COMA DEL FORN PEAK FROM LA PLETA DEL PRAT
In Tavascan, in the heart of the Lleida Pyrenees, the ascent to the Coma del Forn peak awaits you, one of the best viewpoints in the High Pyrenees, located at the head of the Cardós valley. An ideal route if you're looking for nature, spectacular views, and high mountain scenery.
This is a linear route of 6.8 km (round trip), with a cumulative elevation gain of 965 m, which will take you to the summit of Coma del Forn (2,685 m) starting from the Pleta del Prat refuge. You begin the route at the Tavascan ski resort, ascending along the Mascarida stream, passing through Pleta de Gavàs and reaching the Mascarida lakes and the Devil's Lake.
The ascent continues along the shores of the Mascarida de Dalt lakes and flanks the southern slope of the mountain until reaching the ridge of the Coma del Forn peak, where you reach the summit. The descent follows the same route.
Located in the northernmost part of the High Pyrenees Natural Park, between the Tavascan and Gola valleys, the Coma del Forn peak is a pyramid-shaped mountain highly prized by hikers, ski touring enthusiasts, and snowshoeers. While a classic winter route, it's also perfect in summer, when you'll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views in every direction, thanks to its secluded and privileged location.
The best part of the route
The spectacular views of the High Pyrenees from the summit and throughout the ascent.
The glacial lakes of Mascarida, del Diablo and Mascarida de Dalt, one of the great attractions of the route.
The livestock tradition of the Pyrenees, visible in the mountain huts of Pleta de Gavàs and in the legends surrounding the Devil's Lake.
•
Duration:
Full day.
•
Total effective time (without stops):
5:35 h in total: 3:05 h from the Pleta del Prat refuge to the Coma del Forn peak and 2:30 h to return from the summit to the refuge along the same path.
•
Cumulative elevation gain:
965 m.
•
Difficulty:
High.
•
Season:
All year round. In winter, the route must be completed with snowshoes or mountain skis.
•
Material:
In winter conditions: snowshoes or mountain skis, ice axe, crampons, DVA, shovel and probe.
•
Cartography:
Pica d'Estats - Mont-roig. Vallferrera - Vall de Cardós. Scale 1:25,000. Alpina Publishing.
•
Notes:
In winter conditions, it is essential to consult the avalanche risk forecast before starting this route. The first section to the Meli plain can also be done on the other side of the ravine (on the slopes). This option is safer in winter.
•
How to get there by car:
From Sort, take the C-13 highway north to Llavorsí. In this village, leave the C-13 highway and turn right onto the L-504/C-381 highway toward Tírvia. Continue along this highway and soon reach a roundabout, where you take the north exit toward Ribera de Cardós, Lladorre, and Tavascan. Continue along the L-504 highway to Tavascan. Leave the village behind and continue uphill. Pass by the Bordas de Graus and Bordas de Quanca mountains and continue along the highway to the end, where you will find the Tavascan ski resort and the Pleta del Prat refuge, the starting point of our route.