2019 GR11 Snow conditions update (posted May 28th 2019)
We’re starting to get people asking about snow conditions on the GR11 route for the 2019 season so I thought I’d write a quick update.
The Pyrenees in general had less snow than normal this winter. However, temperatures in May have been fairly cool without that much rain. With the colder temperatures, the rain we have had in the villages has fallen as snow above around 2200 metres. Therefore we have a situation where below around 2200 metres there is much less snow than normal – espceially on south facing slopes – but above this there is still significant snow and I would say conditions are more or less normal this season higher up. North facing slopes in particularl still have plenty of snow and crampons and ice axe are definitely needed on the higher sections.
Below is the webcam (taken today 28th May) from Refugio Respomuso towards Collado de Tebbarai (at 2782m one of the higher passes on the route – this is the northern side). I’ve drawn on the approx. route of the GR11. As you can see there is still substantial snowfields and I personally wouldn’t be crossing this without crampons.
Snow conditions on the GR11 from Refugio Respomuso
Everyone have a great time on the GR11 – stay safe and make sure you are properly equipped for conditions. In times when you can’t go out and hike, try and play online slots games indoor. It is a great way to calm your mind when you want to get out.
Enjoy your hiking and the Pyrenees and let us know how you get on!
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The GR paths are a network of extensive paths that criss-cross Europe, mostly in France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Spain. In Spain, GR stands for ‘Gran Recorrido‘ and here in the Spanish Pyrenees, we have a number of these GR paths linking key settlements, passes and valleys, but perhaps the most challenging and impressive of these GR routes and the one that many of our hikes are based around is the GR11. The GR11 stretches the entire length of the Spanish Pyrenees, from Hondarribia, on the Atlantic coast to Cap de Creus, on the Mediterranean coast, and covers a total of 840km, which is divided into 46 day long sections, most of which start/finish where accommodation is available, either a campsite, town, refuge or hostel.
Circo Piedrafita, near Refugio Respomuso is one of the higher sections of the GR11
How long will take?
This does depend, to an extent, on your fitness, need for rest days and whether you wish to take some of the spectacular peaks along the way, but 45-60 days is the norm, however, it has been completed in a little as 24 days.
The GR11 runs through the magnificent Ordesa Valley
What to expect
The GR11 passes through the mountains of Navarra, Aragon and Catalonia, the latter two regions comprising of steeper and higher mountains, not to mention a hotter climate than Navarra. There are a number of high passes, above 2500m, in the central section and as much as 1600m of ascent / descent in a single day. The GR 11, is a much more recent path than the GR 10, which lies on the French side of the Pyrenees, and offers more wilderness, passes through less villages and probably has better weather!
Fuen Blanca is situted towards the head of the Anisclo Canyon and is one of the most remote spots along the GR11.
The GR11 is generally well marked throughout with red and white stripes, however, it would be foolish to head out without an understanding of mountain navigation, along with a map and compass. The terrain underfoot varies hugely, from straight forward 4×4 tracks, through to exposed and narrow rocky paths in high mountainous terrain, where a slip would be very serious.
Red & White stripes mark the GR11
When to go
The main walking season in the Spanish Pyrenees is between late May and the beginning of October, however this is not a hard and fast rule, as there can be snowfall well into June, and again in late September, which can cover many of the red and white painted markers. On the other hand, there may be some perfect windows of opportunity in the autumn, particularly as the temperatures will be cooler.
There will be unavoidable snow patches throughout June and probably well into July, and these should not be underestimated. Those looking to hike the higher sections of the GR11 during this period should carry both an ice axe and crampons, and have experience of using these. The presence of snow can turn a benign scree slope into a steep icy slope, which without the use of an ice axe and crampons could be potentially very serious should a slip occur. An example of is on the slopes leading up to the Cuello Tebarrai (2782m) from Refugio de Respomuso, which can hold snow until early August. Following a winter and spring of heavy snowfall, avalanche hazards can exist into June, particularly on hot, sunny days. Hut guardians can often be a great source of information regarding the conditions of the GR11 in the vicinity of their hut.
The Hike Pyrenees blog often has up-to-date photos and information regarding conditions in the Aragonese Pyrenees.
