Pico de Posets
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all” Helen Keller
It was the teasing and joking that started a new adventure. Alfonso who has a second home in Benasque and his son-in-law who grew up in this resort town wanted to do something together — climbing Pico de Posets, the second highest in the Spanish Pyrenees. Then, it came down to trash talking and that this was all talk and it wouldn’t happen. The next thing, Alfonso and Jonas hired a local guide, Chimeri, to lead us the climb. We realized that there was no backing out.
First, we met our guide in Benasque who drove us to a parking lot, pulled out the climbing equipment — crampons and an ice axe — and carried them with us, and hiked our way to Refugio Angel Orús for two hours and spent the night there.
The atmosphere in the hut was pleasant. The energy was high. We stayed with our group and before dinner, we tried on our crampons and got everything ready. We had a hearty dinner, then a chat. I went to bed early while the rest stayed chatting. It was early in the morning when I heard lots of movements.
Pico de Posets is the second-highest peak in the Pyrenees mountain range, located on the border between Spain and France. It stands at an elevation of 3,375 meters (11,073 feet) above sea level. Here are some general considerations and information about mountain climbing to Pico de Posets:
Location:
Pico de Posets is situated in the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park in the Benasque Valley, Huesca province, in the region of Aragón, Spain.
Access Points:
The typical starting point for climbing Pico de Posets is the Renclusa Hut (Refugio de la Renclusa), a mountain hut located at an elevation of around 2,140 meters. This hut serves as a base for various ascents in the area.
Routes:
There are different routes to reach the summit of Pico de Posets, and the choice of route depends on factors such as your climbing experience, weather conditions, and seasonal variations. The Normal Route is the most commonly used, starting from the Renclusa Hut.
Difficulty:
The difficulty of climbing Pico de Posets varies depending on the chosen route. While some routes are more technical and require mountaineering skills, the Normal Route is considered a moderately challenging climb, suitable for experienced hikers and climbers.
Season:
The best time to climb Pico de Posets is during the summer months, typically from June to September. During this period, the weather is generally more stable, and the snow and ice conditions are more favorable.
Equipment:
Climbers attempting Pico de Posets should be well-equipped with appropriate gear, including sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing, a helmet, an ice axe, crampons, and a rope. The necessary equipment may vary based on the specific route and conditions.
Guides and Permits:
While it's possible for experienced mountaineers to climb Pico de Posets independently, some climbers choose to hire local guides, especially if they are less experienced or unfamiliar with the terrain. Additionally, it's essential to check whether any permits are required for your climb.
Before planning a climb to Pico de Posets, it's crucial to gather up-to-date information, check weather forecasts, and be aware of any changes in regulations or conditions. Additionally, contacting local authorities or experienced mountaineering organizations in the area can provide valuable insights and assistance in planning a safe and enjoyable ascent