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The start is signposted from the Col du Somport, accessible by car or even by the TER bus, which runs regularly.
(S/E) The path starts behind the large snow-clearing services building and winds its way through rhododendrons and heather. Look for a track branching off to the right and rising slightly. After a few minutes, you’ll pass a water reservoir (a concrete cube), and continue along the track, which splits into several branches at times (paths used by livestock). Stay on the ridge as much as possible until you reach a small pass (Col d’Astún, 1,694 m on the IGN map).
From this pass, the path climbs more steeply up the Spanish side, still amongst the heather separating a few pastures.
(1) Look out for a grassy ledge on your left, allowing you to climb alongside the cliffs. A path runs along this ledge, marked by a few occasional cairns. You can then climb through the grass, zigzagging between the red rocks whilst staying on the southern flank of the mountain. This takes you to a ridge at an altitude of 1,995 m on the IGN map and 1,991 m on the Spanish map, where the steep climb ends.
See the route highlighted in red on the corresponding photo.
Continue level out, heading north, and follow a small path starting on the slope on the Spanish side: there is no need to climb the Pic d’Arnousse. The level traverse takes you past a small, gently sloping gully, then across pastures, until you reach the Col d’Arnousse (2,080 m), offering a view over the whole of the Aspe Valley.
(2) Continue along the ridge towards the Pic de Bénou. The ascent is easy, up to a grassy secondary summit (2,267 m).
(3) The true Pic de Bénou (2,271 m) is rockier: it is possible to climb it (a very easy short climb) but also to bypass it via a path on the eastern side (Astún slope). The ridge continues without further difficulty (good path) to the next peak (Pic de Belonseiche, 2,297 m), which is wonderfully grassy. Continue along the ridge to reach the Col d’Audas (2,195 m) or Pas des Aoudas.
(4) From this point, the ridge becomes rockier and the path leads to sections where you’ll need to do a little bit of scrambling for a few metres – nothing particularly difficult, but it’s best to be prepared! Stay as close as possible to the ridge line, sometimes veering slightly towards the Aspe side, sometimes the other way, and rejoin the path leading to the Pic des Moines.
(5) If you feel up to it, you can climb this peak by heading left (there’s a bit of easy scrambling just before the summit). Otherwise, take the path on the right, which quickly leads you down to the Col des Moines (2,168 m, border).
(6) Head towards the Spanish side, heading west, and descend towards the Ibón de Escalar.
(7) Walk round the lake on the southern side. The path then descends steeply, following the stream flowing out of the lake.
(8) Descend into a less steep valley and continue along the main path to reach the Astún ski resort.
(9) Follow the road straight on to reach the Somport Pass (S/E).
Visorando Member
Easy 
Moderate 
