Cresta de Salenques Tempestades, Day 1
The cresta de Salenques Tempestades is one of the finest in the Pyrenees. It's one of the most sought after ridge lines in the entire mountain range. There are several reasons for this. Probably the most significant is because it culminates at Pico Aneto, the highest point in the Pyrenees. Another reason is that most of the ridge line is above 3000m in height, making this climb an advanced outing in an alpine setting.
The name of this ridge line can be confusing because it suggests that it is just one ridge line. However, to complete this high mountain journey, you actually need to combine two ridge lines, Salenques and Tempestades. These two ridge lines can be done separately, doing each ridge by itself in one day. However, linking them together allows for a complete two-day high altitude ridge climbing experience. And you finish on top of Aneto, with it's 3404m of altitude making it the highest summit in the Pyrenees.
Cresta de Salenques Tempestades, where to sleep
The most enjoyable way to experience this incredible alpine setting is to plan for a two day excursion. On the first day you can do the 5-6hr approach hike from the valley floor and tackle Salenques ridge. Plan to sleep on the ridge that night. Setting up a bivouac at over 3000m is an incredible experience. There are ample places for bivouacs along the ridge line. Depending on your energy levels, technical prowess, and climbing efficiency during the day, access how you are feeling and moving and set up your bivouac before night fall. The sunset will not disappoint!
A good reference point is to try to get to Pico Margalida for the night. This is about the half-way point of the entire journey. It also marks the end of Salenques ridge. So sleeping around here sets you up nicely for the second day, starting Tempestades ridge and arriving at Aneto by mid-day.
A one day push of the entire ridge line is possible but this will be a very long day. To do so you should be an advanced alpinist and be able to move quickly and comfortably through high mountain and technical terrain.
For other ridge climbing experiences in Spain, contact us. There are lots of ridges all over the country.