Line 2 - Crossing the Pyrenees on ski touring

750 km, 52,000 m of positive and negative elevation gain, 48 stages. The La Ligne 2 expedition is much more than a simple sporting challenge. It is a human and environmental adventure embodying the values of authenticity and respect for nature.

On January 16, 2025, three adventure and ski touring enthusiasts – Lucas, Luc, and Paul – will set off from the Mediterranean to reach the Atlantic. Their goal: to cross the Pyrenean massif on ski touring, powered by their own legs and in complete autonomy.

In a world where great adventures always seem to take us to the other side of the globe, the La Ligne 2 team proves that the extraordinary can be found right on our doorstep. No need for long flights: this expedition highlights a local and responsible adventure.

To reinforce this commitment, all transitions will be done on foot, and round trips will be made using public transport.

One night at the Airoto refuge and the chance to look back on the first 20 days of the La Ligne expedition, in the heart of the Pyrenees as the midpoint of our crossing is soon reached.

If we had to sum up these first days in one sentence, we would say that the Pyrenees were tough on us, but we held on. Like a warning to the three young trekkers we were, we endured rain, snow, and wind for nearly fifteen days. Snow on the hiking trails, grass at high altitude. Yet we continued, drawn by landscapes more beautiful each day, mountains whiter each day.

Our journey began on the beach of Banyuls. A farewell to the sea and we were off for almost a week of carrying before reaching the first skiable snows. Here, skiing is earned, and in the evening under the tent, we dreamed of lightening our packs and finally sliding the seal skins down the slopes of Canigó, the first major summit of our route.

But Canigó and its entire massif had a different opinion. For nearly five days, we struggled with too much snow to walk and too little to ski. A real battle that turned into a fight against the wind in Ariège and Andorra, massifs where we finally could put on our skis with peace of mind.

As a true reward, after these trials, we have been navigating for nearly five days between bright sunshine and cinematic snow. The Mont Roig massif offered us a magnificent spectacle of snowy valleys and lakes as well as beautiful sunsets, at the cost of icy bivouacs. Enough to double our motivation before facing the highest peaks of the range.

Also, we have not yet reached the halfway point of the expedition and already, the adventure is rich in encounters. Many people we met along the way or who follow us on social media have shown strong support, giving us a lot of strength to continue.

Tomorrow, we will approach the Encantats under a still radiant sun. We savor our luck to be here a little more each day and hope to continue enjoying these beautiful conditions.

The La Ligne team is no stranger to expeditions. In 2022, the friends took on a similar challenge: traveling from the Mediterranean Sea to Lake Geneva by ski touring and on foot across the French Alps. A film recounts the 518 km, 36,000 m of positive elevation gain, and the story of their friendship.

Lucas is passionate about mountains and visual creation. A talented photographer and videographer, he will work to capture the key moments of this expedition to create a short film worthy of their adventure.

Eco-construction engineer and lover of wide open spaces, Luc is the environmental pillar of the group. His worldview guides the responsible choices of the expedition.

Outdoor textile product designer, Paul is an experienced adventurer. His technical expertise will be essential to face the extreme winter conditions of the Pyrenees.

Beyond the physical challenge, this crossing is a strong human adventure. The three friends will share every moment, from setting up the tent to the toughest descents, strengthening bonds forged by years of shared passion.

The spirit of the expedition is based on maximum autonomy. The tent, their main shelter, will allow them to free themselves from the constraints of refuges and dive into the heart of the wild Pyrenees.

From 100% vegetarian food to the exclusive use of responsible technical materials, every detail has been designed to reduce the environmental impact of this adventure. These values strongly resonate with those of Lagoped, proud partner of the expedition.

Crossing the Pyrenees in winter means facing a perilous and unpredictable environment. With their 750 km of ridges, snowy summits, and deep valleys, the Pyrenees promise daily challenges:

• Extreme weather conditions
• Technical and physical ascents
• Complex self-sufficient logistics

Yet, it is this wild setting that will allow them to live a total immersion.

• 750 km of ski touring

• 52,000 m of positive and negative elevation gain

• 48 stages

To experience this expedition with them, follow their Instagram page: @expe_la_ligne Every step, every summit, every storm will be shared with passion.