"Ascension to Balaitous, Tena Valley"

Included

• High mountain guide.
• Technical equipment: snowshoes and poles; ice axe, crampons, harness and helmet according to the season.
• Safety equipment according to the season.
• Initial assistance insurance.
• Photos and video of the activity.
• Technical advice.

Not included

• Accommodation and meals for guides and participants.
• Transport to the activity starting point.

What you need to bring

• Gore-Tex or equivalent waterproof jacket and trousers.
• Hiking trousers and a synthetic insulated jacket or equivalent.
• Thermal base layer.
• Gloves.
• Headtorch.
• Warm hat, sun cap and sunglasses.
• 30–45 litre backpack.
• Sun protection.
• Food you enjoy for the practical outings and 1.5 litres of water.

Footwear

• Mountain boots suitable for snow, and gaiters. When there is no snow, approach shoes or summer hiking boots are suitable.

Personal first-aid kit

• Sunscreen.
• Lip protection.

Food and drink

• You only need food for the route: energy bars, chocolate and nuts, or a sandwich if you prefer something savoury.
• At least 1.5 litres of water per person is essential.

Equipment we can lend you

• Ice axe and crampons.
• Helmet.
• Harness.
• A large backpack if you do not have one.

Read all the programme details and contact us if you are unsure whether your experience matches the route. The main challenge is sustained effort and accumulated ascent and descent, particularly on the way down. Altitude can increase fatigue, while wind and low temperatures add to the difficulty.

Previous mountain walking and summit experience are recommended. If you are new to this type of outing, the guide can assess your level or suggest a preparatory ascent.

Prepare with endurance exercise and mountain walks, carrying a loaded backpack and using the footwear and equipment you will take on the trip. Break in new boots beforehand. The route does not require technical rock-climbing skills, but you must be comfortable with heights and exposed passages.

Two-day option

Day 1: Meet the guide around 14:00 at La Sarra reservoir, Sallent de Gállego. Introductions, equipment check and walk to Respomuso hut: 7.5 km; ascent 777 m; walking time 2 hours 30 minutes; total activity time 2 hours 50 minutes.

Day 2, option A: Respomuso – Brèche Latour – Balaïtous (3,144 m) – Grande Diagonale – La Sarra. Distance 14.31 km; ascent 1,033 m / descent 2,215 m; walking time 8 hours; total 12 hours.

Day 2, option B: Respomuso – Brèche Latour – Balaïtous (3,144 m) – Brèche Latour – Respomuso – La Sarra. Distance 16.50 km; ascent 1,033 m / descent 1,831 m; walking time 9 hours; total 12 hours.

One-day option

Leave La Sarra before dawn and climb towards Respomuso hut and Vuelta Barrada, then ascend Brèche Latour, III+, to the summit of Balaïtous. Descend via the Grande Diagonale if conditions allow; otherwise return through Brèche Latour with abseils.