Included

• Two days with a high mountain guide.
• Route planning and preparation.
• Technical equipment: harness, helmet, crampons and ice axe.
• Initial assistance insurance.
• Shared safety equipment, including ropes and anchoring systems.
• Technical advice.
• Photos of the activity.

Not included

• Each participant’s half-board hut accommodation, including overnight stay, dinner and breakfast.
• The guide’s half-board hut accommodation, including overnight stay, dinner and breakfast, shared between participants.
• Transport.
• Hut extras such as showers and additional drinks; costs arising from leaving the route for any reason; and expenses caused by safety-related itinerary changes, such as transfers or changes of hut.
• A minimum of two participants is required. If the minimum group cannot be formed, 100% of the amount paid will be refunded.

This physically demanding ski tour involves more than 1,100 m of ascent and descent. Regular mountain experience and good endurance are essential. You must be physically and mentally prepared for daily ascents of 1,300 m.

Previous ski-touring experience, the ability to ski on ungroomed snow, and basic mountaineering skills with crampons and an ice axe are required. Tell us before the activity about any heart condition or other relevant health issue so that the guide can take it into account.

What you need to bring

• 30–40 litre backpack.
• Helmet.
• Comfortable mountain clothing for ski touring.
• Fleece or PrimaLoft insulated layer.
• Thermal underwear and spare clothing for the hut.
• Warm clothing suitable for the season.
• Sun cap and sunglasses.
• Thin and thick gloves.
• Sleeping bag liner.
• Headtorch.
• Jacket with a waterproof membrane.
• Ski-touring poles, preferably telescopic.
• Lightweight ice axe and semi-automatic or automatic crampons.
• Avalanche transceiver with batteries, shovel and probe.
• Ski-touring boots.
• Touring skis.
• Climbing skins and ski crampons.
• Water bottle with a capacity of at least 1.5 litres.
• Sunscreen and lip protection.
• Any necessary medication and a small first-aid kit.
• Small toiletry bag.
• Mountaineering federation membership card, identification and money.

Personal first-aid kit

• Pain relief medication.
• Anti-inflammatory medication.
• Blister dressings such as Compeed, toothbrush and toothpaste.

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

• Technical equipment: crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet and similar items.
• Avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe.
• A large backpack if you do not have one.
• Skis, boots and poles can be hired. Our recommended rental shop is Rachafreeski, where we have a discount.

One-day option

Meet the guide in Benasque around 19:00 the previous evening for introductions and an equipment check. On the activity day, meet at Llanos del Hospital at 07:00.

Route: Llanos del Hospital (1,750 m) – La Renclusa (2,140 m) – Collado de la Rimaya (3,232 m) – Maladeta Oriental (3,308 m). Distance 16.2 km; ascent 1,558 m / descent 1,558 m. Allow approximately 8–9 hours, with 5–6 hours uphill and 2–3 hours downhill. Expected finish between 16:00 and 17:00, depending on pace and stops.

Two-day option

Day 1: Meet in Benasque around 15:00 for introductions and an equipment check, then travel to Llanos del Hospital (1,750 m). Climb to La Renclusa hut (2,140 m): 6 km; ascent 411 m; approximately 2 hours.

Day 2: Leave La Renclusa at 07:00 and climb via Collado de la Rimaya (3,232 m) to Maladeta Oriental (3,308 m), then descend to Llanos del Hospital. Distance listed for this stage: 6 km; ascent 1,147 m / descent 1,558 m; approximately 6 hours. Expected finish between 16:00 and 17:00, depending on pace and stops.

Fitness and terrain

The programme rates the physical demand as moderate, but sustained effort and more than 1,100 m of ascent and descent require good fitness and regular mountain walking experience. Please tell us about any heart condition or other health issue so the guide can remain attentive to symptoms.

The route crosses high mountain terrain on ungroomed snow. The Rimaya couloir requires correct use of crampons and an ice axe.