Castor (mountain)

Castor (left) and Pollux above the Grenz glacier

Castor, Italian Punta Castore, is the higher of the two twins called high peaks in the Pennine Alps on the border between the Canton of Valais and the Aosta region, directly southeast of the NNW similar looking but smaller Pollux. The Castor is 4223 m high and lies between the Breithorn and Monte Rosa. The twins Castor and Pollux are separated by the Zwillingsjoch (Italian Passo di Verra, 3'845 m above sea level. M. ).

The naming of the twins as Castor and Pollux was based on the Dioscuri in Greek mythology, Castor and Pollux.

The first ascent was made on August 23, 1861.

The climb is usually done by the Italian Capanna Quintino Sella over the Felikjoch and the long and narrow south-east ridge ( normal route, WS) or (coming from Switzerland ) from the Klein Matterhorn via the also Italian Mezzalama Glacier and the western flank. However, the castor can be climbed via the Lyskamm from Zermatt. However, this is a relatively dangerous way, as it can lead to dangerous snow peaks due to the Föhnwindes that are easily confused with the Lyskamm or the ridge. From Castor there is a fast and dangerous downhill run at the same time over the twin glaciers to Zermatt.