Piton des Neiges

Piton des Neiges is the highest point in the Indian Ocean at just over three thousand metres, an extinct volcano whose collapse created all three cirques around it. The classic ascent starts at Cilaos, climbs five hours to the Caverne Dufour refuge and leaves the summit for the following dawn, when the light comes up over Mafate and Salazie and the sea of cloud below. The last section is loose scoria and cold enough for frost. The name is misleading, since snow falls only once in a generation. The refuge has to be booked and fills months ahead in the dry season.