Aneto, one of the most desired summit among high mountain enthusiasts since it is the highest point in the Pyrenees (3 404 meters); an assorted route that progresses through different types of terrain such as stone quarries, climbing areas, glacier... The ascent is full of contrast and has two main ways to the summit: The classic one, through La Renclusa mountain refuge, crosses the Portillón Superior and the Aneto’s glacier; and the southern route goes through Coronas lakes and links the classic way almost at the end.
The Aneto's legend
Legend has it that when the last flames of the fire that killed Pirene extinguished, the snow covered everything. With the melting of the snow, life returned to the forest, people started to build towns and the giants, attracted by the beauty of these mountains, also took them as their dwelling. However, as giants were dreaded and despised by the gods, they used to live hidden in the depths of the valley. One of those giants, famous for being malevolent and bad-tempered was known as Netú and used to live lost in the mountains together with his sheep.
One day, a beggar appeared in Benasque Valley and rapidly gained the locals affection since he was skilful telling tales for both youngsters and adults. Restless and eager to explore the world, he decided to continue his way after some months.
The locals warned him about Netú but he continued his way and went deep into the valley. After several days of trip, water and food run out but luckily he glimpsed a flock and popped into it. All of a sudden, Netú the giant appeared to protect his sheep. Instead of running away, the beggar asked him for help but the giant, loyal to his bad temper and his greed, refused to give him neither water nor food. “Be thankful that I allow you to leave alive”, he said.
Surprised by such greed, the beggar answered him calmly: “Your heart is hard as a rock, if only you all turn into a stone” and, in that very moment, Netú observed how his body petrified, becoming a great rock within seconds. And, what we know nowadays as the Aneto summit is, in fact, Netú turned into stone.
Aneto's climb
The spectacular climb to Aneto Peak is a great challenge for all those who have ever dreamed of reaching it. It is a long, tough and demanding route.
Better climb it with a professional guide!
There are two common itineraries to reach Aneto Peak, the most traditional, through the north hillside, leaves from La Besurta (through the Portillón or through Salterillo), and another one in the south hillside that leaves from Puente de Coronas in Vallibierna. The rest of routes are technically more demanding.
Climb from La Besurta
The traditional climb to the highest Pyrenees summit starts in the parking lot of La Besurta (1900 m) where we will take the path towards La Renclusa mountain refuge (2140 m; 50 minutes).
Once we have outpaced the refuge, we will have to look for the climbing marks over the Crencha d’els Portillons, gaining height amid forests and granite blocks and leaving the Portillón Inferior (2736 m) aside. Later on, we will arrive to the Portillón Superior (2895 m; 3 h 5 min) crossing it to reach the other hillside.
From the other hillside, we will lose some height in search of Aneto’s glacier to climb the slope by tracing a diagonal that will lead us to Collada Corones (3208 m; 4 h 20 min).
Once there, where the route that climbs from Coronas converges, we will have to cope with the last glacier ice in order to arrive to the pre-summit. Before reaching the objective, we will have to overcome the last obstacle, the Puente de Mahoma, a risky and tight pass between rocks that requires being extremely cautious. After it, we will arrive to the real Aneto’s summit (3404 m; 5 h).
The way back can be made by retracing the same itinerary or descending directly towards the Basa d’el Salterillo and the end of Barrancs valley that will lead us to Plan d’Aigualluts. Once there, we will have to follow the evident path to arrive again to La Besurta parking lot (8 h 40 min).
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