Photo of the Circo de Piedrafita & Embalse de Respomuso taken in June 2013
Heading up to the Cuello Teberrai in July 2013
Wardened Huts or ‘Refugios’
The wardened ‘Refugios’ along the GR11 will play an integral part of the journey, and will no doubt be a welcome site after a long day of hiking. These should be booked in advance, either on-line or by telephone, and notified as soon as possible if you plan to cancel your booking also there are other activities like playing games or gambling in sites like w88 online. The facilities available do vary from hut to hut, but do remember that these are often located high in the mountains, where supplies are brought in either via helicopter or by mule. Some have showers and all will have a Plastic portable toilet in the location. They will all offer meals (including packed lunches) and often run a restaurant/bar service during the day. Prices are very similar from hut to hut and are as follows:
Overnight: 17 euros
Dinner: 17 euros
Breakfast: 6 euros
There is a certain etiquette for using mountain huts, and whilst they vary slightly from hut to hut, overall the following rules will help:
1) Check-in on arrival, where you will be allocated a bed within a specific dormitory. Let the warden know what time you’ll be up in the morning.
2) Boots are not permitted inside the hut, instead change into hut slippers or your own sandals.
3) Rucksacks are often not permitted inside the dormitories. Leave these in the designated areas (sometimes lockers) and only take what you need for the night to the dormitory.
4) Use a sleeping bag liner when sleeping, and ear plugs are a good idea!
5) Lights will all be turned off at about 10pm, make sure you have a head torch to hand.
6) In the morning, leave the dorm quietly, trying not to disturb others.
7) Take all your rubbish with you, otherwise someone else will have to.
It is worth noting that if you plan on spending many nights in mountain huts, to consider joining one of the large mountaineering organisations which provide reciprocal rights I.e. discounts of up to 50%. The Austrian Alpine Club (UK) is one such organisation.
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- Refugio Respomuso
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- A well earned beer
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- Refugio Angel-Orus
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- Refugio Viados
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- Refugio Estos
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- Refugio Bachimana
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- Refugio Goriz
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- Hut life inside
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- Hut life outside
Variations and summits
There are an infinite number of variations possible, with all the official variations are listed here: http://www.euro-senders.com/web_eng/grspain/gr_011.htm and described in the guidebook The Gr11 Trail – La Senda: Through the Spanish Pyrenees (Cicerone Guides)
Hiking along the GR11.2 in the Posets Massif
Along with these variations, there are plenty of opportunities to take in some of the great Pyrenean summits, including: Pico de L’Infierno, Monte Perdido, Pico Posets, Perdiguero & Pico Aneto. Needless to say that extra time will need to be factored in, as most of these summits are side-trips (up and down the same route) from the GR11.
The impressive Pico de L’Infierno.
On the summit of Monte Perdido, 3355m
Kit
As with any trip of this nature, what you take depends on how you choose to play it, but the bottom line is to keep things as light as possible. The entire trip, from coast to coast, can be done, with careful planning, without carrying a tent or sleeping bag, however, this could well involve some big days of 30km+. There are plenty of resources in books and on-line that detail what you should take, but here are a few things to consider:
Rucksack: Needs to be big enough to fit all your gear in, but not so big that you end up filling it with unnecessary items. 55-65 litres should be ample. Contents should be kept in waterproof dry bags or a liner.
Sleeping bag: Only required, along with a lightweight sleeping mat, if you plan on camping along the way. A 3 season bag should suffice.
Sleeping bag liner: You must have a sleeping bag liner for the wardened huts (they provide blankets). This should ideally be a silk one, as they are very light and dry very quickly.
Boots: Must have good ankle support and a sturdy sole, as some of the walking will be on very rough or loose terrain. These will need to be stiff enough if you plan on using crampons.
Sun hat: Absolutely essential! The sun during the summer, at midday can be blisteringly hot, and without adequate protection, dehydration, sun burn and heat exhaustion are all much more likely.
