Guided climbing in Picos de Europa – Ostaicoechea Needle
This spectacular spire is located in the central massif of the Picos de Europa National Park, near the upper station of the Fuente Dé cable car.
It is considered an initiation climb in a privileged High Mountain environment, its short approach, comfortable descent and low difficulty make this activity an unforgettable experience that is perfect as a first contact with mountaineering and climbing.
Opened in January 1966 by Pedro Udaondo y Urones.
ROUTE INFORMATION:
- Approach: From the top station of the Fuente Dé cable car to the foot of the track about 30 minutes approx.
- Climbing length: 120 m of climbing approx.
- Difficulty: Maximum IV+
- Duration of the complete activity: About 2 hours for the climb and an hour and a half for the approach and return (Total about 4 hours).
- Descent: In three rappels by the same route
PRICE
1 person: 250 € 2 people: 170 € per person
Include
- CR and Accident Insurance
- Pablo Alonso, AEGM registered guide 1107
- All the technical material to do the activity
- VAT
- Photographs
Does not include
- Customer’s cable car expenses
Technical difficulty
BASIC
Physical difficulty
BASIC
Duration
4-5 HOURS
ACTIVITY DEVELOPMENT:
The guide, once the reservation has been made, will inform the participant of the meeting time and place, which will depend on the opening hours of the Fuente Dé cable car.
MATERIAL REQUIRED PER PARTICIPANT:
(Depending on the time of year and weather conditions, this information may vary in number and type of clothing and footwear. The guide will provide information upon reservation)
- Technical trekking boots
- Trekking poles
- Long elastic mountain pants
- Technical short sleeve mountain t-shirt
- Technical long sleeve mountain t-shirt
- Softshell / primaloft
- Down or fiber jacket
- Cap
- Sunglasses
- Medium or light gloves (optional)
- Cell phone with charged battery
- Headlamp with batteries (important)
- Solarcream SPF 50
- Mountain backpack 40L
- Canteen or water bottle minimum 2L
- Refreshments during activity (bars, dried fruits, etc.)
FRECUANTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
All prices shown on this website include: VAT, RC and accident insurance, qualified guide, all the technical material to carry out the activity and photo album.
To perform this activity it is necessary to have a minimum physical condition and be used to perform high mountain routes of a minimum duration of 5 or 6 hours.
Example: South Directa to Naranjo de Bulnes
Day 1: Normally the meeting point is at the Vega de Urriellu Shelter the day before the activity, around 19:00 pm. Once introduced, the guide will provide the participant with the necessary material, explain concepts and review the material needed for the activity. During dinner, which is at 8:00 p.m., we will be able to chat and discuss all kinds of doubts and we will talk about the schedule for breakfast and departure the next day. This schedule varies depending on the time of year and weather.
Day 2: We will leave prepared from the Refuge by the path that will take us to the Canal de la Celada, through which in a short but intense ascent we will skirt the entire north face of Picu Urriellu. After finishing the channel we will continue ascending by a more comfortable path below the imposing east face of the Naranjo de Bulnes. The climb normally takes about four hours. After the climb and after leaving the south amphitheater, we still have to go up the short rope channel that takes us to the summit ridge and from here to the summit. Once at the summit we have time to eat something to eat, take some pictures and chat. Afterwards, we will begin the descent towards the rappels of the southern amphitheater. We will make three rappels and arrive at the base where we will pick up and begin the descent to the Vega de Urriellu Shelter by the same route we took on the way out. Normally between 14:00 and 16:00 we are back at the shelter.
