Central Pyrenees / Aragon(1): Espitau de Vielha to Gèdre
Stages P25 – P32
Espitau de Vielha (1600m) to Refugi de Molieres (2390m)
15/02/2020
Stage: P25
Map: Editorial Alpina 1/25,000 Aneto Maladeta
Time: 3.20hrs (dept 09.00hrs / arrive 12.20hrs)
Distance: 5.3km (ascent 827m / descent 60m)
Weather: Warm and sunny
Notes: This is very short section. Our plan was to go directly to Refugio de la Renclusa in a single day, but it was fully booked (Saturday night) so we opted to break the journey and overnight in the small Refugi de Molieres. The route follows the summer HRP path. In normal conditions most teams would combine stages P25 and P26 into a single 9-10hr stage.
Accommodation: The Refugi de Molieres (2390m) is a well equipped comfortable cabane with bunks for 9 people, or 18 people at a squeeze.
Refugi de Molieres (2390m) to Refugio de la Renclusa (2140m)
16/02/2020
Stage: P26
Map: Editorial Alpina 1/25,000 Aneto Maladeta
Time: 6.00hrs (dept 08.10hrs / arrive 14.10hrs)
Distance: 12.2km (ascent 924m / descent 1197m)
Weather: Clear but windy.
Notes: A moderate day with the ascent of a 3000m peak. Ascend Collada de Molleres (2936m), followed by a short detour to the summit of Tuc de Molleres (3009)m. Descend NW on the HRP to Cabana D’ Aiguallut (2040m), then climb the Coll de la Renclusa (2280m) and descend to the hut.
Alternative route: In bad weather or dangerous snow conditions there a longer alternative route from the road to the hut via the Col de Salenques (2809m) that may be better.
Accommodation: Refugio de la Renclusa (2140m) is a large hut open during the ski season. It is a popular base for climbing Aneto.
Alternative accommodation: The Cabana D’ Aiguallut 2040m is a small basic tin box.
Refugio de la Renclusa (2140m) to Hospital de Benasque (1754m)
17:02/2020
Stage: P27
Map: Editorial Alpina 1/25,000 Aneto Maladeta
Time: 8.30hrs (dept 07.15hrs / arrive 15.45)
Aneto ascent (hut to hut): 7hrs (07.15 - 14.15)
Stopped at hut on descent: 30 minutes
Hut to Hotel descent: 1.00hr
Distance: 20.5km (ascent 1710m / descent 2097m)
Weather: slightly overcast, windy on summit
Notes:
Aneto (3404m) Ascent
This is a very popular ski ascent. There should be other skiers in the hut and there should be tracks on the peak. It is possible to leave equipment at the hut, climb with light bags, and collect these on the descent. The route is not entirely straightforward. The Crensha de los Portillones must be crossed, either by the Portillon Inferior or Superior. The final ridge to the summit is a tricky rock traverse, interesting in ski boots and crampons. After returning to the Renclusa hut the route to the valley is straightforward on Nordic ski tracks.
Accommodation: There is a single hotel at Hospital de Benasque.
Hospital de Benasque (1754m) to Refugio de Estós (1895m)
18/02//020
Stage: P28
Maps: Editorial Alpina 1/25,000 Aneto Maladeta & Editorial Alpina 1/25,000 Posets Perdiguero
Time: 8.50hrs (dept 08.15hrs / arrive 17.05hrs)
Distance 16.4km (ascent 1468m / descent 1332m)
Weather: warm and sunny
Notes: A long and interesting day in an isolated valley. Climb the Remune valley on the HRP path to the Portal de Remune (2817m). Descend to the lake at 2740m and make a traverse southwards to Collada Ubaga (2703m). Cross the ridge and descend directly south towards the valley. Around 1850m turn NW and pass the Cabane del Turmo (1750m) before joining the obvious path to the hut.
Alternate Route: There is a bad weather alternative than involves hiking down the road (possibly on skis) approx 10km SW. Then ascending the valley D’Estos NW for another 10km to the hut.
Accommodation: Refugio de Estós is a large hut usually open in the ski season.
Refugio de Estós (1895m) to Refugio de Tabernes (1740m)
19/02/2020
Stage: P29
Map: Editorial Alpina 1/25,000 Posets Perdiguero
Time: 6.15hrs (dept 08.00hrs / arrive 14.15hrs)
Distance: 14.9km (ascent 1096m / descent 1258m)
Weather: Warm and sunny
Notes: Superficially this looks like an easy stage, but this ignores some tricky navigation issues if there are not pre-existing ski tracks. Follow the GR11 path W crossing to the Puerto de Chistau 2580m. The ascent from the east is straightforward, but on the West side it is necessary to stay high on the left (south) side to avoid a steep gully. The trail joins the HRP at the Cabana de Anes Cruces (2100m). The summer footpath traverses high above the river. In a good snow year it might be possible to follow a lower route after the steep gorge section has been passed. The Cabana de Puyarueso (1840m) is also passed on the way to the Ref Viados. From here follow the road to the Refugio de Tabernes.