Waterproofs: Again, absolutely essential. Don’t forget that just because you’re in Spain, during the summer, that you’re still in the mountains, where the weather can change very quickly, and whilst overall, it doesn’t rain much, when it does, it can be very heavy. That said, heavyweight mountaineering waterproofs are a bit of an overkill, go for something lightweight and breathable. This applies to waterproof trousers too.
Other essentials: map & compass, pure contact lenses, sunglasses, headtorch, at least 2 litres of water per day.
Hiking in the sun from Refugio Goriz
Books & Maps
Senda Pirenaica: GR11 Long Distance Path
Trekking in the Pyrenees (Trailblazer)
The Gr11 Trail – La Senda: Through the Spanish Pyrenees (Cicerone Guides)
Useful websites
www.alberguesyrefugiosdearagon.com – for booking refugios in the Aragonese Pyrenees
www.lacentralderefugis.com – for booking refugios in Catalonia
www.yr.no – a very comprehensive weather website
www.mountain-forecast.com – another comprehensive weather website, locations are by mountain
Hi Matthew,
It’s very propable you’ll find snow on the path between Puigcerda and Vallter as snow is now around 2300m in South face and 2000m in North face.
We strongly recommend to bring crampons to do this itinerary during June.
Enjoy your time in the Pyrenees.
Fabien
Hi Lukasz,
I think that mid-August is a rather good period to start the GR11. You shouldn’t have much problem with snow a this time of the year. There is still a considerable amount of snow accumulated above 2500m right now, but it should have gone by then.
There is a slight possibility of fresh snow on October but that would be in any case a small amount. The problem might be more the cold weather in case of snow.
Hope you’ll have a great time along the way,
Fabien
Hello Fabien!
I read the past comments regarding snow depth. I see that there is still a lot of snow above 2500 meters right now. I will thru-hike the GR 11 from West to East starting on June 25th. What should I expect regarding snow depth once I reach the central part?
It should take me at least 14 days to reach the high section as I will start slowly.
Also, I will bring a guide book with me, but I am thinking of bringing more detailed maps of the GR11 as well, just in case.
Do you know where I can find such maps, and free if possible?
Thank you very much!
Looking forward to be on the trail 🙂
Renaud Benoit
Fabien,
Thanks for the response. I am looking at a 14 +/- day trip. I am thinking Isaba to refugee de conangles starting in mid-June. I am wondering if you have any comments on this itinerary. Basically I want to see the best of the gr11 in a 14 day period. I will be Donostia-San Sebastian for a few days before I begin the hike. I am planning to carry a tent and stove etc. My partner and I are both avid runners and in good health. thoughts? thanks so much for putting so much work into this website, amazing resource!
🙂
Jamie
Like Renaud, I am looking for maps aswell. Walking from Odessa park to Llanca near Cap Creus. I will start around 12 juli. What do you recomand?
Thank you Eva
Hi Renaud,
It should be much less snow on Mid-July in the central part of the Pyrenees but you still probable need to use crampons on small sections of North faced slopes of the highest parts of the itinerary.
I don’t think you can find accurate maps for free. I would recommend to consults most detailed maps in the huts and take pictures of then if you don’t want to carry them all the way long…
Bye,
Fabien
Hi Jamie,
As I was telling to Renaud, you should bring crampons with you as you will certainly need them at least on some sections of North faced slopes of the highest parts of the itinerary. I’m sure you will love your hike: this is a beautiful itinerary and you’ll be amazed by the variety of landscapes and environments you will cross over.
Cheers,
Fabien
Thanks Fabien, looks like I’m getting on the bus to Irun on the 16th of August 🙂
Everyone Else, regarding maps – Prames guide book to GR11 comes with a set of dedicated maps. Free they are not, but they save carrying a lot of paper compared to set of normal maps. Guide book itself is supposedly quite good too, but Cicerone one is more up to date (as far as I know, I’ll test it later this year).
Hi Fabien
We are starting end to end on around 29 June. We are from Australia and have absolutely no snow walking experience. We could handle small amounts of snow I am sure but on slopes we are a bit dubious. Is it easy enough to avoid those higher bits if there is still too much snow. We are also relying on the Cicerone latest guide book for maps as well. Do you think they are sufficient.
