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Castor
On the edge of the Zermatt valley, the Castor (4,228 m) rises with discreet elegance among the giants of the Valais Alps. Often associated with its twin, the Pollux, it forms an emblematic duo that marks the border between Switzerland and Italy. For Thomas CrauwelsFor Thomas Crauwels, this summit holds a unique charm: on the one hand, a relatively accessible ascent for climbers in search of their first 4,000 metres; on the other, a wall of ice and rock where the light sculpts each ridge with infinite delicacy.
From snow-covered slopes to steeper contours, the Castor offers a breathtaking panorama of the Monte Rosa massif and the vast expanse of surrounding valleys. Its glacial mantle, dazzling at sunrise, becomes the backdrop for an ever-changing spectacle, with the silhouette of the Matterhorn often looming in the background. Far from the hustle and bustle, Thomas explores these slopes to capture the intensity of an instant, the subtlety of a shadow, the exhilaration of an altitude that seems to bring man closer to the sky.
Each of Le Castor 's photographs conveys a sense of fulfillment, reminding us that mountaineering is above all an intimate encounter with immensity. Through his works, Thomas Crauwels pays homage to this subtle mountain, both accessible and mysterious, embodying a perfect balance between gentleness and power, simplicity and grandeur. Le Castor thus appears as an Alpine jewel, a summit that invites both contemplation and adventure, a reflection of a deeply inspiring, unspoilt nature.