Pic Dourmidou

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) From the pass car park (altitude 1,506 m), head north-west towards the cattle pens and go through a metal gate.

(1) Join the track, which you can just make out under the blanket of snow. Continue along the path, which is invisible due to the snow, through the pine forest, climbing steadily.

(2) Just before starting the descent, turn right to climb a slightly steeper slope in the woods, which will take you to "La Devèse" and then, on the right, a fence with the ends of the posts slightly protruding from the snow (elevation 1738).

(3) Follow this fence for a few metres, then move away from it to continue up the slope of the peak, finishing the climb in zigzags to ease the gradient. There is so much snow that it feels like walking on a glacier (memories of my younger years).

(4) Arrival at the summit of Pic Dourmidou (El Dormidor, elevation 1843). The wind picks up and fog rolls in just after we enjoy a sensational 360° view of the snow-capped peaks to the south-west and west of our position. We descend towards the south-east, following the fence to find a spot sheltered from the wind to have a bite to eat.

(5) After lunch, we set off again towards the south-west, crossing the fence to rejoin the one we followed on the way up (altitude 1773) to the point we passed on the way there (altitude 1738).

(3) Continue the descent, heading south towards the car park visible below.

(1) Return to the car park (S/E).

The bad weather that set in after we reached the summit prevented us from completing the planned circular hike, but this hike was still a great experience and a fond memory.

Beautiful view from the summit of Pic Dourmidou.