Cheers
Michael and Julie
Hi Michael and Julie,
Unfortunately it is not that easy to avoid the highest bits of the GR11, as the GR is already designed to cross the Pyrenees in an relativity easy way. What is your plan? Do you want to do the entire GR11? Were are you starting?
Cheers,
Fabien
Can you please tell me what you mean with the north faced slopes. Can you add a name of these places where we are likely be needing crampons.
Thank you Fabian.
Hi,
I am looking to summit Monti Perdido around 6-8th Sept this year. What is the likely hood of snow at the summit by then?
I have booked 2 nights in Refugio de Goriz so have a whole day to get from the Refugio to summit and back.
Any advise would be great.
Andy
Hi Fabien
We are staring at irun.
Thanks
Julie
Hi,
I’m looking to do a 5-7 day segment of the Gr-11- preferably one for someone in great physical shape but only some experience hiking (i.e nothing with ice axe and crampons). Do you have any suggestions?
TIA
Hi Andy,
You’ll certainly have no snow at the summit by then, but you might have to cross some snow patches. Depending on how long and exposed are the snow patches you might need crampons and ice axe.
Cheers,
Fabien
Hi Tia,
For a one week hike on the Gr11, I would recommend the section between Ochagavia in Navarra to Sallent de Gallego in Aragón. You’ll start in rolling and green mountains with a maximum height of 1500m, progressively entered in high mountain area with landscapes shaped mainly by limestone rock and finish your week in beautiful Valle de Tena where the granite rock hosts many beautiful high mountain lakes.
Sure you’ll enjoy it!
Fabien
Hello Fabian,
I like all your info!
I will fly to Barcelona on July 13 th.
I have no hurry and will be able to walk 3 to 4 weeks.
I have a light tent, sleeping bag comfort 10 degrees plus liner and extra thermal pyamas. Comfy up to 5 derees. I also plan te sleep in the refrugies for fun, shower and cold nights.
I am a little scared for my knees hiking long days. I am fit going up but down is slow and can be sore.
I will travel alone but I realy do enjoy company and some wine in the evening.
What part do you suggest I should start?
I realy hope you will be able to answer me.
Thank you!!
Eva
Hi Fabien!
I realize it’s not likely that you’ll be able to answer in time, but it’s worth a shot to ask. I’m hiking with a group of five from Puigcerda to llanca, starting the 29th. Is there a risk of snow? What sections would require crampons or ice axes?
Any help would be fantastic!
Mattias
Hi Matthias,
You might find some snow patches and need crampons and ice axes in your way to Refugio de Ulldeter from Santuario de Nuria as you’ll need to cross several passes higher than 2700m. I think it shouldn’t be any snow on the rest of your itinerary, but the best would be to get complementary information from locals and tourism desk on your arrival at PuigCerda.
Have fun!
Fabien
Hi Fabien,
I’m a not experience mountainwalker, but i walked the camino frances (started in St.Jean Pied de Port) and the Via Francigena(VF) from Switzerland to Rome.
I love to walk but i have some Vertigo, i think of starting the 17th July 2016 from Irun, I have 5 weeks and don’t know how far it will take me, but that is not my main concern.
I travel alone and I dont want to bring (or use) crampons and ice axes (i dont have them) is the GR11 still posible to walk?
I forget to say that i dont bring a tent and like to stay in whats available. Refuge, huts, hostel etc.
I got the Cicerone guide book. latest release.
Hi Herman,
In 5 weeks you could do quite a lot of the GR11. But if you are not so experienced with high mountain and you go on your own, I would recommend to skip the central and highest section of the itinerary.
You could go from Irun to Sallent de Gallego in a bit less than 2 weeks, then you could stain in Sallent de Gallego area and explore the beautiful Valle de Tena. Do for instance 3 day hikes, with one or two nights at Refugio Respumoso. You could also for instance hike to Ibones de Ariel: beautiful mountain lakes that you can reach without stepping snow at this time of the year.
Then a nice option would be to walk or take a bus from Sallent de Gallego to Biescas and catch in Biescas the GR15 track that does not go as high as the GR11 (you shouldn’t find snow oon that itinerary).
