Gradillère-Canaourouye Ridge (Cirque d’Anéou)

To reach the starting point – a small car park with around ten spaces, a few hundred metres to the left before the Col du Pourtalet, at the Cabane de l’Arraille (also known as: Parking d’Anéou).

(S/E) The route starts at the side of the D 934 on a track, which is usually completely covered in snow from November to March.

Head towards the imposing U-shaped building complex (pastoral centre) towards which the track leads. Leave the path leading to the Cabane de Houns de Gabès on your right. Pass the pastoral centre slightly to your left and continue west-south-west. Head into the Cirque d’Anéou. Pass to the left of the hilltop at 1,792 m.

(1) Pass well clear of the Cabane de Lalagüe, leaving its access track on your right. Continue due west.
After crossing the area marked ‘Cabanes de la Glère’, pass well to the north of the Pène de la Glère, that rocky summit shaped like a truncated pyramid which rises to the left of the route.

(2) At the junction (completely hidden from view), beneath the base of the Gradillère cliffs, head slightly north-west to find the small valley running alongside the cliffs. Follow this valley all the way up, zigzagging if necessary. Reach the pass to the south of the Pic de la Gradillère.

(3) To tackle the ridge, you need a high level of mountaineering experience.
Head south-west towards the Col de Houer. Depending on snow conditions, the ridge may be fully traversable along its crest, or you may need to descend slightly on the eastern side to avoid dangerous snow cornices. Reach the Col de Houer, just north-north-east of the Pic de Canaourouye, 100 m higher up.

(4) Then take the return route down the slope, broadly following the dotted IGN line of the summer path, heading south-east. Let the small valleys and hillocks guide you, whether they are passable or not. Pass the summer marsh at 2100 m on your right; it is completely hidden under the snow. Cross the entire Plaa de la Gradillère and return to the junction from the outward journey.

(2) Turn right and follow the route you took on the way out. Head for the car park at the Cabane de l’Arraille (S/E).

This description covers a solo hike undertaken at the start of the winter season (late November 2021) with moderate, recent snow cover.
Between (S/E) and (1), the track, although covered in snow (30 cm), is fairly visible. From (1) onwards, no track, path or signposting is visible! For most of the route, you’ll need to follow the description along with a GPS track, or even follow in the tracks of previous skiers or snowshoers.

Between (2) and (3) the scree was at ground level, which made progress difficult. Between (3) and (4) several sections were even bare, with no snow.

Only attempt this route if you are proficient in snowshoeing or ski touring and know how to use crampons and an ice axe. This hike can be done in summer, following roughly the same route and staying – as far as possible – on the slopes and paths, which are clearly visible throughout.

Car park at the start:
The car park is on the left as you drive up to Le Pourtalet. When there is snow on the road, it can be difficult to distinguish between the centre line and the kerb. If you arrive very early in the morning, the car park may not yet have been cleared of snow. In that case, please ensure you choose a parking space that does not obstruct traffic.

Estimated time
I completed this route on snowshoes in 6 hours, including breaks and a picnic, setting off from the car park at 9.15 am. This is a fairly tight estimate. Allow between 6½ and 7 hours. Be aware that it gets dark quickly in winter!
In summer, allow 5 hours to 6 hours 30 minutes.

Difficulty:
I’ve rated this as ‘Difficult’ due to the steep sections between (2) and (3) and the fact that the route is unmarked. It’s a fairly challenging route where you need a good sense of direction, but it’s not very complicated. The distance and elevation gain aren’t particularly significant,
However, there are four steep sections of 100 m or more, with a gradient of over 30% (but less than 40%).
In summer, the difficulty rating is Moderate.
The IBP Index (an automated system for assessing the difficulty of a route) is 86 HKG, which corresponds to a Difficult route for a hiker with Average physical fitness.

Water sources:
- in winter when there is snow, streams can be used as water sources without too much risk. However, allow for 1 litre of cold water per person and 1 litre of hot water in a thermos flask per person.
- In summer, allow 2.5 litres per person.

Shelters
In an emergency, shelter is available at all the huts in the vicinity.

Equipment
- In summer, bring standard high-mountain hiking kit: hiking boots, suitable clothing, rainwear, water, food, a survival blanket, a knife, a compass, a map and a whistle.
- In winter when there is snow, you must also bring snowshoes, a pair of poles, gaiters, sun cream, lip balm, a GPS or the Visorando app on your smartphone, gloves, suitable warm clothing, a flask with a hot drink, a hat, and sunglasses suitable for the glare off the snow. Some people will also take an avalanche transceiver (DVA), a shovel and a probe. Crampons and an ice axe are not always essential, but should be brought along.

Visitor numbers:
- in winter when there is snow, you can spend the whole day on your own, depending on the day chosen and the weather.
- In summer, the routes in the Cirque d’Anéou are very busy.
Whatever the season, don’t forget to let your friends and family know your exact route and keep them updated on any changes via text message or phone call.

Snowshoes + poles or crampons + poles or crampons + ice axe
In the depths of winter in the morning, it may be easier to use crampons than snowshoes or skis. Walking in crampons is almost identical to walking in ordinary shoes, with the added advantage of being able to safely navigate small flat sections or gentle icy slopes, and above all narrow, overhanging sections of hard or icy snow.
When putting on crampons on flat ground or gentle slopes, you keep your poles. As soon as the gradient exceeds 15–20 per cent, snowshoes and poles are stowed away and securely fastened to your rucksack, and you use the ice axe. Using an ice axe requires a good level of skill, particularly in the event of a fall or when descending.

Météo-France Mountain Bulletin and Avalanche Risk Assessment Bulletin (BRA or BERA)
Check the weather forecasts, particularly the Météo-France snow and avalanche bulletin for the Aspe-Ossau massif in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques.

Avalanche risk areas:
There are no known avalanche-prone areas on this route. However, remain vigilant on the north-east face immediately below the Pic de Canaourouye.

The^GR® and^PR® trail markings are the intellectual property of the French Hiking Federation.
If, on your route or on the map you are using, you notice any errors in signposting or place names, or …, you can become a contributor and report them:
- signposting errors, safety issues, conflicts of use, environmental concerns: click here
- mapping errors, place names: click here

Alternative route:
(3) Do not take the ridge if you consider it dangerous or if you do not feel confident. Return via the same route you took on the way there.
(4) From the pass, it is possible to climb Pic de Canaourouye by following the ridge south-south-west.

Places to visit nearby:
- On the way back, after returning to your car, you can cross into Spain via the Col du Pourtalet.
- The village of Les Eaux-Chaudes with its spa centre and typical old houses.