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Snow usually remains on the high passes until June, and even into early July in some years. Heavy winter snows return any time from mid-October onwards, so the season for the summer hill walker lasts from about mid-June until the end of September. Only the experienced and well-equipped mountaineer or cross-country skier should venture on this route between November and May.

Many of the gîtes d’étape and refuges do not open until mid-June (see Appendix 1). The majority of the French take their holidays between 14 July (Bastille Day) and 15 August (Assumption), so gîtes d’étape, refuges and hotels are likely to be very crowded during this period. The second half of August and the first half of September are possibly the best periods to go walking in these mountains. Snow is by then usually absent from even the highest cols and peaks, the weather tends to be warm, sunny and fairly settled, and the gîtes d’étape and refuges have relatively few guests, but still remain open.

On the descent to Les Fonts de Cervières (Stage 8 – Alternative Route)