The GR15 path signs were improved in 2015, so it shouldn’t be to difficult to follow (before the marking was quite poor). However it might not be easy to find information in English about it as it is not as famous as the GR11. It should take you 8 days to go from Biescas to the end of the GR15 in Pont de Suerte.
From Pont de Suerte you could take a bus and get closer to Aiguestortes National Park: 2 or 3 day hikes in this area would be worth. Then you could take the time for more sightseeing getting a bus down to Lleida and finding your preferred way to progressively reach Molló from where you could do the last 7 days of the GR11.
Hope mi advice can help…!
Cheers,
Fabien
Hi Fabien, thanks for the guide, I’ve visited this site a good deal in the last 8 months, preparing for my first through hike – the GR11, starting late July at the Atlantic and giving myself 8-10 weeks. I want to tackle a few peaks along the way, including Monte Perdido.
My questions are pretty standard, looking at the comments here! I hadn’t thought of taking crampons and ice axe (I had vague ideas about hiring them for the peaks) but seeing comments about late snow, now I’m thinking of posting them to Zuriza camping. Would you say that I should plan to carry full crampons, bearing in mind I’ll be traversing the highest sections around mid August to mid September? Would those lightweight rubberised anti slip things suffice for the GR11 itself?
Also, I’ve been planning on multiple layers, but no big thick jumper or jacket. Is this naive? I’m used to the excessive heat in Spain that time of year but my zero experience of Pyrenees weather is making me very cautious.
Any advise on this score would be much appreciated. Thanks
Susie
Hi Susie,
If you plan to cross the highest part of the GR11, I do recommend to take crampons even though it is probable you won’t need them at this time of the year… But what if you need???! Forget about the “lightweight rubberised anti slip things” you talk about. They are not proper mountain equipment: they are designed not to slip when walking on snowed streets not to hike in the mountains. I think it is a good idea to send your crampons to Zuriza if you can agree with them about it.
As far as warm clothes are concerned, I would simply take a down jacket or similar: light but warm for the resting times. But don’t forget also thin gloves and a warm hat in case the weather gets colder for some days.
Cheers,
Fabien
Hello, is there a summary on the wildlife on the trail?
Hi Chris,
Could you please tell me more about what you mean about “summary on the wildlife on the trail” so that I can answer you the best possible.
Cheers,
Fabien
sorry, summary of the wildlife….more particularly anything potentially dangerous I should be aware of while camping at night??
Hi I’m planning to hike east on the GR11 starting from Parzan around July 24, I have 4 weeks to reach the Mediterranean to complete my traverse of the Pyrenees (in 3 stages). How do you treat the water? Do you fill up at the huts to last all day, or do you take from the streams and treat? I have a uV wand I use in the Sierras. I hear refugio cap de Llauset is open now. Do you call ahead to reserve at the huts ahead of you? Any other words of advice appreciated. I hear it will be hot. Sincerely from KY, Santa Barbara, California
Hi Chris,
There is not really any animal to fear in our mountains. Just make sure you put food in a safe and difficult to reach place at night for animal such as foxes and wild Boars.
The cases of people meeting with brown bears are really rare, but I can’t say it’s impossible as there are still few bears in the Pyrenees. Brown bears live between 1300 and 1800 m altitude and the environment they like the most is mixed forests where appeared beeches, birches, black pines and firs.
Cheers,
Fabien
Hi Kevin,
I personally prefer to take water from huts as there is usually no problem with drinkable water at huts. I usually also take some water purification tablets in my rucksack in case, but I almost never need them.
You’re right about refugio cap de Llauset: it has been opened since beginning of July. About weather: if you have done already the 2/3 of the traverse, you already know that weather is very variable here in the Pyrenees… and you should be prepare for hot and not so hot days!
Cheers,
Fabien
Hi Fabien,
You are such a resource! Thank you for answering so many questions! Here is mine: I am arriving to Barca with my girlfriend and another couple on October 1. We would like to spend about 11 days on the GR11, maybe with one or two rest days thrown in. I am wondering what section you recommend. Here are relevant info:
1. We would like to see the best scenery, and relatively remote areas. We will bring tents and be self-sufficient as long as we can find food every 2-3days. Refugios are not necessary, though if we see them we may use them.
