In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationArreau / Pyrenees
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions45.47 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
Spanish
In a few words
We offer a snowshoeing holiday in the Nestes region . Each evening, you'll return to your accommodation in the heart of an authentic village in the Aure Valley. No prior experience is necessary ; this holiday is accessible to everyone, even beginners. If snow conditions are insufficient, don't worry : like any good mountaineers, we adapt to the mountain. We'll replace the snowshoes with crampons if the ground is frozen, or opt for a classic hike. The Aure Valley and the area around Saint-Lary-Soulan are ideal for snowshoeing ! You'll discover varied landscapes each day: high mountains , forests, panoramic ridges... You'll return early to fully enjoy your evenings.
Close to the Saint-Lary-Soulan ski resort , you will have access to all the après-hiking activities: spa, entertainment, cinemas , etc.
The highlights
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Evolution in small groups
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Local transport by minibus, no problem with snowy roads
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Different atmosphere and decor every day
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
The hikes are accessible to most people; however, this is a sporting holiday, so a basic level of fitness is required.
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average daily elevation gain: 400 m
- Average daily descent: 400 m
Management
French
English
Spanish
Mountain guide Guillaume or a member of his team will accompany you on this trip.
You are accompanied by a mountain guide.
Program
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Discovery hike on the Azet ridges
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 20km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
This is a panoramic hike on the heights of Saint-Lary which will allow you to get acquainted with snowshoes while enjoying the view over the valleys of Aure and Louron.
Day 1 -
Hiking in the La Coueou forest
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 25km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The second day will begin with a search for the black grouse. You'll find a magical atmosphere in the Coueou forest, which has retained its wild character. We're very likely to encounter sled dogs and perhaps even a hare!
Day 2 -
Badet Valley and its small lake
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 30km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This is a day in the heart of the National Park which may allow you to observe chamois. You will be in a high mountain area, surrounded by peaks over 3000m high, imposing in their stature.
Day 3 -
Plo del Naou Ridges
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 30km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Another scenic hike which, this time, will give you a view of the heights of Arreau and the Pic du Midi de Bigorre, one of the iconic peaks of the Hautes-Pyrénées.
Day 4
Note
The partner agency reserves the right to modify this program for various reasons such as weather or physical conditions. If snow conditions are insufficient, you will be required to wear snow chains. Remember, the mountain doesn't adapt to you, but rather the other way around!
Accommodation
Located in Guchen, an authentic Pyrenean village in the Aure Valley, you'll find yourself in a former castle, now a holiday center offering simple yet welcoming comfort. The staff is very friendly and goes out of their way to ensure you have the most enjoyable stay. Rooms may be shared with other guests; toilets and showers are located on the landing.
The mountain atmosphere there is friendly.
Access
You will be back in Arreau by 5pm at the latest
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
Full board from dinner on Day 1 to lunch on Day 4, based on a shared room
Minibus transport for hike departures
Snowshoes and poles
The mountain guide on the outings
The price does not include
Transportation to your accommodation
Cancellation insurance
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (
For example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return date. Consider visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to take into account any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Snowshoes and poles.
Equipment to bring
- A 20/25L backpack to carry your belongings for the day.
- A water bottle (approximately 1.5 liters).
- Sunglasses.
- Sunscreen.
- A lip balm.
Other optional equipment:
- A pair of binoculars.
- A camera.
- Some cereal bars or other dried fruit.
- A headlamp.
- A small survival blanket.
- A knife.
- A pair of shoelaces.
Clothing to bring
- Loose-fitting, waterproof and windproof clothing (gore tex type jacket).
- A pair of waterproof, warm, and sturdy shoes (heavy hiking boots are suitable). Sneakers and trail shoes are not recommended as they are not warm enough, and since snowshoes attach around the ankle, this type of footwear is unsuitable. Moon boots or other après-ski boots are also not recommended as they are too flexible and will not provide adequate foot support. Canadian-style snow boots are very effective.
- A lightweight down jacket.
- A beanie.
- 2 pairs of gloves.
They traveled with us
