Iconic mountain of the Aspe valley, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, the Ansabère needles and their satellite peaks create a spectacular, almost Dolomitic setting. From the village of Lescun to the summits, whatever the chosen route, the atmosphere is guaranteed. Yet, in winter, the area remains surprisingly neglected considering its potential and the beauty of the place.
In this season, Lescun seems to enter hibernation. The village is the last civilized stop before venturing into the mountains, but only a few shops remain open and accommodation options are rare, even non-existent at certain times. Higher up, no guarded refuge: one must make do with unguarded cabins, basic but precious for shelter or breaking a long approach. The Ansabère, Lhurs, or Pédain cabins are the main shelters in the area, without offering the comfort of a true refuge. The contrast with the summer bustle is striking.
It must be said that one does not come to Lescun by chance. The access is relatively long, especially from the Hautes-Pyrénées, and even more so from Toulouse. A somewhat remote situation that probably explains the tranquility of the place, even when conditions are good.
With its rocky, sharp, and very cut relief, the area is a small paradise for lovers of couloirs and steep slopes. The lines are countless, from relatively accessible small secondary couloirs to large, committed, and exposed routes. An ideal terrain if you like to explore, find your line, and make the track with no one on the horizon. From the mythical north couloir of Ansabère to the wild south face of the Table des Trois Rois, passing by the discreet northwest couloir of Billare, there is something for everyone, provided, of course, you master the techniques and commitment specific to this type of terrain.
But reducing Ansabère to steep slopes would be a mistake. This spectacular relief also hides an excellent playground for more classic ski touring.
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