Severity of the environment
4/5High mountain terrain with an exposed, airy final section, sensitive to changes in the weather.

Vall de Boí, Alta Ribagorça · Guided activity
A technical ascent to the summits of the Besiberri massif, with a night at the Ventosa i Calvell refuge and a final grade III scramble near the top.
Activity overview
The Besiberri massif brings together three summits over 3,000 metres in the Vall de Boí, with a final grade III section that sets it apart from other, more accessible 3,000-metre peaks in the Pyrenees. You climb from the Cavallers reservoir to the Joan Ventosa i Calvell refuge, where you sleep surrounded by the Estany Negre and the whole massif, before tackling the ascent the next day, with a rope and harness on the final section if the group needs them.

Route at a glance
Objective route difficulty
MIDE is the Spanish hiking difficulty scale, rating a route from 1 to 5. This is a guide's estimate (there is no official MIDE sheet published for this particular route), based on the elevation gain, the grade of the final section and the exposure already described on this page.
Source: Ecotour estimate (AEGM / UIMLA-qualified mountain leader) using the MIDE method ↗High mountain terrain with an exposed, airy final section, sensitive to changes in the weather.
The approach to the refuge follows a waymarked path, but the final scramble calls for good route-finding.
Includes a grade III move near the summit, scrambling on rock.
Two days with a long approach to the refuge and a technical final ascent, adding up to considerable elevation gain.
What does MIDE mean? MIDE is the Spanish hiking difficulty scale: Environment, Route-finding, Terrain and Effort. It isn't an overall score: each number rates a different aspect and can change with snow, ice or bad weather.
Reading the landscape
Geology, Wildlife, Plants and Heritage: a closer look at the setting of this activity. Documentary images of species or places not taken at the exact point of the route are shown for reference only, and sightings are not guaranteed.









Local photos: Ecotour archive. Documentary images: free-licence image banks or Wikimedia Commons, used under licence or with permission. The species and features shown are documented in the area, but seeing them during the activity is not guaranteed.
Before you book
Check at a glance.

Who'll be with you on this activity
Javier assesses the final grade III section on the ground, depending on how the group arrives and the conditions on the day: he judges whether it is best to protect the move with a rope or whether the group can tackle it without extra equipment.
Before confirming your place, he talks to you about your real experience of scrambling terrain, so the right equipment and pace can be planned.
Besiberri Ascent: two days in the high mountains
Besiberri Ascent: two days in the high mountains · from €120 / person
2-day activity. Choose the start day and the following days are selected automatically.
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If the outing doesn't go ahead (for example, the minimum group of 4 isn't reached) we refund the whole deposit; the same if you cancel 7 days or more ahead.
After payment, we'll ask for a short 1–2 minute activity form so we can prepare properly.
Activity highlights
Ecotour mountain leader during the ascent (to be confirmed)
Refuge booking management (to be confirmed)
Included in the activity.
Public liability and accident insuranceHalf board at the refuge (paid directly there)
Transport to the Cavallers reservoir
Personal technical equipment (helmet, harness)
The Ventosa i Calvell refuge sits at 2,200 m: even when it is hot down in the valley in summer, nights at the refuge are distinctly cool.
The grade III section near the summit can be protected with a rope and harness, especially if the group has less experience of scrambling terrain. We discuss it with you before the outing.
Before you set off

Helmet (recommended in route descriptions)

