UKC

We're planning a family hike for July, including some high passes. Balaitous/Vignemale area. Yes it's some way off yet, but I'd be interested to know how much snow there currently is...? Thanks

Still quite a lot above about 1800m but it look set to be one of the earliest-clearing winters for a while, so unless some bad storms happen in the next few weeks I would think July should be as clear as you could hope for.

Check out albergesyrefugios aragon webcam

Pics from all the refuges webcam

(Sorry can't link to it at the moment )

Thanks both, sounds promising John

I walked Stage 2 of the HRP last July and it was only the Port du Lavedan (ice field) and the Col de Fache (slushy snow) that proved tricky; crampons were necessary for the PdL, we took the variant route. Refuge Wallon (avoid like the plague!) to Refuge Baysellance was free of snow but a week earlier apparently also required crampons and axe.

There was late snowfall last year and apparently a lot more snow hung on than normal so given the lean winter just gone, I wouldn't expect there to be much left come July.

P.S. definitely stay at Refuge d'Arremoulit, it's beautiful!

Great, thanks! It's good to have refuge recommendations: I would normally camp, but with two small kids we're taking the easy option

completely agree with John but note that snow is forecast next week over several days - quantity unknown so worth a further check in a few weeks.

Good idea, the Arremoulit hut is being enlarged which will probably ruin things for ever. The  C.A.F sadly think that bigger is better. 

Really? That's sad - the lakeside itself is pretty cramped as it is, it can't take too many people. I am afraid any enlargement won't help but bring more... Wallon is an easy walk from car parking at Pont d'Espagne, therefore it can be quite crowded

The enlargement will add an extra 15 places, so there is hope that the hut retains some of it's charm.

I was there last August, walked up from the Caillou de Socques, by way of the famous Passage Orteig. ( approach over 1000m. A real killer with a huge sack !). There are easier options via  the Petit Train d'Artouste !  Bivvied by the lake but ate in the hut ( food most acceptable ! ). A magical place !