Adventure in the Pyrenees: Snowshoeing and an overnight stay in a mountain refuge
In summary
-
Sports
-
Duration2 days
-
LevelAdvance
-
DestinationPyrenees / Cauterets
-
AgeFrom 14 - 90 years
-
CO₂-Emissions6.46 kg CO2
-
Type of stayIn a group
-
Languages
French
Spanish
English
In a few words
This short break invites you to discover one of the most pristine winter landscapes, following a wild adventure far from the beaten track. You'll spend a night at the Russell refuge in Cauterets, at the foot of the Pic d'Ardiden, a place where you'll truly feel cut off from the world. Located above the Fruitière refuge, reaching this historic spot in the Lutour valley will require a bit of effort. You'll then need to gather firewood in the surrounding forest to light a fire, essential for keeping warm and cooking by the hearth. This first, somewhat demanding day will lead you to a unique place in a breathtaking setting .
The next day, you'll head towards the Culaus pass, which will give you the feeling of being at the end of the world. You'll explore a mountain range rarely visited in winter, in an exceptional atmosphere.
The highlights
-
A very wild site and a picture-postcard setting
-
An unguarded, relatively comfortable refuge
-
A convivial and delicious evening
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
A technical approach across varied terrain, exposed sections requiring skill, then the arrival at magnificent summits for a reward commensurate with the commitment.
Features :
For experienced hikers; familiarity with mountain terrain is required.
Elevation gain: 1100 to 1600m
Duration: 6 to 8 hours of walking
Terrain: steep slopes without tracks, definite isolation during the hike.
Physical condition: Very good physical condition, regular training
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 6h
- Average distance/day: 7 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 700 m
- Average daily descent: 700 m
Management
French
Spanish
English
A specialist guide in the field, who knows the classics and variations like the back of his hand!
With the added advantage of being able to provide you with a wealth of information on the fauna, flora, and history of the valleys like you couldn't find anywhere else!
You will be guided by a state-certified mountain guide from the Acumpanyat Experiences team: it is first and foremost a group of friends, united in their profession as in life, who share a common ambition: that the moments spent up there be a source of small and great happiness, laughter and well-being, simplicity… Acumpanyat is a certain approach to the mountains, through the Human above all, where beyond the walk there is the encounter, in the noble sense of the term.
Program
-
Ascent to the refuge
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
A beautiful snowshoe hike, with 800m of elevation gain, to reach the Russell refuge site. Depending on the time, a short snowshoe walk or snow-related workshops (avalanche transceiver use, igloo building, etc.).
Barbecue evening and convivial meal in the cabin with a wood fire, to be collected beforehand!
Night in the cabin.
Day 1 -
Back
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 1400 m
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A warm breakfast, then an early departure for a very nice snowshoe walk above the site, up to a magnificent viewpoint, with a light bag.
Return to the cabin site for lunch break and then back to the starting point.
Day 2
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
You will sleep in the Russel refuge-cabin: it is an unguarded refuge. It has a fireplace and a dormitory with mattresses and blankets.
Access
We organize carpooling between our premises and the start of the hike.
Go to the starting point
Train to Tarbes then Lourdes.
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.
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.
Located in the city centre, the covered municipal parking lot has 140 spaces.
During school holidays, it is advisable to book your pitch by phone at 05 62 92 50 34
HOURLY RATES: 1 hour = €2
SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Weekend Pass: €50.00 - 4-day/week Pass: €75.00 - 7-day Pass: €125.00
There is free parking in Cauterets (at the entrance to the village), but it's difficult to find a space. If you're only coming for the stay, it's easier to stay in the valley (Argelès-Gazsot or Pierrefitte-Nestalas), where there is free parking. Carpooling is then possible from Pierrefitte-Nestalas/Soulom to Cauterets, and the guide might have some seats available in their vehicle.
Price details
The price includes
- One night in a mountain refuge
- dinner on day 1
- Professional liability insurance,
- Supervision by a state-certified mountain guide
- Loan of avalanche rescue equipment
The price does not include
- Personal equipment
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Snowshoe rental
- Transportation to the starting point of the hike (available upon request)
Options
- Snowshoe rental : CHF14.64 / unit
- Snowshoe rental : CHF18.30 / 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
- DVA
- Shovel
- Probe
Equipment to bring
- 1 backpack of approximately 50L ( possibility of loan )
- 1 waterproof bag
- 1 water bottle of at least 1.5 L
- 1 small thermos
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- 1 sleeping bag, comfort temperature 5°C ( available for loan )
- 1 small toiletry kit
- 1 small personal first-aid kit + toilet paper
- 1 headlamp ( available for loan )
- High-top hiking boots that are warm and waterproof
- Snowshoes and poles
Clothing to bring
- 2 long-sleeved t-shirts.
- 2 thin long-sleeved fleece jackets
- 1 warm and thick garment (sweater, thick fleece, down jacket…)
- 1 waterproof jacket
- 1 pair of waterproof mountain trousers
- 1 pair of comfortable trousers for the evening
- 1 pair of socks + 2 spare pairs
- 1 beanie
- 1 pair of waterproof gloves + 1 spare pair of gloves
They traveled with us