Harness and accessory cord, if you want to protect the final section

Mountain boots and warm clothing for the refuge

Head torch and trekking poles
Once your date is confirmed, you'll receive the final kit list, adapted to the forecast and ground conditions.
Frequently asked questions
The final section is grade III, so it helps to have some experience of scrambling terrain, or to go up with a guide who can protect the move with a rope.
Both are climbed from the Ventosa i Calvell refuge; the choice depends on the route, the conditions and the group's level on the day of the ascent.
We are still finalising the guide, dates and refuge logistics for this trip. Get in touch if you are interested and we will let you know as soon as it is available.
Two days with one night at the Joan Ventosa i Calvell refuge: the walk up and a night at the refuge on day one, then the ascent and descent on day two.
From late spring to autumn, depending on snow conditions on the final grade III section.
At the Joan Ventosa i Calvell refuge, beside the Estany Negre lake, right in the Besiberri massif.
Gallery
Reviews
Carlos Buil3 years ago
High mountain
As always, it's an unforgettable experience to do high mountain climbing safely with Javier. Climbing two 3,000-metre peaks and enjoying the scenery in an educational and passionate way. Looking forward to doing it again 💪💪💪
ines piazuelo3 years ago
Vallibierna
Very professional and fun guiding on the Vallibierna. With guides like this, it seems possible to climb any peak. Thanks for the encouragement during the ascent, Javi, we'll surely see each other again 🏔️🥾👏🏻…
PAU RODRIGO9 months ago
Snowshoeing
Excellent experience with Javi on a snowshoe route. Vast knowledge about everything to do with the mountains. Going with him guarantees you'll enjoy your adventure 200% and come back with a smile. He works really hard. The best guide I've ever met. See you soon, Javi. Take care 👋👋👋
Jose Manuel Luque Rodriguez11 months ago
Snowshoeing
More than a guide, a friend!! His level of knowledge about the mountains, snow, animals and everything related to the mountains is exceptional. My experience with him on snowshoes: 15 out of 10!! A professional and one of those people who only give... Personally, I didn't meet a guide, I made a friend. Professionally... one of a kind... I'd always recommend him, and I already do. A hug, Javi.
Carlos N1 year ago
Snowshoeing
We did a snowshoe route and the experience was heartwarming. Javi as a guide doesn't just pass on his love of the mountains, he teaches you to love and understand them; on top of that he's one of the group, he's your friend and he cares about every single person in it.
Sara Rojas3 months ago
Morocco
Just back from spending a few days in Morocco with Ecotour, all I can say is that the experience was wonderful, the kind that leaves unforgettable memories and makes life even more beautiful!!! Thank you
Hector Rus2 years ago
Morocco
I went on a trip to Morocco with Ecotour and Javi: 4 people and two specialists in snake spotting and rescue. Honestly, the number of different species we saw was surprising, from cobras to vipers and grass snakes, very big desert lizards, geckos and so on. It was non-stop, including getting into Western Sahara, with a group that from minute one felt like we'd known each other all our lives, great vibes and lots and lots of passion for animals and sharing. I learned a ton of things and was able to handle these animals in complete safety. I'd also say that I never felt we were going through tourist spots, quite the opposite. The places we passed through hadn't seen outsiders for days. That means that, besides everything being cheaper, you feel you've really got into the heart of a trip. One hundred percent adventure; more than a tour, it was a trip among friends passionate about animals. Thanks for everything, Javi, and for being there looking out for everyone. A big hug, and I'll do it again as soon as I can, no doubt. 🫂🙌
Sergio Gonzalez Yagüe2 years ago
Morocco
The trip to Morocco was one of the best moments of my life, 10/10, nothing more to add.
Lara Redondo González2 years ago
Morocco
How lovely it is when things are done with passion! A truly authentic trip with Javi in Morocco. If I were you, I'd rush to grab the next place :)
Juan Pablo Bernalte Toledo2 years ago
Morocco
This trip to Morocco was magical, the organisation and the guides super professional, every day an adventure. 100% recommended.
Rut V2 weeks ago
Red deer rut
A wonderful experience in a luxury setting. We got in touch with Javi after finding him online and it was a great decision. He's a young guy, passionate about his work and about nature, and it shows. He explained so many things about the rut and the surroundings, and brought samples to show us how animals are tracked, always with respect and without disturbing their habitat. He also took loads of souvenir photos, both of us and of the animals, which we really appreciated. I loved the equipment he uses: he has a screen that attaches to the camera, so we could all enjoy the views without needing telescopes. Thank you so much, Javi, for the experience. You're a truly lovely person.
M. Villar (Proska)2 weeks ago
Red deer rut
Without a doubt an unforgettable experience. Several companies offer the rut, but not like this one: his knowledge of the subject, together with the technology he uses, guarantees a complete outing and lets you enjoy the activity to the fullest. 100% recommended

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