Piton des Neiges
Réunion · Cirques · 3070 m
Description
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.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 2 to 3 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: May – November
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Sunrise from the summit
- Caverne Dufour refuge
- Sea of cloud over the three cirques
- Ascent from Cilaos by the Le Bloc path
- Scoria slopes and the summit ridge
- Endemic high-altitude heather and lichen
- Stars from the refuge before the climb
- GR R1 and R2 long-distance routes(Multi-day trip)