Pic de Canaourouye in the Cirque d’Anéou

In the Ossau Valley, pass through the village of Laruns, then the hamlets of Eaux-Chaudes and Gabas, on the D934. Reach Lac de Fabrèges and continue towards Pourtalet. Shortly before the pass, park in a staggered parking area along and to the left of the D934, at a place known as La Cabane de l’Araille (also called Parking d’Anéou).

The hike starts directly from the middle of the car park, on the opposite side of the D934, on a track that is usually completely covered in snow from November to March.

(S/E) Head towards the imposing U-shaped building complex (pastoral centre) towards which the track leads. Leave this pastoral centre on your left and continue west-south-west. Head into the western part of the Cirque d'Anéou. Pass to the left of the hillock at an altitude of around 1,800 m.

(1) Pass by the Cabane de Lalagüe, leaving its access track on your right. Continue due west along the blue winter trail shown on the IGN map. Cross the area marked Cabanes de la Glère.

(2) At the junction (completely hidden from view), between the Col d’Anéou to the north and the Pène de la Glère, a rocky peak shaped like a truncated pyramid, to the south (to the left of the route), head directly towards the Canaourouye, continuing south-west. Cross the Plaa de la Gradillère, a long, undulating area with a gentle incline where a peat bog spreads out in spring. Begin to zigzag up the slope to climb the remaining 250 m of elevation gain. Head north-west and reach the Col de Houer, which separates the valley from the Ravin d’Astu.

(3) Head south towards Canaourouye, keeping to the right of the ridge. This will take you to the Pic de Canaourouye.

(4) The return journey follows roughly the same route back to the car park (S/E). However, it is possible to take a shortcut on the descent from the peak to the Plaa de la Gradillère, when visibility and snow conditions are good.

This description covers a hike undertaken by two people at the start of the winter season (early Dec. 2022) with light, old snow and successive thaws.
Between (S/E) and (1), the track, although covered in snow (10 cm), is very visible. From (1) onwards, no track, path or markings are visible! Most of the route will follow the description accompanied by a GPS track, or even the tracks of previous skiers or snowshoers.

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

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

Estimated time
I completed this route on snowshoes in 5½ hours, including breaks and a picnic, setting off from the car park at 10am. This is a reasonable estimate. Allow between 5 and 6 hours. Be aware that it gets dark quickly in winter!
In summer, allow between 4½ and 6 hours.

Difficulty
I have rated this as Difficult due to the steep sections before the pass (3) and the fact that the route is unmarked. It is a moderately strenuous route and not very complicated. It is not particularly long or steep,
In summer, the rating is Moderate.
The IBP Index (an automatic route difficulty rating system) is ... HKG, which corresponds to a Difficult route for a hiker with Average physical fitness.
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Water sources__
- in winter when there is snow, streams can be used as water sources without too much danger. 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 can be found at any of the huts in the area.

Equipment
- In summer, bring standard high-mountain hiking gear: 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 glare on the snow. Some will also add an avalanche transceiver (AV), 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, it is rare to be alone all day, 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 inform them of any changes by text or phone.
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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. Indeed, walking in crampons is almost identical to walking in shoes, with the added advantage of safely navigating small flat sections or icy slopes, and especially 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 to 20%, the snowshoes and poles are stowed away and securely fastened to the 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 Report and Avalanche Risk Assessment Bulletin (BRA or BERA)
Check the weather forecasts, particularly the Météo-France snow and avalanche report for the Aspe-Ossau massif in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques.

Avalanche risk areas
The immediate north-east face of Canaourouye is known to be prone to avalanches. The slope is steep and should be avoided. However, remain vigilant on the north face of Pic de Canaourouye.

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:
- marking errors, safety issues, conflicts of use, environment: click here
- mapping errors, place names: click here

Alternative route:
(3) From the pass, you can follow the ridge to the foot of the Gradillère and return via the gully at the foot of the cliffs. See the route in the opposite direction here.

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.