Montsent de Pallars is perhaps the star peak of Vall Fosca and a must-do ascent. The proposed itinerary represents a common alternative to end a stay at the Colomina refuge, making the return journey to Sallente worthwhile.
DADES TÈCNIQUES
Inici
Refugi de Colomina (cota 2420 m)
Distància
8,7 km
Desnivell
+650 m / -1300 m
Cota màx./mín.
1770 m / 2858 m
Dificultat
Temps
5h
Tipus
Travessa
Orientació
Totes
Terreny
Exigent
Modalitat
DESCRIPTION
The start of the itinerary to Coma d’Espòs follows the same route as in itinerary 2.2. Once the rocky ridge has been overcome, we glide to the Coma de l’Espòs. From the Font Blanca pond we continue in a S direction in a gentle ascent to the western ridge of Tossalet de la Coma at about 2680 m. Once overcome, we continue to plan, at the end in a slight descent, along its southern slope to the Coma Plana pass (2698 m). (2500m).
SAFETY AND PRACTICAL ADVICE
The terrain characteristics result in few visual references, and therefore, in low visibility, we must refrain from undertaking this crossing and return from the refuge via the usual ascent route. The critical passage of the route is located at Pas de l’Ós. We must not face it with clear instability conditions especially in situations with recent cold or windblown snow as its shady orientation causes instability conditions to persist longer. From Tossalet de la Coma, we can assess the remaining ascent and the upper part of the descent and decide whether to venture into this more exposed terrain or return directly via Coma d’Espòs. During the descent of Montsent, we must be very careful not to expose ourselves more than necessary. The rocky outcrops at the bottom of the north face and the exit of Montsent’s Passages are the key points of the descent.
