be guided.
    Type of stay
    In a group
  • Languages
    French
    English

In a few words

Located on the border between the Swiss Valais and the Italian Aosta Valley , the "Castor" (Beaver) lies in the heart of the Monte Rosa massif . Its snow-capped summit rises to 4,221 meters and offers an unforgettable view of some of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe. The panorama encompasses the entire Monte Rosa range , including the Matterhorn and the Gnifetti peak, providing a spectacle worthy of your efforts!

Climbing Castor is a wonderful objective, whether you already have mountaineering experience or are looking to hone your skills for more challenging projects. The summit ridge is magical and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the Alps! Its shape varies depending on mountain conditions. You'll spend the night at the Sella refuge, located at 3,550 meters altitude, where you'll receive a warm welcome!

The highlights

  • Breathtaking view of the entire Monte Rosa massif
  • A route accessible to experienced climbers, ideal for improving your mountaineering technique.
  • The passage along the summit ridge is very aesthetically pleasing.
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Photos

Jeremy - verified review - june 2024

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 daily elevation gain: 743 m
  • Average daily descent: 750 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
Danilo et son équipe

Experienced high-mountain guides, Danilo and his team are passionate and meticulous, placing safety, progress, and enjoyment at the heart of every outing. With them, each climb becomes a shared and authentic adventure in the heart of the most beautiful mountains in the Alps.

Program

Day 1
Day 2
  • map

    Staffal (Gressoney) - Refuge Quintino Sella

    • Activity Mountaineering
    • Duration of the activity 4h
    • 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

Note

The program is provided as a guideline and may be modified depending on weather conditions or the group's physical condition. The guide may suggest alternatives, such as an ice climbing school day or the ascent of another peak in the area.

Accommodation

🏔️ Mountain refuge - Day 1
  • 🏔️ Mountain refuge - Day 1
🏔️ Mountain refuge - Day 1

Overnight stay in a mountain refuge , in a private room or dormitory depending on availability. Remember to bring a sleeping bag liner. The refuge provides duvets.

Access

Departure
Staffal, Vallée d'Aoste, Italie
Day 1 : 09h00
End of stay
Staffal, Vallée d'Aoste, Italie
Day 2 - 16h00

Go to the starting point

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

The price includes

  • The supervision by the UIAGM High Mountain Guide from our partner's team
  • Half-board at the refuge (dinner and breakfast)
  • The Staffal cable car at the Bettaforca Pass
  • The equipment for group activities (ropes, lanyards, carabiners)

The price does not include

  1. Transport to Staffal Gressoney
  2. Personal technical equipment: crampons, ice axe and harness
  3. Lunches and snacks are provided so you can eat as you wish at altitude.
  4. Drinks and personal expenses

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 that 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 date. Consider visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to take into account 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. Group equipment (ropes, carabiners, etc...)

Equipment to bring

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

Clothing to bring

  • Thermal and breathable T-shirt (merino wool recommended)
  • Thermal and breathable tights (merino wool recommended)
  • Warm socks
  • Warm and breathable technical fleece
  • Windproof and waterproof mountaineering trousers
  • Thin but warm down or fleece
  • High-quality Gore-Tex jacket or similar, waterproof and windproof
  • Warm winter hat
  • Neck warmer
  • Warm ski gloves
  • Headlamp
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle and thermos
  • Sunglasses
  • Mobile phone

They traveled with us

Discover the authentic experiences of our travelers
5/5
(2 reviews)
At Decathlon, the reviews are reliable.
Reviews displayed in reverse chronological order
F

François

july 2024 In a group
Published on 12/07/2024
J

Jeremy - 39 ans

june 2024 In a group
  • Jeremy
Published on 08/07/2024

They traveled with us

Discover the authentic experiences of our travelers
5/5
(2 reviews)
At Decathlon, the reviews are reliable.
Reviews displayed in reverse chronological order
F

François

july 2024 In a group
Published on 12/07/2024
J

Jeremy - 39 ans

june 2024 In a group
  • Jeremy
Published on 08/07/2024
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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