A fine outing in the Tabe massif, with an assault on the Pic de Soularac via its southern ridge. The ascent of the ridge leading to the summit, wide at first, becomes narrower and more aerial, with a section to climb with skis on your back and a few steep, fairly exposed passages. The view from the summit is spectacular, perhaps one of the finest in the Catalan and Ariège Pyrenees. The descent option via the south couloir is superb, with an ideal slope for enjoying yourself.
AU sommet du Pic de Soularac
Technical summary
► Starting point: Luzenac talc quarry, Lordat, Ariège (09) ►Type of route: ski touring, loop route ► Direction: South ►Climbing distance: 5.25 km ►Difficulty: F-4.1-E1 ►Maximum gradient: 35°/40°. ►Difference in altitude : +1000 m ►Estimated total time: 3h30 to 5h ► Min and max altitude: 1420 m / 2368 m ►Equipment : crampons, knives
Difficulties: a passage to climb without difficulty at the end of the Nadel ridges and before descending to the Techeyrou pass, some steep and exposed passages in the final part.
Access to the place
On the N20 between Tarascon and Ax-les-Thermes, turn into Luzenac. Follow the road up to Lordat via Garanou and Vernaux. On leaving Lordat, climb the road towards the talc quarries. Park just before the final parking lot, at the start of a track that climbs to the left.
Itinerary description
Course
Part 1: from the parking lot to the Nadel ridge
Follow the track through the first hairpin bend, then cut across the second to rejoin the track higher up, just before the quarry buildings. At this point, leave the track and climb due north to reach the ridge, which is very wide at this point. Follow the edge of the ridge, generally on the summer path, passing over the Beseil pond and quarry. The route bends slightly to the right, and this is the start of the Nadel.
Part 2: Nadel to Col de Techeyrou
Continue along the ridge, which becomes narrower and emptier to the east. You soon find the section to climb on foot. Climb up small ledges, alternating rock and snow, and exit at the summit to put your skis back on. Then descend to the wide flat, climb a little and cross the Col de Techeyrou.
Part 3: the final stretch to the summit of Soularac
Climb the ramp on the other side of the col and follow the western slope to avoid the intermediate summit. After the traverse, climb to the right over a small steep combe (where the southern descent couloir begins) to return to the ridge. Follow the edge of the ridge, pass through a gap to the left of a large boulder and climb up behind it on a fairly exposed lip on the left. Climb another steep section to reach the antecedent summit. Walk around it to the left and finish on the summit promontory.
4th part: descent via the south couloir
From the summit, ski down the east-facing slope, avoiding the antecima, then down the small combe at the start of the Couloir Sud. Descend the entire southern couloir, with an ideal slope averaging around 30°. As the couloir widens, it's time to start traversing to the left to try and keep as much height as possible. We pass under the Nadel ridge, then lower down, cross the track and continue downhill, slanting gradually to the south-east. Finally, rejoin the main trail and glide gently back to the starting parking lot.
Map & topo
The routes shown on the topographical map and on the southern descent corridor are indicative only.
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