It appears that Marcadau owes its name to the livestock market that was organised in Pla de Goule between the French, Aragonese, and Navarrese since the 14th century. This wild and remote region offers optimal conditions to satisfy lovers of snowboarding and ski touring.
A historic district and mountain refuge, diverse peaks and routes, excellent snow cover, and for many enthusiasts more accustomed to snowboarding and alpine skiing on the southern slopes of the Pyrenees, the appeal lies in discovery. The most natural and convenient access to this privileged area is from Plateau du Clot, past Pont d’Espagne – better known as the starting point of the Gaube valley, the gateway to the imposing Vignemale.
It’s also possible to reach the area from Aragon by crossing the Col de la Facha or Col de Marcadau, though both options are less direct and of such length and commitment that they constitute significant traverses in themselves.
Right at the heart of the region, where livestock trading once took place, stands the Wallon Refuge. Its surroundings, with streams cutting through snow and scattered pines, invite a peaceful and relaxed stay. So does the vast and comfortable lodge, one of the oldest in the Pyrenees.
Founded in 1906 and having undergone several modifications, it still retains its old-world charm. The refuge is named after a renowned 19th-century geographer and great explorer of this Pyrenean region. From here, three well-defined valleys fan out: Cambalés, Marcadau, and Arratille. Their respective courses mark the main hiking routes to no fewer than 10 rideable peaks.
The region’s main summit is Gran Facha, a 3,000er much loved by our French neighbours. Its appearance is imposing, and though it’s practically climbed in pilgrimage on 5th August for the Feast of Our Lady of the Snows, the winter route is no trivial matter, with a long and airy final climb.
Beyond this ascent, the broad mountain cirque surrounding Wallon Refuge offers other equally magnificent possibilities for snowboarding and ski touring: Soum de Bassia, Bernat Barrau, Cambalés, Pene d’Aragon, Petite Fache, Pantet, Punta de la Muga, Grand Pic de Peterneille, Jumeaux, and Alphonse Meillon provide excellent routes and, above all, thrilling direct descents. These peaks, though more anonymous than "La Facha", are interesting objectives that encourage extending your stay at Wallon.
For snowboarders and ski tourers, if all this isn’t enough, there’s also the possibility of beautiful traverses to nearby refuges. Respomuso via Col de la Facha, Panticosa via Port de Marcadau, and Oulettes de Gaube via Cols d’Arratille and Mulets – all a day’s journey from Wallon – allow for circular itineraries as well as other traverse combinations. In this case, stage combinations depend only on the adventurer’s imagination and stamina, enabling the planning of a high-quality "high route". The limit lies in available time and leg strength!
The northerly orientation and the refuge’s altitude (1,865 m) guarantee good snow cover. Considering the massif’s western position, more prone to heavy snowfall than other areas of the Pyrenees, it’s even safe to say that early-season snow may be excessive, at least in terms of safety conditions.
All things considered, the best time to visit Marcadau with skis or a snowboard is spring, as the average heights of the peaks also ensure good vertical drops, nearly always around 1,000 skiable metres. That said, this type of orientation is no guarantee, especially given the climatic irregularities we face today.
In all cases, and though the proposed routes aren’t highly exposed to avalanches, it’s worth remembering that winter travel in the Western and Central Pyrenees always requires solid knowledge of conditions and continuous risk assessment. One of the golden rules of adventure sports is to be well-prepared.