2. We would like to be able to access the trail without a rental car. I have been trying hard recently to figure out which villages along the GR11 have good bus access.
3. I would prefer to avoid crampons. All the spring snow should be melted by October, but I wonder if you think we may find enough new snow that we will need crampons? Should we stay to the lowlands in the West in this season, or will the high slopes around Andorra still be reasonable?
4. Three of us are experienced backpackers with many miles under our belts. All four of us are young and in good shape, but we are not going ultralight and so would prefer to keep our pace relaxed and spend around 8 hours/day on the trail.
I was looking at maybe taking a bus from Barca to Jaca, then a taxi up to Candanchu and hiking east. What do you think? Where can we catch a bus back to Barca? Maybe from Encamp? Maybe there is a better section for us to hike?
Thanks in advance for your opinion!
Hi Fabien!
Me and my sister are planning on doing a hike in september. We are going to start in Arans and walk to either Benasque or Parzan. But I am having a little trouble with estimating how many days it will take, do you know how long it might take? We are both quite fit and want to walk about 10 hours per day.
Thanks for your help!
Cheers,
Karolina
Hi,
My friend and I are planning to walk part of the GR11(central pyrenees) mid of October, probably 10 days. Does anyone know if the huts are likely to be open or is it recommended to bring a tent with us? What about the climate?
Thanks a lot!
Christina
HI Christina,
Huts on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees are usually opened all year round. But on the French side you’ll find many huts shut in mid-October. Do you know in which huts would you like to stay?
Cheers,
Fabien
Hi Karolina,
If you walk 10h a day at good path with good weather conditions it should take you more than 10 days to get to Benasque valley and 13 days to get to Parzan.
Cheers,
Fabien
Hi Jon!
Thank you for your nice and detailed message.
If what you want is remote areas and great high mountain scenery, I think it is great idea to start in Candanchú. But I don’t think you can reach Encamp in 11 days unless you walk very fast and many hours each day…
I think a good and reasonable objective would be to reach Benasque valley: from there you can catch a bus to Huesca and from Huesca another bus to Barcelona. To go to Candanchú the best would be a train from Barcelona to Zaragoza and then a bus from Zaragoza to Candanchú. When you’ll be in Zaragoza station, go to Alosa bus company counter and they tell you if they are running the direct bus to Candanchú or if you have to change bus in Jaca.
I think it should be alright not to take crampons (the possible early snows should not accumulate enough to be a problem) but ask at huts about conditions before ascending the highest part of your itinerary: they will surely attend you very well even though you are not staying there.
You might have already rather fresh nights in October… So I recommend you take money enough to pay for huts in case you don’t feel like staying in your tent in some of the nights.
¡Que os vaya todo bien y disfrutar!
Cheers,
Fabien
Hey,
I’m going to travel in the reservation starting 14 september, and i was wondering if i need to make reservations for the mountain huts in advance or it is perfectly possible to manage space wise on the spot during our trip. thanks!
Hi looking to fly over from NZ with my boyfriend and both our parents to do this incredible hike. Where to even begin?!
Do you need to pre-book the accommodation along the way? And are you required to carry all your food with you? As food for 10+ days is a lot to carry!
Thanks in advance,
Anna
Hi Eyal,
It should be find with availability at huts in those dates but if you already know which huts you want to stay, it ‘s better to phone them to ask them directly as it is possible that they have big groups coming on specific dates you want to avoid.
Cheers,
Fabien
Hi Anna,
You can find places where to buy food on your way: all depend on your exact itinerary… As far as accommodation pre-booking is concerned, it also depend on the specific places you want to go and also on your dates.
Maybe I can help you more if you tell me a bit more about your plan on GR11.
Cheers,
Fabien
Hey there!
First of all thank you so much for this site and all the comments which were really helpful!
I’m planning on hiking a small part of the GR11 early this September, as I will arrive in Zaragoza September 7 and would have to be back at the airport sep. 19.
