Ascent to Midi D'Ossau. Ossau 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.
• 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 litre backpack.
• Sun protection.
• Food you enjoy for the practical outings and 1.5 litres of water.

Footwear

• Mountain boots or approach shoes.

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

• 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.

Midi d’Ossau ascent

Meet at 05:30 at Anéou car park near the Portalet border. Start before dawn towards Col de Pombie and Pombie hut, then continue to Col de Souzon and the famous chimneys, with scrambling up to grade III protected by the guide’s rope. Reach the summit and descend by the same route, abseiling under the guide’s supervision.

Distance 15 km; ascent 1,400 m / descent 1,400 m. Total activity time approximately 10 hours, including 8–9 hours of walking excluding stops.

Physical demand: high. You need very good fitness and experience of full mountain days with more than 1,000 m of ascent. Technical demand: high, with exposed roped scrambling and abseil descents.

Recommended season: June to November, in snow-free conditions. Return to the car park around 15:00–16:00 if the group maintains a steady pace.