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Line 2 - Crossing the Pyrenees on ski touring
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Time to read 4 min
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Time to read 4 min
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 that embodies 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 Pyrenees massif on ski touring , using their legs and in complete autonomy.
In a world where great adventures always seem to take us halfway around the globe, the team at La Ligne 2 proves that the extraordinary can be found right on our doorstep . No need for long plane rides: this expedition showcases a local, responsible adventure .
To reinforce this commitment, all transitions will be on foot, and the outward and return journeys will be made by public transport.
A night at the Airoto refuge and the opportunity to look back on the first 20 days of the La Ligne expedition, in the heart of the Pyrenees as we soon reach the halfway point of our crossing.
If we had to sum up these first days in one sentence, we would say that the Pyrenees were hard on us, but we held on. As a warning to the three young traverses that we were, we endured rain, snow and wind for nearly fifteen days. Snow on the hiking trails, grass at high altitude. Yet we continued, attracted by landscapes that were more beautiful every day, mountains that were whiter every day.
Our journey began on the beach of Banyuls. A farewell to the sea and we were off for almost a week of portage before reaching the first skiable snows. Here, skiing is earned and in the evening under the tent, we dreamed of lightening our bags and finally sliding the seal skins on the slopes of Canigó, the first important summit of our itinerary.
But the Canigó and its entire massif did not agree. For almost five days, we battled 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 were finally able to put on our skis with serenity.
As a real reward, after these events we have been sailing for almost five days between a bright sun and cinematic snow. The Mont Roig massif offered us a magnificent spectacle of snow-covered valleys and lakes as well as beautiful sunsets, at the cost of glacial bivouacs. Enough to redouble our motivation before tackling the highest peaks of the chain.
Also, we have not yet reached the half of the expedition and already, the adventure is rich in encounters. Many people we met on our way or following us on the networks have shown us 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 to benefit from these beautiful conditions.
This is not the first expedition for the La Ligne team. In 2022, the friends took on a similar challenge: to reach the Mediterranean Sea from Lake Geneva by crossing the French Alps on ski touring and on foot. A film retraces the 518 km, 36,000 m of 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 highlights of this expedition to create a medium-length film that lives up to their adventure.
An eco-construction engineer and lover of the great outdoors, Luc is the environmental pillar of the group. His view of the world guides the expedition's responsible choices.
Designer of outdoor textile products, Paul is a seasoned 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 most arduous descents, strengthening the bonds woven by years of shared passion.
The spirit of the expedition is based on maximum autonomy . The tent, their main refuge, will allow them to free themselves from the constraints of shelters and dive into the heart of the wild Pyrenees.
From the 100% vegetarian diet 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, snow-capped peaks and deep valleys, the Pyrenees promise daily challenges:
However, it is this wild setting that will allow them to experience total immersion.
750 km of ski touring
52,000 m of positive and negative elevation gain
48 steps
To experience this expedition with them, follow them on their Instagram page: @expe_la_ligne . Each stage, each summit, each storm will be shared with passion.