Ascent of Montcalm on snowshoes

Park at the Artigue car park (altitude 1,180 m) on the D66 after the Soulcem hydroelectric power station.

(S/E) Reach the bend in the road and follow the path clearly marked by the sign "Refuge du Pinet" (westbound). The trail follows the edge of the stream and quickly reaches a footbridge (altitude 1203 m).

(1) Cross the footbridge and follow a path that climbs to the left into the Bois de Fontanal. Further on, the path continues westwards. Gradually, the slope becomes steeper again as the path heads south-southwest. Leave the woods and continue in the same direction to quickly reach a large stone orri.

(2) This isthe Orri du Pla de Nouzère ( 1690m). On the right, heading north, there is a view of the Pic de Belcaire and the Pique Rouge de Bassies.
Leave the path leading to Étang Sourd on your left. Continue south-west, climbing over hilly terrain, until you reach the Refuge du Pinet (altitude 2224m).
When the trail is snow-covered, the track is usually made by the many skiers who frequent this area.

(3) For the rest of the route, you can go around the lake on the left, but crossing the steep slope is not very pleasant with snowshoes. It is better to go around the lake on the right, then climb southwards. Continue across the steep slopes (crampons and ice axe recommended for this most difficult part of the route). The traverse ends at Étang d'Estats (altitude 2,415 metres).

(4) Descend slightly towards the lake, then climb up to the left in a fairly steep couloir (around 30° on the last section) which may require crampons and ice axe in case of hard snow. Beyond the pass, reach Étang du Montcalm (altitude 2566).

(5) Pass to the right of the lake and quickly turn right to cross a ledge (southbound). Continue in the same direction on easy slopes until you reach the Col de la Coumette (altitude 2,900 m).

(6) Head left to climb up the valley floor on moderate slopes (eastbound). You will easily reach Col de Riufret (altitude 2978 m).

(7) On the right are the Verdaguer and the Pique d'Estats (see Practical Information). Continue left along the ridge to the summit of Montcalm (altitude 3077 m). Watch out for cornices forming on the right (south side).

(8) Pic de Montcalm is avast summit offering exceptional panoramic views. Return carefully along the same route in reverse, passing by the Refuge de l'Étang de Pinet for a possible stopover (S/E).

(7) From the Col de Riufret, you can continue your journey by climbing the nearby Pique d'Estats, which rises to 3,144 m. Be careful, however, as the ridge is exposed and requires good conditions and experience of this type of terrain. Crampons and ice axe essential.

IBP index 202 (difficult/very difficult for hikers in excellent physical condition).

Recommended season:

• December to June, when the snow cover is stable

Where to stay:

• Refuge du Pinet, staffed from June to September, and by reservation in March and April. A "winter" section is available for self-catering. It has 18 places with mattresses and blankets. No water or heating.