Mountain refuge Abri du col de Piquotalen

The approach to Abri du col de Pificalen It runs through a ground of collate and rounded lomas, in a height of 1003 meters that marks well the character of the place: it is not a comfortable valley bottom or an exposed summit, but a useful step to reorganize the march when time changes or when it is interested to divide a day on the heights of Lacoune . This intermediate position gives it meaning as a free-of-support shelter, especially on routes linking tracks, local trails and half-mountain tours.

In the immediate environment, reliefs appear as Roc des Ecus , Pech d'Aussareses or Pic de Montalet which help to understand the overall orientation of the sector and its role as a transition zone between small cords and open steps. More than as an isolated destination, this coat fits well as a point of protection in the hills or as a reference for days that seek continuity through the PR network and the Tour de Pays des Hautes-Terres d'Oc . It can also be used to link tours such as La Lauze or Les Ardoisières without concentrating all activity on a single output.

Meteorology can be quickly noticed in a passing site like this. In hills and open areas, wind, fog or rain reduce manoeuvre space and make the basic orientation on the ground more important. That is why it should be put forward as a logistical support and not as a place that will resolve in itself a poorly prepared day. In variable conditions, having a map, sufficient battery and protective clothing has more weight than on closed valley routes.

In terms of autonomy, the key data is water. The invented sources are not next to the coat: the nearest ones are just over 3 kilometres away, so it is not appropriate to take for granted an immediate supply. If you plan to use this free shelter as an intermediate point, it is reasonable to go out with enough water or plan in advance where to recharge during the route.

That combination of necklaces, network of trails and near absence of water makes the Abri du col de Pificalen has a clear role: a shelter for mountaineers with a certain autonomy, useful to adjust stages on a journey or to maintain an option to guard on a long day along the heights of the Tarn.