winter sports resort called Guzet-Neige that is located at the base of the Pic de Freychet (2061 metres) about 43 kilometres southeast of St Girons. The approach to it is a particularly beautiful bike ride along the Gorges de Ribaouto to the small town of Oust.
Guzet-Neige can be reached in two ways from Oust: up the Garbet valley and over the Col de Latrape, or by following the river Alet, which is the most direct way and the way that the Tour de France climbs to Guzet-Neige.
The climb starts in the Ustou valley at a place called Le Trein d’Ustou. You cross a small bridge and leave the valley by a series of lacets that start at Serac. This bit is quite hard, so that is another reason why a nice ride along the valley before you begin the climb is a good idea. It will ensure that you are fully warmed up.
The road then straightens, dips into and out of the forest that covers much of the lower part of the climb, and the gradient eases slightly up to where the road from the Col de Latrape joins it at a very tight hairpin bend. From there the gradient steepens again and a couple of lacets take you up to the steepest pitch of the climb, which comes just before you enter Guzet-Neige and start to see the ski lifts.
The climb isn’t over yet as the last part through the streets of the ski resort is still hard. It’s a nice resort, a place of tasteful, well-made chalets that are dotted amid the pines. It all blends together quite naturally.
At the top of the climb you can ride a bit further on a road that branches to the right and goes to the Col d’Escot. There you get good views of the mountains that form a circle around the resort, including in the far distance, and to the southeast, the Estats (3144 metres) and Montcalm (3077 metres), the two highest peaks of the Ariège.
WHICH WAY?
St Girons on the northern edge of the Pyrenees is the nearest big town to Guzet-Neige. Take the D618 south out of St Girons, then turn right onto the D3 to Oust. In Oust continue on the D3 (Guzet-Neige is also signposted in Oust on the D32, but that takes you over the Col de Latrape first). At the Pont de la Taule turn left onto the D8. At the Col de Latrape junction follow the D68 to the summit.
Towards Guzet-Neige from the Col de la Core
The Spanish border mountains
Col de Menté
‘OCANA’S DOWNFALL’
Length: 10.9 km
Altitude: 1349 metres
Height gain: 716 metres
Average gradient: 6.6%
Maximum gradient: 11%
WHAT TO EXPECT
Starting at the foot of the Col de Portet d’Aspet, the Col de Menté has had a long involvement with the Tour de France. It’s a classic climb, full of history. Not a long one or that high, but it has a sinuous, secluded feel that is typical of the Pyrenees and it has an air of peace so you can really appreciate where you are.
The climb starts at the Pont de l’Oule, and it is easy to miss if you are riding the descent of the Portet d’Aspet. You are looking for a sharp left turn about two kilometres after the Casartelli memorial. Coming in the other direction it is much easier to see the signpost to the climb.
The first part of the climb is through the quite dense forest that grows on the sides of the Ger valley, which is especially beautiful in autumn. The first two kilometres climb at less than four percent, but then there is an 500 metre section of eleven percent that eases slightly to just under ten for the next kilometre. After that comes a short descent, then the climb starts properly.
It’s fairly unrelenting now until the top. The road breaks from the forest and climbs a set of lacets, then spears eastwards in a straight line. This is a specially beautiful part of the climb as it traverses crazily angled fields that are studded with wild flowers. Traffic is rare because there are quicker ways into the upper Garonne valley than by the Col de Menté.
More lacets take you to a junction with an old forest road, the Col de Clin, and from there the road goes more or less straight to the top, where a road heads off to the left through a dense pine forest to the ski station of Mourtis. The ski station has hosted two stage finishes of the Tour de France. There is a café at the top too, if you need refreshing.
The Col de Menté is the location for one of the world’s toughest duathlon races. It comprises a nine kilometres run, an 85 kilometre bike ride that includes two ascents of the Menté, and a 16 kilometre run to finish. It’s usually held at the end of July, so it’s hot as well as hard.
WHICH WAY?
There aren’t many big towns close to the Col de Menté. St Gaudens is 25 kilometres away but a good base. Head southeast on the D5 until you see the right turn along the D85 signposted to the col. Follow the D85, then the D44 to the top. Otherwise you could climb the Col de Portet d’Aspet from St Girons and turn left for the Col de Menté at the end of the descent.
