Pyreneestrip
Pic du Midi d'Ossau
Photo: Myrabella · CC BY-SA 3.0
PeaksNature & viewsFrance

Pic du Midi d'Ossau

The symbol of the Pyrenees, 2 884 m

The twin-peaked remains of an ancient volcano can be seen from all over Béarn and are the most famous silhouette in the Pyrenees. The normal route is a proper climb through three chimneys. For non-climbers, the circuit around the mountain via Lacs d'Ayous and Refuge de Pombie is one of the most beautiful day hikes.

Ascent

Height
2,884 m
Massif
Ossau
Country
Béarn, France
Grade
PD · Very hard
Days
1–2 days
Season
July–September
Starting point
Anéou (1 730 m), below Col du Pourtalet
Mountain hut
Refuge de Pombie (2 031 m)
Elevation gain
approx. 850 hm from the hut, of which approx. 550 m is climbing
Time
approx. 2,5 h up from the hut
First ascent
1797 – Guillaume Delfau with the shepherd Mathieu (claims of an ascent in 1552 are disputed)

The mountain is the remains of a volcano that was active around 280 million years ago. With its two points it is the symbol of Béarn and perhaps of the whole Pyrenees, and there are also many classic climbing routes on its steep faces.

How to get up – the normal route step by step

  1. From Anéou, approx. 1,5 hours to Refuge de Pombie beneath the south face.
  2. From the hut across the large boulder field to the foot of the south side.
  3. The first chimney (approx. 15 m, II) and the second (approx. 30 m, II+) have bolts. The third is long but easier (I+).
  4. Over the summit scree to the highest point, Grand Pic. Descend the same way – most people abseil down the chimneys.
SafetyA proper climb: helmet, harness and rope. Rockfall from parties above is the main risk – the chimneys get crowded on a fine Saturday in August. Go with a guide if you don't climb.

Other routes up

Hikers walk around the mountain instead: the Tour du Pic du Midi d'Ossau, via Refuge de Pombie and Lacs d'Ayous, approx. 8 hours.

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42.8431° N, 0.4381° W

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