Description of the route

Its main peak, Punta Dufour (4,634 m), is the second-highest summit in the entire Alpine chain. Around it rise about 30 peaks over 4,000 meters, from which descend impressive glaciers such as the Gorner Glacier, over 12 km long. On the southern and eastern sides, there are smaller glaciers; overall, the massif’s glacial area covers 220 km².

Among the most famous peaks are Castor (4,228 m) and Pollux (4,092 m), called “the twins” because, seen from the north, they look similar, both covered with ice. From the south, however, they are quite different: Castor is higher and rockier, Pollux lower and gentler.

The massif marks the border between Valle d’Aosta, Piedmont, and the Canton of Valais. Their meeting point is Ludwigshöhe (4,341 m). Seven main valleys surround its slopes: Valtournenche, Val d’Ayas, and Gressoney Valley in Valle d’Aosta; Valsesia and Anzasca Valley in Piedmont; Zermatt and Saas Valleys in Switzerland.

From the Colle del Teodulo (3,317 m) west to east:

  • Breithorn group, culminating at 4,165 m (Western Breithorn)

  • Pollux (4,092 m) and Castor (4,228 m)

  • Lyskamm (4,527 m), the highest Rosa peak on the Italian side

  • Colle del Lys (4,153 m), a famous alpine pass

Beyond the Colle del Lys, on the Piedmontese and Swiss sides, lie the major summits:

  • Punta Gnifetti (4,554 m), with the Capanna Regina Margherita, the highest hut in Europe

  • Zumstein (4,563 m)

  • Dufour (4,634 m), the main peak

  • Nordend (4,612 m)