A snowshoeing weekend in the Néouvielle
In summary
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Sports
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Duration2 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationNéouvielle Massif / Hautes-Pyrénées
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions7.31 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
English
Spanish
French
In a few words
Embark on a snowshoeing weekend in the heart of the Néouvielle massif , one of the wild jewels of the Pyrenees . Covered in its winter coat, this pristine territory offers a breathtaking landscape where snow-covered forests , frozen lakes, and peaks soaring over 3,000 meters intertwine. After a first day of gradual immersion , you'll reach a modern mountain refuge , nestled in a secluded setting, perfect for disconnecting. The next day, a true trek awaits, through an immaculate landscape, punctuated by the crunch of snowshoes on fresh snow and exceptional panoramic views. This accessible getaway invites you to slow down , breathe in the fresh air, and reconnect with authentic nature , far from the daily grind. A short trip, but an experience rich in sensations and serenity.
The highlights
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An exceptional natural setting
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The comfort of a brand new refuge
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A weekend adaptable to the group's level and snow conditions
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
The level may seem high, but in the end, the first day only has 700m of positive elevation gain, a bit long but with all day to complete it ;-)
A second day that can be adjusted depending on the group's fitness level and snow conditions. A fairly affordable trip, therefore, even for those new to winter hiking.
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average distance/day: 9 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 505 m
- Average daily descent: 495 m
Management
English
Spanish
French
A local guide who lives in the valley year-round and hikes in the mountains in every season. This ensures that the group and the hike are managed perfectly!
Always with the good humor and friendliness of Acumpanyat!
A mountain guide specializing in the region, who likes to liven up his outings with good humor, anecdotes, and of course safety!
Program
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Ascent to the Aygues Cluses refuge
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Starting from Barèges, we will go up the Aygues Cluses valley, between snowy plateaus and mountain pine forests.
Along the way we will learn how to search using avalanche transceivers.
Arriving at the Aygues Cluses refuge will be a marvel, in this vast basin flooded with sunshine.
Day 1 -
The Tracens loop
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 310 m
- Negative elevation 990 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
From the refuge, an early start will gently lead us towards the frozen lakes of Madamète. The terrain will then steepen to reach the Tracens pass, the highest point of the trip.
A long descent encountering numerous frozen lakes will lead us to the Dets Coubouts wall, a steep technical descent, before reaching the starting car park.
This stage is subject to change if snow conditions are unfavorable.
Day 2
Note
The proposed program is subject to change depending on weather conditions, snow conditions, and the fitness of the group.
The guide will remain the sole decision-maker based on their professional opinion.
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
The stay ends around 5pm (depending on the group's pace), at the same place as the departure.
Go to the starting point
Train to Tarbes then Lourdes or plane to Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées airport.
Then take bus 965 from Lourdes to Pierrefitte-Nestalas (Town Hall stop): https://www.lio-occitanie.fr/
Once in Pierrefitte-Nestalas, the meeting point for carpooling (in Soulom) is a 5-minute walk away.
Pick-up is possible in one of the villages located on the road to the start of the hike (Luz-Saint-Sauveur, Barèges): please inform us if you are staying in one of these villages.
First meeting point in Soulom, at the entrance to the valley. Then carpooling from Soulom to the start of the hike in Barèges (Tournaboup parking lot: large unsupervised parking lot, accessible to all vehicle sizes).
Pick-up is possible in one of the villages located on the road to the start of the hike (Luz-Saint-Sauveur, Barèges): please inform us if you are staying in one of these villages.
Price details
The price includes
- Supervision by a qualified mountain guide.
- Accommodation with meals: from dinner on day 1 to picnic lunch on day 2.
- Safety equipment (avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe) and meat bags can be loaned.
The price does not include
- Day 1's picnic.
- Snacks and drinks, and personal expenses
- Snowshoe and pole rental (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 : CHF18.30 / person
- Shoe rental : CHF14.64 / 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 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
