Ideally situated on the edge of a pond and halfway between the 3000 ariègeois, the refuge du Pinet offers a stopover for hikers wishing to tackle the great summits of Montcalm, Pic d'Estats, Verdaguer or Pic du Port de Sullo.
Access: From Vicdessos on the D8, pass Auzat. On leaving Marc, turn right onto the D66 towards l'Artigue, and park at the Artigue parking lot.
- Guidebook with maps/step-by-step(D) - From the parking lot, take a path that runs parallel to the road and joins it at a higher level before the public toilets. Continue along the wide path.
00h10 - Continue straight ahead on the GRT to the Cascade de l'Artigue fork.
00h20 - Go up to the left along the well-marked path. Find another fork much further on.
00:45 - Continue straight ahead on the GRT. At the end of the forest, you'll find the Orri de Pla Nouzère. Pass an electric fence and continue for about 50 m to a fork.
1h15 - Go left, due south, on a beautiful path climbing steeply into the estive. Don't hesitate to take breaks: the scenery is sumptuous. After a final incline, you come to Étang Sourd. Go around it to the right and reach the Cabane (closed, private) de l'Étang Sourd, the fountain and a picnic table.
2h00 - From the hut, head west for a few metres, then turn left and climb steeply. The pretty path veers south-west and passes the first snow post. Further on, a second post appears, as well as the Refuge de l'Étang du Pinet at 2240 m, just a few dozen meters away.
A beautiful spot, apart from the unusual appearance of the refuge.
3h00 - After a restorative break at the refuge, continue for a few meters to a fork in the road at the Étang du Pinet weir.
Head due north down the Ruisseau d'Estats via the GRT60.
Don't hesitate to take breaks in this beautiful setting.
Return to the fork in the road and the Orri de Pla Nouzère.
(A) 5:30 am - Return to l'Artigues area
Plain text period
Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.Services
Services
Public WC
Car park
Pets welcome
Pets allowed on leash only.Accommodation
Restaurant
