Monte Rosa ( Castor & Pollux )

Day 4: Guide de Val d’Ayas  – Zwillinge Joch – Castor – Felik Joch –  Quintino Sella hut

Like in the previous day, we start the hike around 5 – 5:30 a.m on the same track on the Verra glacier, heading towards Zwillinge Joch. From here we follow the route on the south west face of Castor.

The shadows of Castor and Pollux separated by Zwillinge saddle, projected by the sunrise

Ascending the south-west face of Castor

Getting closer to the summit of Castor

What a nice trail lies ahead of us!

The entire south west face of Castor seen from above. Pollux seems so small now!

Above the clouds

 

Solitaire on the cloudy and airy boulevard

 

After one hour spent on top, we descent slowly tle long snowy ridge towards Felik pass, which is actualy a vast plateau that lies between Castor and Lyskamm.

While descending to Felik Pass, we keep looking back at Castor. Awesome peak indeed!

We would’ve liked so much to climb Lyskamm! Next time!

Descending from Felik Pass.

 

Looking down into the abyss and icy chaos of Lys glacier.

The south side of Punta Felik

In the afternoon, we reach Quintino Sella hut, situated at an altitude of 3585m on a nice plateau, surrounded by majestic peaks and astounding views.

Lyskamm East and Passo del Nasso

Day 5: A day of pure lazyness at 3585 m alt. on the nice veranda of the hut, hypnotized by the surroundings. We had the privilege to sleep 2 nights here and such a long time to contemplate the nature!

Day 6:

We started the very long descent and also very steep, from 3585 m to 1800 m at Staffal, Gressoney-La-Trinité, on the Lys valey.

 

A lot of fixed cords and even a bridge on the  narrow cliff right as you start the descent from the hut.

Neverending Lys valley.

Day 7: Long way back home

Here is a link to a short video on youtube, edited by my friend:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovzgmK-rVc4