Snowshoeing and a gourmet New Year's Eve in the Catalan Pyrenees
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationPyrénées-Orientales / Pyrenees
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AgeFrom 16 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions86.64 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Celebrate New Year's Eve 2026 in the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees , in the charming village of Saillagouse , between Andorra and Spain . This sun-drenched region, nestled within the Regional Natural Park , offers an ideal playground for snowshoeing and gentle winter activities . You'll explore high, snow-covered plateaus , traverse silent mountain forests , and skirt frozen lakes in a magical atmosphere.
The spectacular panoramas of the Bouillouses and the Madres massif reveal the full natural richness of the Pyrenees. Each outing promises total immersion in unspoiled nature, perfect for disconnecting and recharging . This trip combines accessible winter hikes , a friendly atmosphere, and breathtaking views of exceptional landscapes. A unique way to start the year in a peaceful setting, far from the hustle and bustle.
The highlights
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Hiking in the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees Regional Natural Park
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Accommodation in a 3-star hotel with relaxation area, fitness center, sauna and heated swimming pool
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Gourmet New Year's Eve at a Master Restaurateur's
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
Hiking in snowy mountains, on gentle terrain suitable for snowshoeing.
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 4h30
- Average distance/day: 10 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 350 m
- Average daily descent: 350 m
Management
French
English
A geographer by training, a former shepherd, and passionate about territorial mediation, Cyrille will share with you what makes mountain territories so rich.
Guided hike led by a certified mountain guide specializing in the Pyrenees.
Program
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Start of stay
- Transportation Minibus - 01h30 - 93km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet at 5pm at Foix train station and transfer to Saillagouse. Check in to your accommodation. Briefing about the stay.
Day 1 -
Lake Aude
- Transportation Minibus - 00h20 - 30km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Starting from the village of Les Angles, a beautiful day of snowshoeing in this valley where the Aude River originates: always in the heart of landscapes dominated by fir trees, this pretty little corner of paradise offers the possibility of reaching Lake Aude, nestled in its icy setting.
Day 2 -
Lake Bouillouses and the Pradeille ponds
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 40km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A true Arctic atmosphere awaits on today's hike. An ascent through a beautiful pine forest, alongside magnificent streams and charming little lakes, leads to the immense Lac des Bouillouses, where the landscape opens up dramatically. Frozen by ice and dominated by the elegant Pic du Carlit, the highest peak in the Pyrénées-Orientales, a unique atmosphere pervades this place. The descent reveals another lake, also called an étang or estany in this region of the Pyrenees.
Day 3 -
The Madres massif
- Transportation Minibus - 00h20 - 30km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This mountain range, remaining wild and untouched by ski resorts, offers its gentle slopes and forests to our winter hikers. Animal tracks are plentiful, inviting us to follow them into the heart of this massif with its Arctic feel!
Day 4 -
The Calm Altiplano
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 40km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 150 m
- Negative elevation 150 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
The final hike takes you towards the Refuge de la Calme and the Pic dels Moros across the vast Altiplano de la Calme, offering magnificent 360° panoramas. You'll be able to admire many of the Catalan Pyrenees massifs: Canigou, Cambre d'Aze, Puigmal, Tossa d'Alp, Sierra de Cadi, Carlit, Pérics… In the early afternoon, after your hike, you'll be transferred back to Foix train station (transfer time: approximately 2 hours).
Day 5
Note
The programs were established based on the latest information available at the time of writing; however, unforeseen circumstances are always possible, and situations beyond our control may alter the itinerary. Our guides are the best judges on site and may modify the route (order or other paths) depending on the weather or if the safety of the group requires it.
Accommodation
A charming hotel located in the center of the village. 3-star hotel with relaxation area, sauna and heated indoor swimming pool.
Access
Transfer planned from Foix train station to Saillagouse (1 hour 45 minute journey).
Go to the starting point
It is possible to meet directly on site at the Planes hotel, 6 Place de Cerdagne, 66800 Saillagouse.
Price details
The price includes
- Full board accommodation from dinner on day 1 to picnic lunch on day 5
- Transfers during the stay
- Equipment provided: snowshoes, walking poles, hiking crampons and avalanche transceiver
- Supervision by a BE AMM specialist in the region
The price does not include
- Meals not listed under "price includes"
- Transfers not included in the program
- Drinks
- Application fees
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
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 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) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider 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, walking sticks and hiking crampons
- Avalanche transceiver (avalanche victim detector), shovel and probe
Equipment to bring
- A hiking backpack with a capacity of approximately 35 liters will be useful for carrying your personal belongings during the day.
- Essentials in your bag (snow gear, warm clothing, spare t-shirt, sunglasses, sunscreen, first aid kit, picnic supplies, personal items, etc.)
- Picnic lunch for the day (bring your own cutlery)
- Sufficient water (minimum 1.5 litre water bottle)
- Cutlery (fork, folding knife)
- A 1.5L water bottle minimum, or a CamelBak which is much more practical...
- A pair of sneakers for the evening
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Camera...
- Your toiletry bag
- A flashlight or headlamp
- Toilet paper
- A mini pharmacy: personal medications, Compeed for blisters, elastic bandage, gauze, disinfectant, arnica granules and aspirin for minor injuries... a survival blanket.
Clothing to bring
- Shoes. They're one of the most important items. Above all, they must be comfortable, waterproof, and breathable. Good ankle support is essential. If you need to buy a new pair, we advise you to try them on before your trip. Don't choose a size that's too small, as your feet will tend to swell. Be careful with shoes that have been stored in a closet for too long. A shoe's lifespan is 2 to 5 years. After a while, the soles come unglued and the seams can tear.
- A waterproof windproof jacket (Gore-Tex type)
- Two fleece or warm jackets
- Gloves and a hat (two pairs if possible)
- Walking trousers suitable for snow (waterproof)
- T-shirts (opt for breathable materials)
- Change of clothes and personal linen
- A swimsuit and a towel for the relaxation area
They traveled with us
