Alpine skiing and snowshoeing: a winter escape in the heart of the Pyrenees
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationPyrenees / Hautes-Pyrénées
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AgeUp to a 90imum of years
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CO₂-Emissions54.56 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Indulge in a winter getaway in the heart of the Pyrenees , where disconnecting and relaxing are the order of the day. Nestled in an authentic mountain village, the Isard Blanc cottages welcome you to a warm setting that blends the charm of traditional wood with modern comforts. This stay is an invitation to savor the pleasures of snow in all its forms.
Each day offers a new horizon: carve down the slopes of the iconic resorts of Luz Ardiden and Gavarnie , or explore the wild mountains on snowshoeing excursions . The highlight of your adventure will undoubtedly be this unique , immersive evening . After watching a blazing sunset from the mountain ridges, you'll share a traditional meal in the intimacy of a shepherd's hut . The return journey is made by starlight, prolonging the magic of this timeless moment. Between skiing , contemplative hikes, and relaxing by the fire, experience the very essence of a mountain holiday.
The highlights
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A condensed experience of majestic valleys in winter, the discovery of two Pyrenean resorts
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A timeless moment during the snowshoeing and garbure evening in a shepherd's hut
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The accommodation, a true haven of peace perched above a mountain village
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
The expert's opinion
A stay adaptable to all levels. The level of the snowshoeing outings is tailored to your expectations.
Optionally, and upon request, ski lessons with a Ski Instructor are available.
In figures
Alpine skiing & snowboarding
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Predominant track color : Free - As you wish
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 1h30
- Average distance/day: 6 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 120 m
- Average daily descent: 100 m
Management
As soon as your booking is confirmed, your roadbook will be available to help you plan your adventure. To enhance your Pyrenean experience, we'll share our top sightseeing tips with you. You can also pick up a printed copy of the roadbook upon arrival.
Program
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Arrival and check-in
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrival and check-in at your gîte. We recommend exploring the village of Luz Saint-Sauveur with its Templar church dating from the 13th century.
Day 1 -
Skiing in Luz Ardiden
- Activity Alpine skiing & snowboarding
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Predominant track color Free - As you wish
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Discover the Luz Ardiden ski resort, just 20 minutes from your accommodation. A shuttle bus is available from Luz Saint-Sauveur. Enjoy skiing at a pace suited to your level; ski lessons with professional instructors are available as an option.
Day 2 -
Snowshoeing in Cauterets
- Activity Snowshoes
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 160 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Snowshoe trails starting from the Pont d'Espagne ski resort in Cauterets. Enchanting trails on the Clot or Cayan plateaus, depending on your level.
Discover the waterfalls in winter and certainly observe the ibex!
Stop in Cauterets on your return journey.
Unaccompanied snowshoe hike, at your own pace.
Day 3 -
Skiing in Gavarnie
- Activity Alpine skiing & snowboarding
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Predominant track color Free - As you wish
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The resort with breathtaking views: Gavarnie. A small, family-friendly ski resort overlooking the Cirque de Gavarnie. Skiing in Gavarnie truly becomes a contemplative experience! Forget everything else, just enjoy the spectacle.
Day 4 -
Snowshoeing in the Lienz forest
- Activity Snowshoes
- Distance 3 km
- Positive elevation gain 100 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Marked snowshoe trail in the forest on the Grand Tourmalet ski area.
Short, easy loop through the winter forest scenery.
Unaccompanied snowshoe hike, at your own pace.
Day 5 -
Sunset snowshoeing and return under the stars
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 100 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Evening snowshoeing and garbure from 4pm to 9pm with the following program: sunset from the ridges of the Luz Ardiden ski resort, garbure in a shepherd's hut and return under the stars.
Guided walk.
Day 6 -
End of stay
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You leave our valleys with your head full of majestic memories and images.
Departure from the gîte at 10:00 am.
Day 7
Note
The snowshoeing excursions are entirely at your own risk; we cannot be held responsible for any incidents or accidents that may occur during your hikes. Hiking advice (weather, equipment) will be available. If you are concerned about hiking alone in the mountains, we recommend choosing guided outings led by mountain professionals. The two days of skiing may take place at Luz Ardiden, subject to the resort's opening conditions.
Accommodation
Charming cottage for 2 to 4 people with all comforts located in a mountain village at 800 meters altitude.
Access
Access to your accommodation is from 3:30 pm . Early arrival may be possible upon request, subject to availability. On the day of departure, rooms must be vacated by 10:00 am.
For this trip, it is necessary to have a vehicle to get to the different sites.
Go to the starting point
Access possible by train to Lourdes station - then car hire in Lourdes.
You will need a vehicle to travel to the various practice sites.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in a fully equipped, fully-equipped, classified gîte
- Your roadbook includes snowshoe hikes in ski areas
- Our top tips for sightseeing and restaurants
- Rental of snowshoes and poles
- Ski passes: 1 day at Luz Ardiden + 1 day at Gavarnie
- The accompaniment and garbure during the Snowshoes and Garbure evening in Luz Ardiden
- Bed sheets and bath towels
- A welcome gift
The price does not include
- Transportation: to your accommodation and daily to the hiking and skiing sites
- Guided by a mountain professional or ski lessons with a ski instructor
- All meals
- Ski equipment rental
- 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 and walking sticks
Equipment to bring
- Alpine skiing equipment: ski boots and poles, ski helmet recommended
- suitable hiking equipment
- mountain backpack adapted to the required volume
- good hiking boots, preferably high-topped
- survival blanket
- small emergency pharmacy
Clothing to bring
- Appropriate clothing for snowshoeing in the mountains: warm and insulating gear
- High-top hiking boots with a lugged sole, preferably waterproof, gaiters
- gloves and hats
- survival blanket
- Ski outfit
- ski helmet
- warm knee-high socks
The Céline team
Based in the heart of the Pyrenees, our local partner is a destination management company specializing in tailor-made and authentic holidays. They offer unique mountain experiences adapted to each individual. Their tour leaders and guides are local experts committed to a rigorous quality charter. They ensure perfect knowledge of the terrain to guarantee an exceptional welcome.
