Port of Venasque and the Crabides ridge - loop from the Hospice of France

Hike organized by the Blagnac Mountain Club. Thanks to Philippe for organizing and navigating. The objective was the Pic de Sauvegarde (2,736 m). My shoes were soaked in the snow, which was difficult to traverse. I preferred to wait for the rest of the group at the port of Vénasque with another person because the ascent to the peak was beyond my abilities. Congratulations to the five brave souls who reached the summit after a great effort.

Departure from the Venasque refuge to first make the easy climb to the Port of Venasque. A view of Aneto and the Maladeta massif is superb, we can't wait to be at the top of Pic de Sauvegarde. After a short descent, we follow a path going to the right, a few rocky passages sometimes quite steep and dangerous, but without too much difficulty in dry weather (protection by a handrail). The Pic de Sauvegarde 2738m gives an exceptional 360° panorama. The best viewpoint to admire the Maladeta and the Aneto, but also on the upper Luchonnais: Perdiguere, Maupas, Quayrat, Cécire and further away the Arbizon and Mont Ne. The descent is carried out by the same path, passing under the Port de Venasque, and crossing on the side under the Pic de la Mine, lawn and scree follow one another until the Port de la Picade. Pass the Pas de l'Escalette, and then a long descent to the Hospice de France