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.

What you need to bring

• Gore-Tex or equivalent waterproof jacket and trousers.
• Hiking trousers and a 200-weight fleece or equivalent.
• Thermal base layer.
• Gloves and a spare pair.
• Headtorch.
• Warm hat, sun cap, sunglasses and ski goggles.
• 45–50 litre backpack.
• Sun protection.
• Food you enjoy for the practical outings and 1.5 litres of water.

Footwear

• Crampon-compatible mountain boots suitable for snow, preferably semi-rigid, and gaiters.

Personal first-aid kit

• Pain relief medication.
• Anti-inflammatory medication.
• Sunscreen.
• Lip protection.

Equipment we can lend you

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

Food and drink

• The hut stay is on a half-board basis, so you only need food for the route: energy bars, chocolate and nuts, or a sandwich or cured meat if you prefer something savoury.
• At least 1.5 litres of water per person is essential.

Included

• Two days with a high mountain guide.
• Accommodation booking arrangements.
• Shared safety equipment, including ropes and anchoring systems.
• Technical equipment from the general information list that you do not own.

Not included

• Your hut accommodation and meal expenses.
• Return travel to the meeting point.
• The guide’s accommodation and meal expenses.
• Allow €100 per person for these expenses.
• Contact us for details.

Two-day itinerary

Day 1: Meet at approximately 14:00 at the agreed meeting point in Gavarnie, then walk to Bayssellance hut (2,640 m).

Day 2: Start at 06:00. The programme lists Petit Vignemale (3,032 m), Col des Glaciers (2,290 m), Épaule de Chausenque (3,154 m), Pointe Chausenque (3,204 m), Piton Carré (3,197 m), Pique Longue (3,298 m), Clot de la Hount (3,289 m), Cerbillona (3,247 m), Col Lady Lister, Pic Central (3,235 m) and Montferrat (3,219 m). Descend via the Montferrat lakes to the Barrage d’Ossoue.