Pollux, Mountain peak in Pennine Alps, Switzerland and Italy
Pollux is a peak in the Pennine Alps on the Switzerland-Italy border that rises to 4092 meters with steep rock walls and glaciated slopes. The mountain stands immediately next to its slightly higher neighbor, forming a distinctive pair of summits in this part of the mountain range.
The mountain was first climbed in 1864 and has since been a destination for mountaineers from both nations. Its borderline location made it an important point in the history of how the Alps were explored and mapped by Switzerland and Italy.
The peak bears the name of a mythological twin from ancient stories, and its location right on the border between two countries makes it a symbol of the shared mountain landscape that both communities know well.
Mountaineers typically take a cableway from the Klein Matterhorn area and base themselves at a nearby mountain hut before attempting the climb. The summer season offers the most stable conditions and easiest glacier access for reaching the top.
The north ridge presents a challenging climbing route that demands specific rock climbing skills and experience beyond basic mountaineering. Many experienced climbers seek out this particular route because it is less crowded than the standard approaches to the summit.
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