Michael Starr managed to squeeze in a couple days of mountaineering with Mark before a local business meeting. From Zermatt, we rode the Kleine Matterhorn cable car and began our trek across the Breithorn Plateau, heading for Castor and the Guide d'Ayas hut.

Pausing for a rest on the slopes of Castor. Unfortunately the late hour, building afternoon clouds and abrupt jump to high altitude all suggested a "partial" ascent of Castor, preserving a bit of energy for tomorrow's goal, the Half Traverse of the Breithorn crest.

Our view of the Breithorn from Castor, showing the Half Traverse. The highest summit is the west-most peak, on the left.

An early morning start from the Ayas hut.

We finally reach the crest of the ridge. We are looking east with Monte Rosa on the left in the background.

There is still quite a bit of snow on the route, and in spite of the warm conditions, we climbed the entire route in crampons.

Climbing the second of the three major rock steps.

And descending into the notch between the second and third steps.

On the summit of the west, and highest peak of the Breithorn. Afternoon clouds begin to build on the Matterhorn.

Safely back at the lift, heading back to Zermatt.