Winter snowshoeing adventure in the Néouvielle massif
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationNéouvielle Massif / Hautes-Pyrénées
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AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions13.82 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
Spanish
English
In a few words
Embark on a three-day winter immersion in the heart of the Néouvielle massif, a pristine territory ideal for snowshoeing . From the recently renovated Aygues-Cluses refuge , perfectly nestled in the valley, you'll explore the snow-covered landscapes of this iconic nature reserve. The first day will take you through pine forests and immaculate plateaus to the refuge, in an already breathtaking atmosphere. The following day, you'll venture out towards small panoramic peaks , with views of the surrounding ridges, and discover the diverse terrain, from frozen lakes to secluded clearings . On the final day, a more challenging route will lead you beyond a high mountain pass , revealing a stunning panorama and wild expanses dotted with solitary pines. A Nordic atmosphere , convivial moments at the refuge, and the pleasure of downhill skiing will punctuate this accessible winter adventure, combining contemplation and gentle exertion in an exceptional natural setting.
The highlights
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A dream mountain range for snowshoeing
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A recently built, heated refuge for a good recovery
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High-altitude passes with panoramic views of the 3000-meter peaks in the area
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
Three fairly flexible days.
The first approach will be quite long but without any particular difficulty, then the following two days will be adapted to the level of the group and to the snow and weather conditions.
The aim is to enjoy this exceptional site, in a mountain range that is particularly well-suited to snowshoeing.
- Duration: 5 to 7 hours of walking
- Elevation gain: 600 to 800 m.
- 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: 5h
- Average distance/day: 3 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 540 m
- Average daily descent: 540 m
Management
French
Spanish
English
A local guide who lives year-round in this valley, and who practices the area very regularly.
His knowledge of the area and the snow conditions here allows him to offer the most suitable program. You can go with your eyes closed, or almost!
Your tour guide knows this area perfectly, he will show you its hidden corners with passion and in complete safety.
Program
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Snowshoe hike to reach the refuge
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 680 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet in Soulom, near Argelès-Gazost. Equipment check and carpooling to the Tournaboup car park in Barèges.
Then a snowshoe hike to reach the Aygues-Cluses refuge. Your guide will explain how to use avalanche safety equipment. Dinner and overnight stay at the refuge.
Day 1 -
The mountain pass loop and the Gourguet valley
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 630 m
- Negative elevation 630 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Breakfast at the refuge.
Today, your guide will lead you on a loop exploring the mountain passes and the Gourguet valley. You will walk in the winter whiteness, surrounded by magnificent peaks.
Picnic lunch provided by the refuge.
Dinner and overnight stay at the refuge.
Day 2 -
From lake to lake towards Lakes Madamète and Tracens
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 310 m
- Negative elevation 990 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Breakfast at the refuge.
A day of hiking from lake to lake, towards the lakes of Madamète and Tracens, another sector of this wonderful massif, you will always be surrounded by its mountain pines and its majestic high peaks.
You will enjoy these landscapes of the Néouvielle one last time before returning to civilization, towards the start of the hike and then towards the village of Barèges and Souloum.
End of stay around 5pm.
Day 3
Note
The program may be modified without prior notice by the guide depending on the conditions encountered during the stay: weather, snow conditions, and the group's fitness level may influence the chosen itinerary.
Accommodation
The Aygues-Cluses refuge is located in the Néouvielle Massif, one of the most beautiful valleys in the Pyrenees, at an altitude of 2135 m, in the heart of the RICE: International Dark Sky Reserve.
Recently renovated according to sustainable development principles, it offers all the necessary comforts for your stay. It has 35 beds in small, comfortable dormitories, equipped with mattresses, duvets and pillows, as well as a catering service.
The refuge is equipped with photovoltaic panels for electricity, hot water is produced by solar panels coupled to a pellet boiler to heat the common room.
The refuge has two dry toilets with vermicomposting systems. The refuge's sanitary facilities include three sinks and two showers (for a fee).
Duvets, pillows and slippers are provided, just bring a sleeping bag liner.
The shelter is not equipped for bank cards: checks or cash only.
Access
Meet at 9:00 AM in Soulom, a village in the valley near Argelès-Gazost, and carpool to the Tournaboup parking lot in Barèges, the starting point for the hike. Pick-up is available on the way to Barèges (if you are staying overnight in Luz-Saint-Sauveur or Barèges).
Go to the starting point
Train to Lourdes.
Then bus from Lourdes to Pierrefitte-Nestalas (Town Hall stop) for the carpooling meeting, or towards the village of Barèges.
Bus information and timetables, line 965 to Pierrefitte-Nestalas: https://www.lio-occitanie.fr/
Pick-up is possible from Pierrefitte-Nestalas or Soulom, please let us know.
Then bus from Lourdes to Pierrefitte-Nestalas (Town Hall stop) for the carpooling meeting, or towards the village of Barèges.
Bus information and timetables, line 965 to Pierrefitte-Nestalas: https://www.lio-occitanie.fr/
Large unsupervised parking lot at the station, accessible to all types of vehicles.
Price details
The price includes
Accommodation in a staffed mountain refuge, from dinner on day 1 to the picnic lunch on day 3.
Supervision by a state-certified mountain guide.
Loan of safety equipment (avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe) and meat bags.
The price does not include
- Day 1's picnic.
- Snacks and drinks are at the customers' expense.
- Snowshoe and pole rental (optional)
- Insurance (optional)
- Transportation to the starting point of the hike. We organize carpooling and, depending on the outing, seats in minibuses may be available.
Options
- Snowshoe and pole rental : CHF27.44 / person
- Snowshoe rental : CHF21.96 / person
- 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
- Safety equipment (avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe)
- Meat bag
Equipment to bring
- Snowshoes and poles (optional rental)
- 1 avalanche transceiver kit (loan available)
- 1 backpack of approximately 40 litres (possibility of loan)
- 1 waterproof bag or heavy-duty bin bag to keep belongings dry
- 1 water bottle of at least 1.5 liters (remember to fill it) + 1 small thermos (optional)
- sunglasses, sunscreen
- 1 sleeping bag sheet or "meat sack"
- 1 small toiletry kit + 1 small personal first-aid kit + toilet paper
- 1 headlamp (available for loan)
- Warm, waterproof, high-top hiking boots. (Rental optional)
Clothing to bring
- 2 Long-sleeved T-shirts (preferably made of synthetic material).
- 2 thin long-sleeved fleece
- 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 beanie
- 1 pair of waterproof gloves + 1 spare pair of gloves
