The Via Ferrata of Estagnous

During WWI the Italian army established observation posts in the Dolomite mountains, which formed the border between Italy and Austria. They fixed metal cables and iron rungs to the rockface so that the troops could move safely. These "iron ways" have been installed in many other mountains throughout Europe for the use of tourists; the one that starts at the refuge des Estagnous is the highest altitude via ferrata in the Pyrenees.

Located in the heart of the Mont Valier massif, a natural reserve managed by the Office National des Forêts, the via ferrata des Estagnous links the refuge des Estagnous to the étang Long (Long Lake).

The route is 1200 m long of which 620 m is equipped with metal fixations (cables, rungs, footrests, ladders). The start is a 10 minute walk from the refuge (2245 m altitude) and ends near the lake.

The route overlooks the étange Rond ("round lake") 200 metres below and provides a panoramic view of rare and wild beauty.

Itinerary:

From the refuge, descend to the spillway of the Estagnous and cross the stream. Take the trail with the cairn on your left which will lead to the point of departure of the first section of the via ferrata. There's a little platform for putting on your gear.

Then you just follow the cable, first horizontally and then descending to the left to arrive at the end of the first section.

From there, follow the trail in the direction of a little col about 50 metres higher. Cross to the left after the col until the rocky bar that plunges down to the étang Rond.

There is a possiblity of organising Via ferrata and rockclimbing holidays with room and board at the refuge Estagous. Address enquiries to the refuge.