The Maladeta Massif and the routes to Aneto
The Maladeta massif is one of the most emblematic landscapes of the Aragonese Pyrenees and is undoubtedly the defining feature of the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park . This protected area, declared in 1994, covers more than 33.000 hectares, encompassing the valleys of Barrabés, Benasque, and Chistau. Within its boundaries rises the highest concentration of peaks over 3.000 meters in the entire mountain range, crowned by the legendary Aneto , at 3.404 meters, considered the highest point in the Pyrenees.
Mountaineering on Aneto is a unique experience that attracts thousands of enthusiasts and experts every year. The classic routes to Aneto start from La Besurta, ascending to the Renclusa refuge, the starting point for the climb. From there, mountaineers cross the Maladeta glacier, a breathtakingly beautiful landscape, until they reach the famous ridge that leads to the summit.
But it's not just Aneto that inspires passion. The Maladeta massif itself , with peaks like Maladeta Oriental and Pico Abadías, offers routes of great natural and sporting value. These mountains are also home to glacial lakes, cirques sculpted by ice, and high-mountain ecosystems that constitute a true natural treasure in the Pyrenees.
Furthermore, the network of staffed mountain refuges —Renclusa, Estós, Ángel Orús, Cap de Llauset or Biadós— facilitates mountaineering in the Maladeta , allowing you to plan multi-day treks and discover less traveled corners.
Visiting Aneto in the Pyrenees is not just a sporting activity, but also an experience of connecting with a wild environment, full of natural and cultural history, which symbolizes the grandeur of the Aragonese Pyrenees.