Ski Touring Aran Valley Baqueira | Tuc Mountain Guides

VAL D'ARAN ON TOURING SKIS

The program of the day will be the ascent or the tour chosen between the guides and the clients according to their physical and technical level, desired duration, weather and snow conditions.

The departure time will also be according to the previous factors, as well as the meeting and the start point with skis. Some of the possible ascents are detailed below as illustrative of all the options we’ve got to enjoy the mountains of the Valley.

Tuc de Salana (2483m) - Between the valleys of Aiguamog and Valarties we find this disctintive mountain. Its perfect pyramidal shape and its beautiful view to Tuc de Montardo make it very special.

Duration: 2,5-3h

Elevation gain/loss: + 793m / - 993m

“Circ de Colomers” (Gran Tuc de Colomers, 2933m) - It is the highest peak of the Circ, but this unbelievable place at the end of the Aiguamog Valley makes accessible endless number of itineraries with different elevation gains. Highlight the hundred lakes that we find throughout its entire base.

Duration: 4-5h

Elevation gain/loss: + 1033m / 1443m

Tuc Montardo (2833m) - Its spectacular silhouette can be seen from the village of Arties and is located at the end of the valley with the same name: Valarties. The Montardo is well known because of its altitude and its appealing shape makes it one of the most wanted climbs with or without skis of the whole valley.

Duration: 3,5-4,5h

Elevation gain/loss: + 1400m / - 1400m

Tuc de Horno (2392m) - Accessible from the North side of the Vielha Tunnel, the beauty of the landscape is highlighted by Palas de Sarrahera and Tuc des Hennes.

Duration: 4-5h

Elevation gain/loss: + 1184m / - 1190m

Montcorbison (2.172m) from Pleta des Anheths – A modest summit with major reward. The perspective of the Valley from the top is absolutely magnificent with breathtaking views to every peak.

Duration: 2-2h30

Elevation gain/loss: + 572m / - 572m

1h30 more and 635m of elevation gain if we leave from Gausac.

Tuc de la Cigalera (2502m) and Tuc de Beret (2595m) – Both really close to the ski resort of Baqueira-Beret, it is possible to shorten the ascent taking the ski lifts. Depending on how tough we want the stage to be we’ll choose from the different options.

Duration and elevation gain: at your choice

The list can continue with: Tuc de Mauberme (2880m), Tuc de Parros (2732m), Tuc Gran de Sendrosa (2703m), Tuc de Ratera (2863m), Tuc de Baciver (2642m), etc.

Included:

UIAGM / AEGM Mountain Guide Services.
Advices prior the departure.
Reservations management services, if necessary.

Not Included:

Personal equipment.

General Information

It´s advisable to have the license issued by the Mountaineering Federation valid in the Pyrenees.
Mountain skiing is an extraordinary pass time but it involves risks. Each member of this journey takes full responsibility of what could happen.
The mountain guide reserves the right to modify the program depending on weather conditions, weather, group factor or any other cause that in his opinion may be decisive.

Touring skis (adjusted bindings)
Touring ski boots
Telescopic ski poles
Skins
Ski crampons

Snow shovel
Probe 240cm
DVA (charged batteries)

Ski carry backpack
Helmet

Snacks (sandwich, cereal bars, nuts, ...)
1.5l. Bottle

Gore-tex jacket
Touring pants
Primaloft
Fleece
Thermal t-shirt
Medium thickness socks

Goggles
Thin ski gloves
Thick ski gloves
Buff
Hat

Sun cream 50+
Lip balm 50+
Sunglasses

For the outdoor activity that you plan to be successful it is very important that it accommodates to your level, both physical and technical. Here we present some guidelines so that you can get an idea of what your level is according to the programs we propose. However, we recommend reaching to us so we can help you personally and adapt the program to your conditions.

Ski touring & Freeride

TECHNICAL level

1 = Beginner. Never ski toured before. Is a regular ski resort skier that occasionally goes off-piste. Black runs are not a problem for its level.
2 = Starter. Has experienced ski touring, climbing with skins (skinning). Is familiar with all the ski touring gear. Capable of uphill kick turning on not very steep terrain. Knows how to place and use ski crampons. Ski climbs safely through all kinds of snows on a trace. Skies down efficiently on ungroomed terrain, even on steep but wide slopes.
3 = Intermediate. Regular touring skier, . Trained on the basic techniques of skinning and uphill kick turn. Can change directions on slopes of 35º. Able to place ski crampons and crampons in an autonomous way. Skies down effectively on all kinds of ungroomed terrain and steepness.
4 = Advanced. Masters the technique of skinning on slopes up to 40º - 45º. Moves safely with skins on steep and icy slopes. Basic knowledge of mountaineering, use of crampons and ice axe as well as rope work. Skies down safely on every snow condition and steepness.
5 = Very advanced. Extensive experience in touring and mountaineering ski. Moves effectively changing direction on all kind of terrain, even on exposed places. Very good skier on every snow condition and steep terrain, as well as in exposed passages. Goes frequently on one-day or multi-day ski tours, spending the nights in huts. Familiar using the ice axe and crampons on all types of mountain domain. Knowledge and training on rope work, protection and self-arrest.

FITNESS level

1 = Able to ascend 600 meters of elevation gain skinning for 3 hours carrying a light backpack of about 5 kg.
2 = Able to ski tour for 4 or 5 hours overcoming 800 meters of elevation gain with a backpack of about 5 kg at a 300 meters an hour pace.
3 = Able to accomplish 5 to 7 hours routes and 1000 meters elevation gain with a backpack of about 7 kg at a 300 meters an hour pace.
4 = Able to succeed on alpine routes of up to 8 hours and 1200 meters of elevation gain with a backpack of about 8 kg at a 400 meters an hour pace.
5 = Able to carry out alpine routes of more than 8 hours long and between 1500 and 2000 meters elevation gain with a 10 kg backpack at a 400 meters an hour pace.

Next Dates :

From December to April

Description

The Val D'Aran is a privileged place for ski touring. The good quality of the snow, its easy ascensions to peaks, the gastronomy, the atmosphere and the hospitality of its people make Val d’Aran a perfect destination with endless possibilities for skiing routes that will suit all your demands.

If you have never been, it is really a place to discover and if you have been before, I am sure there are still hidden spots to explore. From easy reachable mountains, feasible summits or tours as demanding as you want, everything is possible here.

The options are countless, all of them through beautiful valleys to peaks with astonishing views. The experience is unequalled.