Key takeaways
- Decide now: book Refugio de La Renclusa early for July–August and confirm opening dates on the refuge page.
- Rule of thumb: travel roped across the Aneto glacier unless the route is visibly ice-free and your team has recent glacier experience (glacier travel basics).
- Common pitfall: underestimating afternoon storms — start pre-dawn and be ready to turn back if conditions worsen (check meteorology at AEMET).
Quick checklist
- Check current mountain weather and forecast (AEMET forecast).
- Map + offline nav; load GPX and leave your plan with someone. See our essential gear guide.
- Bring crampons, ice axe, harness, 30–60 m rope for glacier travel, and basic crevasse-rescue kit (rope length guidance).
- Sun protection, wind layers, headlamp, and enough food/water for delays.
Standard route: La Besurta → Renclusa → Aneto summit
The classic line starts at the La Besurta parking (Benasque valley), follows the marked trail up-valley to Refugio de La Renclusa, then gains the Aneto glacier and the summit ridge. The summit altitude is 3,404 m (11,168 ft) (Aneto — elevation).
Step-by-step itinerary (typical 1–2 day plan)
- Day 0 — arrive and prepare: Get to Benasque, confirm refuge booking, check equipment, and speak with refuge staff about current glacier conditions.
- Day 1 — approach: Walk from La Besurta to Refugio de La Renclusa. Times vary with pace and load—plan for a moderate approach and arrive early enough to sort rope and gear.
- Day 2 — summit day: Start pre-dawn. From Renclusa cross the glacier using rope-team technique, reach the base of the summit ridge, then climb the ridge to the top. Return the same way.
Glacier hazards and rope-team decision flow
The Aneto glacier has crevasses and changes year-to-year. If there is continuous snow or visible glacial ice on the approach to the summit ridge, operate as a rope team. If the glacier is fully melted out and the line is rock or packed snow without visible crevasses, normal alpine scrambling techniques may apply — but only with recent local knowledge.
Practical rules and equipment
- Always carry: crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet, and a 30–60 m climbing rope sized to team needs (rope selection).
- Crevasse-rescue kit: prusiks or mechanical ascenders, a pulley or cordelette, and slings. Practice crevasse-rescue skills on flat ground before you go.
- Team size: 2–4 on one rope is common. Keep even spacing and consistent step length; watch for hidden snow bridges.
Refuge choice and booking notes
Refugio de La Renclusa is the standard base for the normal Aneto route. Book early for mid-summer; refuge staff are the best source for last-minute condition updates and often advise whether the glacier line is safe that week. Confirm opening dates and reservations on the refuge page or local Benasque tourism sites before you travel.
| Refuge | Role | Booking tip |
|---|---|---|
| Refugio de La Renclusa | Base for summit day | Reserve directly; check opening dates and arrival times |
FAQ
Is a rope team necessary for the Aneto standard route?
Yes — crevasses exist on the Aneto glacier and rope travel is the safe default unless the glacier is clearly free of crevasses and you have recent glacier experience. See glacier basics for teams (glacier travel basics).
Which refuge should I use and how do I book it?
Use Refugio de La Renclusa for the normal route. Book well ahead for July–August and confirm opening dates by contacting the refuge or checking regional refuge listings.
Can I climb Aneto in one day from the valley?
Very fit, fast teams sometimes do an all-day push from La Besurta, but most parties split the trip with a night at Renclusa to reduce risk and fatigue. If you plan one day, treat it as a long alpine day with early start and conservative turnaround times.
What basic crevasse rescue gear should I carry?
Carry prusiks or mechanical ascenders, a pulley or cordelette, slings, and a 30–60 m rope sized to your team. Practice the rescue sequence before you go (rope guidance).
