Snowshoeing immersion for New Year's Eve at the Wallon refuge
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationPyrenees / Hautes-Pyrénées
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AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions30.66 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
English
Spanish
French
In a few words
End the year in style in the heart of the Pyrenees, in an enchanting setting. This trip offers an immersive experience in the heart of the Pyrenees National Park , in one of the region's most picturesque valleys. Enjoy the comfort of a renovated and heated mountain refuge , ideal for relaxing after your active days and sharing convivial evenings. Each day is an invitation to explore the surrounding area on snowshoes . The nearby valleys reveal peaceful corners and breathtaking panoramas. Your guide will tailor the program to your preferences and the group's level, guaranteeing unforgettable moments and total immersion in this unspoiled natural environment. A timeless getaway, perfect for concluding the year in a spirit of escape and serenity.
The highlights
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A unique immersion in the heart of the Pyrenees National Park
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Snowshoeing excursions with a guide suitable for all levels
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Enjoyable moments during warm evenings
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
A gradual stay, with a first day to get warmed up and learn how to use the avalanche transceiver (DVA) kit, followed by a second day to explore one of the wild valleys above the refuge. A third day with a more athletic bent, along the Embarrat Lakes route, a fantastic winter high-altitude trek!
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 9 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 500 m
- Average daily descent: 500 m
Management
English
Spanish
French
A team of local mountain guides, specialists in the activity in the region and eager to guide you with friendliness and professionalism!
Program
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Discovery and settling in at the Wallon refuge
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
You can reach the area around the Wallon refuge by snowshoeing or hiking, depending on conditions. Once settled in, you'll learn the basics of using avalanche safety equipment to ensure a safe and secure experience. If you wish, a walk around the refuge allows you to explore the surrounding landscapes and familiarize yourself with this exceptional natural setting.
Day 1 -
Hiking and New Year's Eve party at the refuge
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast at the mountain refuge , you'll set off to explore the surrounding area on a hike tailored to your group , chosen by your guide based on snow conditions and everyone's fitness level. There are numerous options, each offering unique landscapes. Enjoy a picnic lunch prepared by the refuge in the heart of nature.
In the evening, you'll enjoy a convivial dinner at the refuge before celebrating the end of the year in a relaxed atmosphere. It's important to respect the refuge's rules to ensure peace and quiet for those who get up early. Spending the night at the refuge allows you to fully rest and be ready to start the year off right.
Day 2 -
Hike to the frozen lakes and end of the stay
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 1000 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
The day begins with breakfast at the refuge , before setting off on a hike around the Cardinquère lakes . You'll discover the Nère, Pourtet and Embarrat lakes, all frozen solid, offering a unique winter spectacle.
In the late afternoon, you reach the Pont d'Espagne to conclude your adventure, before returning to Cauterets . This is where the stay ends, rich in memories and emotions.
Day 3
Note
The program may be modified without notice by the guide depending on the conditions encountered during the stay: weather, snow conditions, group fitness, may influence the chosen itinerary.
Accommodation
The Wallon refuge is located in the Marcadau valley, one of the most beautiful in the Pyrenees, at an altitude of 1865 m. It is named after Edouard Wallon, a 19th-century French Pyrenean mountaineer.
It is easily accessible and offers numerous hiking opportunities. Completely renovated,
The refuge has a capacity of 113 beds (14 beds outside of opening periods). Most dormitories have 8 beds; there are 3 showers (hot water requires a token, so there is a charge of 5 euros), a games room, and a library. Pillows and duvets are provided; please bring your own sleeping bag liner.
There is no WIFI, no mobile network at the refuge.
Cash and credit cards accepted for payment of any drinks.
Access
Carpooling is possible from Pierrefitte-Nestalas (in the valley) to our premises in Cauterets, then to Pont d'Espagne, the starting point of the hike.
Go to the starting point
Free parking in the village of Cauterets (on arrival in the village, on the right, you have to turn to find a space...), covered municipal parking with 140 spaces, reservation recommended at 05 62 92 50 34.
If you are not staying in Cauterets the night before but in the valley (Argelès-Gazost or Pierrefitte-Nestalas), you have the option of leaving your vehicle at Place de la Fête in Soulom (free parking), carpooling is then possible to Cauterets: let us know if you wish to do this.
Price details
The price includes
- Supervision by a state-certified mountain guide
- Accommodation in mountain huts, in dormitories
- Tokens for the hot shower at the refuge
- Full board, from dinner on Day 1 to picnic lunch on Day 3
- Loan of safety equipment: avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe
The price does not include
- Day 1 picnic
- Snowshoe and pole rental
- Drinks
- Personal expenses
- Transportation to the starting point of the hike
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
- Loan of safety equipment (avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe)
Equipment to bring
- Backpack: approximately 40L ( can be borrowed if necessary)
- A waterproof bag or a sturdy garbage bag to keep your belongings dry
- A water bottle of at least 1L (already filled) and, if desired, a small thermos for hot drinks
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- A sleeping bag liner or sleeping bag bag for nights in mountain huts
- Food for Day 1: a picnic lunch, as well as cereal bars, cakes or energy fruits for breaks.
- A camera and binoculars (optional)
Clothing to bring
– 2 long-sleeved T-shirts (preferably made of synthetic material).
– 2 thin long-sleeved fleece jackets
– 1 warm and thick garment (sweater, thick fleece, down jacket…)
– 1 waterproof jacket
– 1 pair of tights
– 1 pair of waterproof mountain trousers
– 1 pair of socks + 2 spare pairs
– 1 hat
– 1 pair of waterproof gloves + 1 spare pair of gloves
They traveled with us
