Mountain refuge Chalet forestier de Courtal-Jouan

Between Mérenses-les-Vals and the Ariège's cords

At 1541 meters, Villa forester de Courtal-Jouan it is located in a mountain strip where the forest gives way to more open slopes and to reliefs that link valleys, loins and secondary tops of the surroundings of Mérens-les-Vals. Its position, in the sector of the chemin du Llata, places it in a useful area to orient between the valley bottom and the elevations that close this stretch of the Ariège. References such as Cap de Carbone and Pic de Truseilles which help to understand the mountainous character of the sector and the progressive exposure to time as you gain height.

More than an isolated destination, it works as a support within a network of itineraries that combines local routes with pirenaic crossing. The presence of GR 10 In the vicinity it strengthens its interest to divide days or link steps between valleys on a long route along the northern side of the Pyrenees. In addition, there are signposted paths of the environment, such as the routes to Couillet de Bergon or the local routes of the Ax and Mérens sector, which expand the options of approach or link without making the place an exclusively passing point.

It should be raised as mountain shelter basic support and with prudent planning. The altitude is not extreme, but is sufficient to notice rapid changes in meteorology, wet or cold terrain out of season and a greater sense of isolation than the map suggests. There are no immediate sources next to the shelter according to the available data; the nearest ones are more than 2 km away, so it is reasonable to bring sufficient water and not to depend on the supply in the place. It is also sensible to review the status of access and foresight before leaving, especially if it is intended to link hills or long routes.