I’ve seen your reply to Jon’s comment about catching a bus to Candanchu and hiking to Benasque… I have little knowledge of the area so I might just follow your advice for the itinerary! Just a few questions: I will be hiking solo and I’m planning on bringing my own tent. Is it possible to camp everywhere (as long as I’m respectful of course) or are there places where camping would be difficult/not recommended? Is it possible to cross a village/ small food store every 3-4 days considering the portion I’m planning to hike? Also, I’ve been travelling on my own in Guatemala/Asia, but I guess hiking in jungles is way different than hiking in mountains… Are there therefore some portions of the trail I should avoid considering my lack of experience/equipment?
Thanks in advance!
Martin
Hi Martin,
The only places where you can buy food on your itinerary willbe basically Sallent de Gallego and Parzan villages. In Sallent, buy food for 4-5 days and in Parzan for 3-4 days. You can also have dinner and/ or order picnic lunch at huts in the most remote areas if you don’t feel like carrying so much food.
The path should be safe all the way (very little snow) at this time of the year. But as you have little experience in mountain hiking, try to share hike with other travellers you meet and ask as much information as possible to people you might meet on your way. Start hiking early in the morning so that you make sure to find in the afternoon a place you feel good and safe to put your tent.
There is some restriction about putting the tent in Ordesa National Park. Try to reach Goriz hut on your first day in Ordesa National park: you can put your tent next by the hut and the guardians of the hut will inform you about the restrictions in the area so you can plan the rest of the nights in the national park together with them.
Cheers,
Fabien
Hi Fabien,
Its great to find some real practical advise about hiking the Pyrenees, so thank you!
I am planning to be in the area from early to mid October and am interested in the Parc Nacional d’Aigüestortes. Although all sites I have found suggest huts are not open in October and from what I have read this area is best explored over a few days. Do you know of any open huts in this area which would be good for 2-3 days of walking?
Also interested to how where your favourite place is in the Pyrenees? We visited and loved walking around Gavernie last year so now looking for more great places to explore.
Thanks again!
Lorraine
Hi Lorraine,
It looks like Estany Llong hut is open on the first half of October. I’ve never been there, so I can’t tell you much about the hut and its facilities… but it looks like it has a quite good location within Aigüestortes National Park.
One of my favourite place in the Pyrenees would be the area located roughly within the triangle formed by Balaitus peak, Midi d’Ossau peak and Gourrette Ski Resort: it is a quite wild part of the Cordillera with plenty of pretty lakes in an amazing granite rock environment. That area includes the highest part of Val d’Azun and Ossau Valley on the French side, Ariel Lakes and the highest part of Tena Valle on the Spanish side. I think the only hut that would be open in October in this area is Repomuso hut.
Enjoy your next hikes!
Fabien
In the Aigües Tortes National Park there are 10 huts, while in October are usually closed all of them have a free part that is open and equiped
You can find more information in http://www.carrosdefoc.com/en/refugios/
Hi Fabien
I am thinking of doing the GR11 in full next year and would be doing it solo and taking a tent as i do not want to be restricted to a timetable by booking refugees. Do you think this is ok to do camping the whole distance and when would you do it considering i would rather not have to carry crampons and ice axe, to keep weight down.
Thanks in advance
Paul
Hi, a small group of us, mid 60s and fit for our age would like to do the last 5-7 day section of the GR11 as it seems to be reasonably fair walking terrain without any tight paths on the edge of ridges (I get vertigo so can’t handle paths on steep edges). We’re thinking of early September. Do you think this is the easiest section for us to tackle to get us started?
Thanks in advance for your experienced advice.
Claire
Hi
I’m planning on through walking the gr11 starting July this year and mainly wild camping. How cold does it get overnight and do you have any recommendations for sleeping bag / sleeping mat? Many thanks, Jason
Hi Jason,
Usually it doesn’t get too cold at night at that time of year but you will be sleeping quite high up so there is always the chance of a chilly night (or even a dusting of snow if you’re really unlucky!). I would recommend a light sleeping bag and a light thermarest style mat. I’ve a really light down sleeping bag that weighs virtually nothing and is rated to 0 degrees. I always use a mat as I like my creature comforts. To keep the weight down I use a three quarter length mat – your feet never get that cold.
Have a great trip on the GR11,
Phil