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From Luchon, drive to Bourg-d'Oueil via the D618 and then the D51. As you enter the village, turn left and drive down to the ski lifts, where you can park.
(S/E) Continue along the road to the bottom of the valley and, after a left-hand bend, cross the stream and you will soon reach the Chapelle des Pontels (slightly overhanging on the right).
(1) Just after the chapel, leave the forest road on your left and follow a path on your right, climbing straight up. Climb steadily through the undergrowth to reach theGRP® a little higher up.
(2) Follow theGRP® on the left and continue climbing. The path gradually clears before continuing in a wide open area.
The section prone to avalanches is located between this point and the Port de Pierrefite.
Only cross if the snowpack has been cleared of avalanches, which will then be visible. Continue to the Pierrefite pass.
(3) From the pass, continue on the left, following the ridge line, first due south, then south-west.
Do not stay too close to the ridge on the left to avoid unstable snow slabs or cornices. Pass three bumps before reaching Pic du Lion.
(4) Continue downhill to the left, heading south-east, reach the Col du Louron at an altitude of 2001 metres and continue along the ridge, climbing back up towards the Sommet de Pouy Louby.
(5) Continue descending along the ridge line until you reach a small shoulder, which you will reach quickly. Then follow the ridge line that veers slightly to the left, heading due east towards the Port (col) de Pinate.
The slope is steep and crampons may be necessary.
You will quickly reach this pass.
(6) Continue due east and climb up to the first hill at an altitude of 2,016 metres. Continue in the same direction on a wide ridge to Cap de la Lit (the avalanche) at an altitude of 1,970 metres.
(7) Descend the ridge, which is initially quite wide, towards the forest (east/northeast). When the ridge narrows on the right, at around 1900 m, gradually enter the forest.
(8) Turn left to head north, then north/north-east.
Take care to stay on course and continue down the gentle slope, remaining in the area where the trees are sparse. Follow a fairly gentle ridge line without attempting to take a steep slope through the woods.
You will soon reach a T-junction at a well-marked forest path.
(9) Take this path on the left and follow it downhill through the woods. After two hairpin bends, you will reach the top of the ski lifts. Continue, cross the Ruisseau du Portet stream and continue to the right to find the track and the Chapelle des Pontels chapel.
(1) Turn right and follow the same route back to the car park (S/E).
Visorando Member
Moderate 
