Callau Refuge Circular Walk

From Prades, head towards Molitg-les-Bains (D14). Pass the spa resort and then the village of Mosset towards the Col de Jau. Park on the right-hand side when you reach the pass.

(S/E) Take the trail heading south. (There was a lot of snow to start with on snowshoes that day. The trail had been well used by snowshoers the day before and the track was very easy to follow to the Callau Refuge.) Cross the Castellane to reach the refuge.

(1) Just after crossing the stream, turn left and walk along the two buildings on the left. Further on, pass under the shepherd's house, following the track, which is clearly visible despite the thick layer of snow. With no more tracks in the snow, we walk in completely untouched terrain. What a joy! Then, make a wide left turn and finally head east-northeast (Jaça de Callau). The view of the horizon is magnificent. The trail makes another wide right turn and now heads south to a stream (elevation 1527).

(2) Shortly before the stream, turn right to enter the woods, looking for the least steep spot. Make zigzags to climb up through this forest, which is clear (no branches to hinder your progress). The aim is to reach the track about 200 metres above, atan altitude of 1,726 metres. The climb, which is a little challenging due to the thick layer of snow, should be done in wide zigzags. But the reward is there. The silence is only broken by the muffled sound of snow sinking under your snowshoes in the middle of a pristine landscape. There are no tracks in this area, except for a few small holes left by wild animals. The climb, which is steep at the start, becomes a little gentler in the second half.

(3) A welcome arrival on the trail. Turn right to continue the slight climb. Despite the thickness of the snow, the trail is visible and allows you to easily reach the next point before a left turn (altitude 1,709 m).

(4) Leave the track and descend north-east along the path (which is invisible, of course, due to the snow: follow the GPX track carefully) to reach the track below, where you will find the tracks of the snowshoers who passed before you.

(5) Turn right to reach the Callau Refuge at the initial intersection passed on the way there.

(1) You have now completed the circular route. Simply follow the track in the opposite direction to return to the car park (S/E).