P17X and P18X: Alternate route between Ref Vallferrera and Ref Certascan
There is a more technical and higher level route that could be done in 2 or 3 days. There is an option to use, or miss out, the Ref Baborte. This route will be better if snow conditions are poor on the direct route. The additional overnight stop would be at Refuge de l’Etang du Pinet (2246m). This is a large CAF refuge with a well-equipped winter room.
Refugi de Baborte (2380m) to Refuge de l’Etang du Pinet (2246m)
Stage: P17X
Maps: Editorial Alpina 1/25,000 Pica d”Estats – Mount Roig & French IGN 1/25,000: 2148OT Vicdessos
Notes: From Cabana de Sotllo this section follows the TRF and PC trails. A fairly complex stage crossing the Col de Baborte (2597m) and Port de Sotllo (2874m). In good conditions there is the option of climbing Pica d’Estats (3143m) and Pic de Montcalm (3077m).
Accommodation: Refuge de l’Etang du Pinet (2246m). This is a large CAF refuge with a well-equipped winter room.
Alternative Accommodation: Cabana de Sotllo is a very basic, small 2 person shelter.
Refuge de l’Etang du Pinet (2246m) to Refugi de Certascan (2230m)
Stage: P18X
Map: Editorial Alpina 1/25,000 Pica d”Estats – Mount Roig & French IGN 1/25,000: 2148OT Vicdessos
Notes: This section initially follows the PC trail before combining with the TRF and HRP trails. A moderate length section initially traversing steep N facing slopes. Cross two passes: Col du Picoustel (2240m) and Port de l’Artiga (2477m).
Accommodation: Refugi de Certascan (2230m) is a medium size refuge. It is open on request during the ski season. The guardian, Augustine, is very helpful. When closed there is a winter room. Bunks with mattress and blankets. No stove. Access to door on upper level by outside stone stairs.
Alternative Accommodation: On the first part of the route escape to the east is possible. There are several cabanes shown on the different maps but almost all are reported to be in ruins. The one exception is the Cabane de Mespelat 1750m. On the second part there re no marked cabanes but there are several buildings at the SE end of lake ‘Estany de Romedo de Baix’ (2020m) that may offer emergency shelter.
Three alternate routes between Gavarnie and Ref Wallon.
P36A-1 / P36A-2 / P36A-3: via Cabane de Lourdes / Port Du Pla D´Aube / Cabaña de Cerbillonar
P36B-1 / P36B-2: via Refugio de Bujaruelo
P36C-1 / P36C-2: via Refuge de l’Estom
Gavarnie (1495m) to Cabane de Lourdes (1947m)
Stage: P36A-1
Map: French IGN 1/25,000 1748OT Gavarnie
Notes: There is a traverse route from Gavarnie to the Cabane de Lourdes shown on the IGN map, but it is probably quicker to descend to the valley and follow this to Cabane de Milhas (1700m) and then climb to Cabane de Lourdes. In good conditions it should be possible to combine this section with P36A-2 in a single day.
Accommodation: Cabane de Lourdes is a small basic cabane with no facilities. The entrance door opens outwards!
Alternative Accommodation: Cabane de Milhas (1700m) and Cabane de Ossoue (1860m) are both small basic cabanes with space for 4 pax
Cabane de Lourdes (1947m) to Refuge de Labassa /Cerbillonar (1790m)
Stage: P36A-2
Map: French IGN 1/25,000 1748OT Gavarnie
Notes: Cross Port Du Pla D´Aube (2432m)
Accommodation: Cabaña de Cerbillonar (1800m) is small and basic with no beds.
Alternate Accommodation: Cabana de Ordiso del Vado 1596m is small and basic. It is off route and down valley. The escape option is to go down the valley to the Refugio de Bujaruelo (1360m)
Cabaña de Cerbillonar (1790m) to Ref. Wallon (1865m)
Stage: P36A-3
Map: IGN 1/25,000 1647OT Vignemale
Notes: Ascend the obvious valley and cross the Col D´Arratille 2528m and descend to the Ref Wallon.
Accommodation: Ref. Wallon
P36B-1 / P36B-2: Puerto de Bujaruelo / Refugio de Bujaruelo / Cabaña de Cerbillonar / Ref Wallon
Gavarnie (1500m) to Refugio de Bujaruelo (1360m)
Stage: P36B-1
Map: French IGN 1/25,000 1748OT Gavarnie & Editorial Alpina 1/40,000 Ordesa y Monte Perdito
Notes: Climb through the Gavarnie ski area to Col de Tentes (2207m), and traverse to the Puerto de Bujaruelo (2273m). Descend an obvious valley passing Cabane Electricas (2050m).
Accommodation: Refugio de Bujaruelo (1360m) is a road accessible private refuge open all year.
Alternate Accommodation: Cabane Electricas (2050m) is a sizable structure reported to be in poor condition with broken windows.
Refugio de Bujaruelo (1360m) to Ref. Wallon (1865m)
Stage: P36B-2
Map: French IGN 1/25,000 1647OT Vignemale & Editorial Alpina 1/40,000 Ordesa y Monte Perdito
Notes: Follows GR11 path. Ascend the obvious valley of the Rio Ara passing Cabana de Ordiso del Vado (1596m) and Cabaña de Cerbillonar (1800m). Cross the Col D´Arratille (2528m) and descend to the Ref Wallon.
Accommodation: Ref. Wallon.
Alternate Accommodation: Cabana de Ordiso del Vado (1596m) and Cabaña de Cerbillonar (1800m) are small and basic with no beds.
P36C-1 / P36C-2: Col d’Aspe / Col de l’Oule 2556m / Col de Malh Arrouy / Refuge de l’Estom / Refuge Des Oulettes de Gaube / Ref Wallon
Gavarnie (1500m) to Refuge de l’Estom (1804m)
Stage: P36C-1
Notes: This a long and possibly difficult stage as a result of the fact that the intermediate Cabane d’Aspe is destroyed and no longer usable. Follow the valley west from Gavarnie to Cabane Milhas (1680m) then climb steeply NE to Col d’Aspe (2281m). Descend N to approx 1900m, then climb N to the Col de l’Oule (2556m). Descend a short distance then traverse NW heading for the Col de Malh Arrouy (2745m) approx 1000 away. Descend W past a lake at (2360m) before joining a river (gorge at parts) that turns northwards to the Lac d’Estom and the hut.
Accommodation: Refuge de l’Estom is reported to be closed without a winter room. The Cabane de l’Estom is located 125m NW of the Refuge. It is small and basic but has space for 4 pax.
Alternative Accommodation:
Cabane de Cestrède (2009m) is a small basic shepherds hut that may be locked. This is an emergency option if it is not possible to climb out of the Gave de Cestrède valley.
Refuge de l’Estom (1804m) to Ref. Wallon (1865m)
Stage: P36C-2
Notes: Retrace the hut approach for 1km south along the lake then turn SW and climb steadily to Col d’Arraille (2583m). Descend steeply to the Refuge Des Oulettes de Gaube (2151m). From the hut climb steeply W to the col des Mulets (2592m) then descend to approx 2380m. Climb to the col d’ Arratille (2528m) then descend the valley NNW to the hut.
Accommodation: Ref. Wallon.
Alternative Accommodation: Refuge Des Oulettes de Gaube is a CAF hut, open in the later part of the ski season.