Refuge D'Espingo

The Refuge d'Espingo is located at 1967 m in the Vallée du Larboust above the lakes Lac d'Espingo and Lac de Saussat in the municipality of Oô (Haute-Garonne). The mountain hut belongs to the Fédération Française des Clubs Alpins et de Montagne (FFCAM) and is run by the Toulouse section. It is a stage on the GR10 and the Haute Route Pyrénéenne and a classic base for tours to the high Luchonnais peaks with numerous three-thousand-meter peaks such as Pic des Spijeoles or Grand Quayrat. The hut is manned during the summer season, typically from mid-May to mid-October; outside of this period, an unmanned winter room is available. During the manned period, there is catering and full hut operation, while the winter room has a simple self-catering infrastructure. The hut is suitable for both ambitious mountaineers and families; it has been awarded the "Refuges en famille" label and offers a child-friendly atmosphere. The approach usually begins at the Granges d'Astau parking lot, where a mountain road leads from Bagnères-de-Luchon. From there, follow the GR10 to Lac d'Oô and on to Col d'Espingo; from the parking lot to the hut, you will have to climb around 850 meters in altitude and walk for around 2¾ hours. Alternatively, you can cross over from the Superbagnères ski station via the GR10. The refuge serves as a starting point for multi-day crossings, high mountain hikes, alpine and ski tours and as a base for exploring the nearby lakes and alpine flora and fauna. As always in the high mountains, current conditions, possible route closures and the weather forecast should be checked carefully before embarking on a tour. The first building was erected in the early 1920s, opened in 1923 and destroyed by an avalanche in 1934. The current building was constructed in 1937 in a more sheltered location and was extensively renovated in 2010. It is owned by the FFCAM, and Lionel Marquis and Valentine Pelizzari are currently the hut wardens.