"Ascension to Vignemale, Pique Longue"

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. Participants must also pay the guide’s accommodation and meal expenses.
• 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 and a spare pair.
• Headtorch.
• Warm hat, sun cap, sunglasses and ski goggles.
• 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.

Personal first-aid kit

• Pain relief medication.
• Anti-inflammatory medication.
• 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.
• Avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe.
• 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 Vignemale ascent

Day 1: Meet the guide at the Barrage d’Ossoue for introductions and an equipment check. Walk to Bayssellance hut for the night: 5 km; ascent 830 m; walking time 2 hours; total activity time 3 hours.

Day 2: Bayssellance hut – Pique Longue (3,298 m) – Barrage d’Ossoue. Distance 13 km; ascent 648 m / descent 1,600 m; walking time 8 hours; total activity time 12 hours.