Accommodation: Refugio de Tabernes is 2km beyond Ref Viados. It is large with space for up to 20 people but is quite basic with no bunks or mattresses.
Alternative accommodation:
Cabane Anescruzes (2120m) is a small basic cabane with space for 4 pax.
Cabane Puyarueso (1822m) is a small basic cabane with space for 3 pax.
Refugio de Viadós is a large refuge with space for 75. The winter room is a small separate building, comfortable with space for 6 pax on mattresses.
Refugio de Tabernes (1740m) to Parzan (1147m)
20/02/2020
Stage: P30
Maps: Editorial Alpina 1/25,000 Posets Perdiguero & French IGN 1/25,000 1748ET Neouvielle
Time: 7.55hrs (dept 08.00hrs / arrive 15.55
Distance: 21.5km (ascent 1455m / descent 2071m)
Weather: Warm and sunny
Notes: An interesting stage following a route that may be obvious in summer, but less so in winter. Follow the trail Pr-Hu 114 northwest. At Vado de Bachimala (1800m), just before the junction of 3 rivers, leave the HRP route and turn W on the PR HU 114 towards Puerto de la Madera (2520m). (note - alternate pass and confusion of names between French and Spanish maps). Cross an unnamed pass just south of Pena Castillon. Traverse Pena Blanca (2687m) and Tuco de Mommour (2628m) to Port de Plan (2527m). Descend easy ground westwards and climb to Port Ourdissetou / Puerto de Urdiceto (2403m). The direct descent is steep. Traversing slightly south initially leads to gentler slopes. There should be some snow on the upper part of the road to Parzan.
The French IGN map is best for planning this stage.
Accommodation: The Hotel Fuen is the only hotel in Parzan. There are more options in Bielsa a few km down the valley.
Alternative accommodation: Cabane de la Plagne (2250m) at the head of the Riomajou valley is very small, but in good condition.
Supply Options: There are several small supermarkets in Parzan.
Parzan (1147m) to Refuge la Gela (1730m)
21/02/2020
Stage: P31
Map: French IGN 1/25,000 1748ET Neouvielle
Time: 6.30 hrs (dept 08.20hrs / arrive 14.50)
Distance: 16.3km (ascent 1911m / descent 1298m)
Weather: warm and sunny
Notes: One of the longest road walks of the traverse, followed by some straightforward skiing. Hike northwards on the main A318 road for approx 9km to the tunnel entrance. It’s possible to use footpaths to avoid some road sections, but this adds time. Hike following the valley northwest to Port Vieux (2384m). The top 50m on the north side is a steep snow slope and can be icy. Descend the obvious valley on the north side of the pass. Turn north at about 1900m to avoid a small gorge, as shown by the ski route on the IGN map.
Accommodation: The ‘open’ Refuge la Gela (1700m) was destroyed by floodwaters several years ago. There are 2 private, locked cabins at the same location. Bivouac is the only option at this location. Or descend the valley to Piau Engaly (1880m).
Alternative Accommodation: Continuing on the P32 route for a further 3hrs leads to the Cabane Lac de Badet (2077m), which may be a more comfortable option.
Refuge la Gela (1730m) to Gèdre (1030m)
22/02/2020
Stage: P32
Maps: French IGN 1/25,000 1748ET Neouvielle & French IGN 1/25,000 1748OT Gavarnie
Time: 7.20hrs (dept 08.15hrs / arrive 15.35hrs)
Distance: 17.5km (ascent 1327m / descent 2050m)
Weather: Warm and sunny
Notes: Climb a partially hidden ‘shelf’ to the Hourquette Ghermentas (2439m). Descend directly north to Lac de Badet / Cabane Lac de Badet (2077m). Traverse NW to pt2138m then follow the line of the summer footpath W to Port de Campbieil (2600m) then descend W passing Cabane de Sausset (1960m) and Granges de Campbieil (1700m). At Pont des Grabassets (1625m), there are alternative tracks on both the left and right banks of the river through the woods to the village at 1000m.
Accommodation: There is a single hotel in Gedre: the Breche de Roland.
Alternative accommodation: Cabane de Sausset is a small basic cabane with space for 6 pax.
Resupply: We collected supplies of food, fuel, maps, batteries, etc for Section Six in Gedre. There are a few restaurants, but no shops.
