Snowshoeing getaway to a mountain refuge in the Néouvielle
In summary
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Sports
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Duration2 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationNéouvielle Massif / Hautes-Pyrénées
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AgeFrom 18 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions15.25 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
In the heart of the Néouvielle massif, at an altitude of over 2,100 meters, treat yourself to an unforgettable getaway in a recently built, welcoming, and staffed mountain refuge . During two days of snowshoeing , you'll explore the enchanting valleys of Néouvielle: frozen lakes, hidden coves, pine groves, and breathtaking panoramas.
Treat yourself to a rare moment to admire the mountain under its winter coat and enjoy an exceptional starry sky , as the refuge is located within the Pic du Midi de Bigorre Dark Sky Reserve .
We will welcome you at the Lourdes TGV station and drive you by minibus to the starting point of your adventure, so that you can simply savor the magic of this mountain interlude.
The highlights
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The sublime snow-covered valleys of the Néouvielle massif
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The comfort of a new and guarded refuge
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Meet at the TGV station - then transfer, equipment, food and supervision all included
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
The first day, dedicated to the ascent to the refuge, is when you will need to carry all your belongings for the following two days. Rest assured, the climb is gradual and steady, without any particularly steep sections.
Once settled at the refuge, you can lighten your pack to enjoy a snowshoe hike in the surrounding area.
The next day, you will set off for the day with a light bag, containing only your essential belongings.
This trip is therefore accessible to anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and stamina. No prior snowshoeing experience is necessary , as the activity is relatively easy to learn. However, participants should be accustomed to walking for several hours and bear in mind that progressing on snow requires more energy than on a typical trail, especially when the snow is fresh or deep.
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average daily elevation gain: 688 m
- Average daily descent: 600 m
Management
The stay is supervised by a state-certified professional guide.
Program
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Lourdes - Barèges - Aygues-Cluses Refuge
- Transportation Minibus - 00h45 - 40km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 675 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Meet at Lourdes train station or elsewhere in the valley (Argelès-Gazost, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, Barèges, etc.). Transfer upstream from Barèges. Pack a change of clothes and warm clothing in your backpack, as well as toiletries (see equipment list). Snowshoes, poles, and safety equipment in hand, your guide will explain their use. A gentle warm-up. Then the ascent continues along the mountainside, above the discreet Dets Coubous stream. A picnic break at Pountou precedes the entry into the secluded Aygues-Cluses valley: groves of bare birch, scattered pines, small plateaus marked by meanders and short rises follow one another. The landscape finally opens up upon arrival at the ideally situated refuge. Settle in (in dormitories) at the warm and welcoming staffed refuge. Welcome drink while admiring the last rays of sunlight shimmering on the peaks. A convivial dinner. Before drifting off to sleep, go admire the starry sky...
Day 1 -
Aygues-Cluses Refuge - Col de Madamète - Barèges-Tournaboup - Lourdes
- Transportation Minibus - 00h45 - 40km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 1200 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
From the refuge, the guide will decide on the best route for a magnificent hike: perhaps heading due south towards the frozen Madamète lakes and the eponymous pass, located at 2508 meters altitude. For those feeling more energetic, there's an option to extend the hike with a short descent offering a splendid view of the Néouvielle (3091m) and Ramoun (3011m) summits, overlooking the slumbering Aubert and Aumar lakes, isolated in the winter cold and far from everything. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the mountains before returning to the refuge and descending back into the valley. Return transfer and end of your stay.
Day 2
Accommodation
Aygues-Cluses Refuge
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- The stay will be supervised by a state-certified professional guide.
- Overnight stay at the Aygues-Cluses refuge
- Two picnics, one dinner and one breakfast
- Equipment: snowshoes, poles, avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe
- Transfers to/from Lourdes train station
The price does not include
- Drinks and other personal expenses
- The journey to Lourdes train station
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
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, poles, avalanche transceiver, probe shovel
Equipment to bring
Luggage
- 1 good hiking backpack (25 litres minimum).
Equipment & utensils
- 1 backpack cover and/or 1 waterproof plastic bag to protect the contents of your backpack
- 1 small waterproof pouch containing your money, identity papers, health insurance card and insurance/assistance documents
- 1 headlamp, to be carried in your backpack at all times (for safety), with fresh batteries
- 1 survival blanket, to be carried in the backpack at all times (for safety reasons)
- 1 aluminum water bottle (minimum 1.5L) or a flexible water bottle (not recommended in cold weather) or a filter water bottle
- For the picnic: cutlery with a pocket knife, a cup, an airtight container of approximately 1 liter (possibly a Bento-type container)
- 1 lighter to burn toilet paper (definitely not in a fire hazard zone...)
- Photo equipment (optional)
- Mobile phone (optional)
Pharmacy, hygiene and protection
- High protection sunscreen (do not apply before swimming to avoid damaging aquatic environments, which are very fragile and sensitive to these products) + lip balm
- Toiletries: choose biodegradable products
- Toilet paper
- Paper tissues
- Earplugs for night(s) in a dormitory
- Your usual medications
- Pain medication: paracetamol preferred
- Tweezers
- Medical scissors with rounded tips
- Sterile compresses and disinfectant compresses
- Double-layer blister plasters • Adhesive bandage sets
- Adhesive sutures
- Elastic adhesive tape (Elastoplast type, 6 cm wide)
- self-gripping cohesive strip
Clothing to bring
- 1 beanie and/or buff
- 1 hat or cap or scarf
- 1 pair of excellent quality sunglasses
- 1 pair of warm gloves
- Hiking T-shirts made of breathable material
- 1 or 2 base layers (or long-sleeved shirts) in breathable material
- 1 warm fleece or down jacket
- 1 waterproof and windproof (Gore-tex type) jacket with hood, lightweight and breathable
- 1 pair of sturdy, water-repellent hiking trousers
- 1 pair of waterproof over-trousers (optional)
- underwear • hiking socks
- 1 pair of high-top hiking boots that provide good ankle support (Vibram-type sole)
- 1 pair of gaiters (optional)
- 1 pair of lightweight sandals for the evening (Crocs available at the refuge...)