This physically demanding four-day route requires regular mountain experience. Some days involve more than 1,000 m of ascent and descent. Summit approaches include roped sections, grade II–III climbing and snow slopes of 45–50°. You must be comfortable with heights and exposed passages. Altitude can further increase fatigue.

The main demands are accumulated ascent and descent, especially on the way down, and fatigue over successive days. Wind and low temperatures may add to the challenge. Read the full programme and contact us if you are unsure about your level.

Prepare with endurance exercise and mountain walks using a loaded backpack, the boots and the equipment you will take on the trip. Break in new boots beforehand. 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

• Gore-Tex or equivalent waterproof jacket and trousers.
• Hiking trousers, synthetic insulated or down jacket, and fleece.
• Thermal base layer or short-sleeved top, depending on the weather.
• Thin gloves.
• Headtorch.
• Warm hat, sun cap, sunglasses and ski goggles.
• 35–45 litre backpack.
• Sun protection.
• A sleeping bag liner is recommended, although huts have blankets. Bring a towel.
• Food for the outings and 1.5 litres of water.

Footwear

• Mountain boots suitable for snow.

Personal first-aid kit

• Pain relief medication.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Anti-inflammatory medication.
• Sunscreen.
• Lip protection.

Equipment we can lend you

• Ice axe, crampons, helmet, harness, descender, safety lanyard and 3 type-H carabiners. 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

• Four days with a high mountain guide.
• Technical equipment: climbing shoes, harness, helmet and similar items.
• Shared safety equipment, including ropes and anchoring systems.
• Route planning and preparation.
• Initial assistance insurance.
• Technical advice.
• Photos of the activity.

Not included

• Each participant’s half-board hut accommodation, including overnight stay, dinner and breakfast: approximately €103 per person without federation membership.
• The guide’s half-board hut accommodation, including overnight stay, dinner and breakfast.
• 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, including transfers or hut changes, for all participants and the guide.

Day 1: El Portalet – Pic du Midi d’Ossau – Pombie hut. Overnight at Pombie hut.

Day 2: Pombie hut – Cabane de Caillou de Soques – Arrémoulit hut.

Day 3: Arrémoulit hut – Palas summit – Respomuso hut.

Day 4: Respomuso hut – Balaïtous summit – La Sarra reservoir – transfer to El Portalet.

Download the detailed information sheet.

Download the information sheet