Mountaineering in the Pyrenees

25 Classic Mountain Routes

Mountaineering in the Pyrenees features twenty-five classic mountain routes
and link-ups that will delight any mountaineer who enjoys getting off the
beaten track. Author and mountain guide Francois Laurens has drawn upon his
encyclopaedic knowledge of the Pyrenees, and recommendations from other
mountaineers, to put together a diverse selection of climbs – many of them
accessible from spring to autumn – along the entire Pyrenean chain, from the
Mediterranean to the Basque country.

The most characteristic feature of the Pyrenees is its hodgepodge of
topographies, climates and lives, all jumbled together. Sometimes, moving just
a short way across this patchwork landscape, perhaps from one side of a cliff
to another, is enough to take you into a completely different environment.
This diversity is reflected in the routes featured in this book.

Ridge traverses and rock climbs dominate the selection, which includes only a
few ephemeral snow climbs, but every route has its own unique character and
provides a wonderful day out in the mountains. Featured routes include the
Salenques-Tempestades Ridge on Pico de Aneto, the Espadas Ridge on Pic des
Posets, and a selection of climbs on the renowned peaks of Monte Perdido, the
Maladeta, the Balaitous, the Vignemale, and the Grand and Petit Astazous. Each
route features technical notes, a topo and route description, and photos
illustrating the character of the climbing.