Piton des Neiges

About this place

The Piton des Neiges, the «Snow Peak», is a 3,069 m dormant volcano in the centre of Réunion, about 4 km in a straight line north of the town of Cilaos. It is the island's highest point and is considered the highest summit in the whole Indian Ocean. The mountain was formed by a hotspot beneath the ocean floor and rose from the sea about two million years ago, and it has not erupted for about 20,000 years. It makes up roughly two-thirds of the island and is ringed by the three great cirques of Cilaos, Salazie and Mafate, and as its name suggests, snow occasionally dusts its summit in winter. Three trails climb it, from Cilaos, Salazie and the Plaine des Cafres, meeting at a staffed mountain hut, the Gîte de la Caverne Dufour, about an hour's walk below the top. The route from Cilaos is about 14 km with roughly 1,700 m of ascent, and most hikers sleep at the hut so they can reach the summit at dawn and watch the sunrise above the clouds. The climb is free, while the hut charges for overnight stays and needs booking ahead. The trail is demanding and suits experienced mountain walkers; bring winter clothing, as summit temperatures near freezing at night.