This week’s feature canyon comes from the central part of the French Pyrenees, in the Ariege department!
Location: Vallee du Vicdessos, Ariege, Midi-Pyrenees, France
Rating: V4.A3.IV
Type of rock: schist
Best time of the year to visit: August to October
Description:
Located at the foothills of the famous Montcalm Peak of Ariege, (3077m) and providing spectacular views of other classics in the region, this lengthy descent is perfectly exposed to the sun, providing mainly vertical obstacles with some nice, clear pools where to slide until reaching the main 50m waterfall. This is the most interesting canyon in the Ariege, completely rebolted by ICOpro Instructors.
It provides a total of 40 rappels, most of them back-to-back, the perfect place for those who like to practice their technical ropework and be more efficient on both vertical and horizontal progression.
To reach the upper part you must hike to 2230m (approx. 3hrs of approach); alternatively you can start at 1700m for the lower part (+/- 3.5hrs descent).
The canyon topography can be downloaded FOR FREE by clicking here and registering.
Practical Information:
Canyon descent : +/- 5.30hrs
Gradient loss: 760m
Access : steep approach of 3hrs, return 40min
Speleo-Canyon-Ariege, an ICOpro Instructors Training Center, is the only center in the Ariege offering trips at Estat Canyon. You must be certified Canyoneer Initiation (CAI) to take part on this trip.
For more information:
Website : www.speleo-canyon-ariege.com
Email : contact@speleo-canyon-ariege.com
Phone : +33630312452
Office : Acca de Niaux, Route de la Vexane 09400 Niaux
Social media
Facebook : facebook.com/speleo.canyon.ariege
Trip advisor : Speleo-Canyon-Ariege
Instagram : @speleo_canyon_ariege
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ICOpro’s CA1-2-3 Manuals
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The Manual Canyoneer Level 3, includes methods and techniques of horizontal progression, set-up and rigging, and basic rescue techniques. This manual allowing you to progress autonomously through a moderate risk canyon.
