Snowshoeing adventure in the mountain huts of the Pyrenees
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationPyrenees / Hautes-Pyrénées
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions20.33 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
English
Spanish
French
In a few words
Join a group for four days of snowshoeing in the heart of one of the most beautiful Pyrenean valleys ! Make this trip, set against the magnificent backdrop of the Pyrenees National Park , an unforgettable experience. Discover the area's many possibilities day after day, where each valley is brimming with idyllic spots and breathtaking panoramas. After a day of exertion, enjoy the comfort of a recently renovated mountain refuge in the evenings, perfect for a relaxing break and cozy nights in a friendly atmosphere ! For all those seeking unique experiences and passionate snowshoeing enthusiasts, don't hesitate if you're looking for a truly immersive and timeless adventure !
The highlights
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An exceptional natural setting in the heart of the Pyrenees National Park,
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The guidance of a mountain guide who knows the region perfectly,
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Hikes in the snow with varied landscapes and profiles.
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
Advanced level
Features :
These are some serious climbs! Long ascents that will get your heart pumping, high mountain passes where the view of iconic mountain ranges, once you reach the summit, fully justifies the effort!
- Duration: 5 to 7 hours of walking
- Elevation gain: 700 to 1100m
- Terrain: Snowshoe trails sometimes already marked, often the trail will need to be made, and we love it!
- Physical condition: Good physical condition, regular exercise
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 4h30
- Average distance/day: 7 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 550 m
- Average daily descent: 450 m
Management
A team of local professionals, intimately familiar with the area and its hidden gems. True specialists of the region, dedicated to providing safety, a change of scenery, and a friendly atmosphere!
You will be guided by a state-certified mountain guide from the Acumpanyat Experiences team: first and foremost, a group of friends, united in their profession as in life, who share a common ambition to share their passion for the mountains with you through simple moments of laughter and well-being, sharing and simplicity…
Program
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Hike to the 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
Meet at our Acumpanyat office located in the centre of Cauterets. Then carpool to Pont d'Espagne (15-minute drive).
Snowshoe hike to reach the area around the Wallon refuge. Learning the basics of using avalanche safety equipment.
Dinner and overnight stay at the refuge.
Day 1 -
Hike from frozen lake to frozen lake
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 5 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Breakfast at the refuge.
Departure for a day of snowshoeing to discover the Cambalès valley.
Return to the refuge in the late afternoon.
Dinner and overnight stay at the refuge.
Day 2 -
Lake Arratille
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Negative elevation 650 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Breakfast at the refuge.
A day of snowshoeing to discover the Arratille valley and its lake.
Return to the refuge for the night.
Dinner and overnight stay at the refuge.
Day 3 -
The tour of the Cardinquère lakes
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Breakfast at the refuge.
Return to Pont d'Espagne via the Cardinquère lakes.
Arrival at Pont d'Espagne and end of the stay.
Day 4
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
A recently built refuge, allowing you to enjoy comfort in a winter mountain setting!
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 shelter has a capacity of 113 places (14 places outside opening period).
Access
The meeting point is at our premises, located in the centre of Cauterets, next to the market halls.
Go to the starting point
Train to Lourdes station or plane to Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées airport.
Then bus from Lourdes to Cauterets.
Bus information and timetables: line 965 to Cauterets: https://www.lio-occitanie.fr/
Once in Cauterets, the premises are a 5-minute walk from the bus station.
By car: motorway to Tarbes, then departmental road D821 to the village of Cauterets.
Located in the city center, the covered municipal car park has 140 spaces. During school holidays, it is advisable to reserve your space by phone at 05 62 92 50 34.
Free parking is available at the village entrance, but finding a spot can be quite difficult, and the municipal parking lot is expensive. If you're only coming for the stay, you can stay overnight in Argelès-Gazost or Pierrefitte-Nestalas (in the valley), where you can leave your vehicle in a free parking lot. Carpooling is then possible from Pierrefitte-Nestalas to Cauterets (the person accompanying you might have some seats available).
Price details
The price includes
- Supervision by a mountain guide
- Accommodation and meals: breakfasts in mountain huts, picnics on days 2, 3 and 4
- The token for the hot shower!
- Professional liability insurance
- Loan of safety equipment: avalanche search device (avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe)
- 9 meals: from dinner on day 1 to picnic on day 4
The price does not include
- The picnic on the first day
- Snowshoe and pole rental ( optional )
- Transportation to the starting point of the hike
- Snacks
- Drinks
- Personal expenses
- Insurance
Options
- Snowshoe rental : CHF36.59 / unit
- 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
- Avalanche rescue equipment (beacon, shovel, and probe) is provided. It will be given to you by the guide on the first day.
- Pillow and duvet provided at the refuge
Equipment to bring
- 1 backpack of approximately 40 liters ( possibility of loan )
- 1 waterproof bag or heavy-duty bin bag to keep belongings dry
- Good quality sunglasses
- Snowshoes
- Sticks
- A small toiletry kit, including toilet paper
- A small personal pharmacy
- For the refuge: sleeping bag liner or "sleeping bag liner" ( available for loan )
Clothing to bring
- High-top, warm, and waterproof snowshoeing boots are essential. They must provide good ankle support.
- Ski-type clothing
- 2 long-sleeved T-shirts (preferably made of synthetic material)
- Mountain trousers
- A waterproof jacket, like a ski jacket
- An extra layer of warmth, just in case
- 1 beanie
- 1 pair of waterproof gloves + 1 spare pair of gloves
- 1 change of jogging pants for the evening
- 1 pair of socks + 2 spare pairs
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- You pay a 30% deposit today to reserve your stay.
- The balance (the remaining 70%) must be paid no later than 30 days before departure.
- ✅ Of an amount greater than €300.
- ✅ Whose departure is in more than 30 days.