Family snowshoeing in Loudenvielle, Saint-Lary and the Neouvielle
In summary
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Sports
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Duration8 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationHautes-Pyrénées / Pyrenees
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AgeFrom 5 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions73.83 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
French
In a few words
❄️ Explore the snowy valleys of Aure and Louron, between peaceful forests and breathtaking panoramas.
🐾 Set off with family or friends to discover the Pyrenees. On the trails, follow the tracks of deer. Snow-covered fir trees and snow-covered fields await you.
🔥 In the evening, relax at Gîte La Louronnaise and head to the Balnéa thermal baths (less than 10 minutes away) for a winter getaway combining adventure and well-being. The fireplace will add a touch of warmth to your evenings.
🚌 Minibus hire available to facilitate your transfers to the starting points of the hikes.
🎒 Snowshoes and poles provided.
❄️ Price decreases depending on the number of participants
The highlights
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Hikes with family or friends, with the possibility of modifying the program
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A single point of contact manages both the guesthouse and the guided hikes led by a local guide.
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Price decreases depending on the number of participants
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 10 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 258 m
- Average daily descent: 258 m
Management
French
Your guide, a true local, will show you the best spots in the Aure and Louron valleys. Enjoy snowshoeing as well as exploring the area: geology, wildlife, and fun activities (igloo building, sledding, bushcraft, etc.).
Program
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Arrival at the gîte
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrival and check-in at the cottage. Self check-in with key box.
Self-guided walk around Loudenvielle lake.
Day 1 -
Walk on the Azet Ridges
- Transportation Minibus - 00h40 - 28km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 280 m
- Negative elevation 280 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Starting from the Val Louron resort, we'll head towards the Col d'Azet and then the eponymous ridges. The 360° view over the Aure and Louron valleys will be our constant companion throughout the day. The hike will continue towards a pretty little peak, which will be our destination for the day.
At midday we will have a picnic near the peak before starting the descent.
The hike can be shortened or lengthened as needed.
Day 2 -
Scenic walk and secret valley
- Transportation Minibus - 00h25 - 14km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 350 m
- Negative elevation 350 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Starting a few kilometers above the gîte for a panoramic walk with a magnificent view of Lake Loudenvielle and the surrounding peaks.
The descent will be through a pretty valley forgotten by the tourist radar.
Stags and does abound in the surrounding woods... no doubt you'll find their tracks!
Day 3 -
Badet Valley
- Transportation Minibus - 01h30 - 70km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 370 m
- Negative elevation 370 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Surrounded by peaks rising to over 3000m, the Badet valley will be our playground for the day. Starting from the Piau-Engaly resort, we will head towards Lake Badet.
We will walk along the banks of the Neste for the outward journey and return via the balconies. The breathtaking view will delight the whole family.
Sledding and igloo building activities are also possible.
Day 4 -
Rest day
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After 3 days of hiking, a well-deserved rest can be enhanced by a self-guided visit to the village of Arreau or Saint-Lary Soulan.
Day 5 -
Day at Lake Oule
- Transportation Minibus - 00h55 - 42km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 30 m
- Negative elevation 30 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
We will start the day from the Espiaube station
Lake Oule, with its refuge and restaurant, is accessible in winter by ski lifts departing from Espiaube.
You will need to purchase a pedestrian pass from the Altiservice ticket offices. (€30/adult and €23/child)
In 45 minutes and 3 lift changes, you will arrive in this enchanting place located at the foot of the Néouvielle Nature Reserve.
The walk will then begin near the lake of Oule.
We will cross the lake dam to reach the opposite bank. A complete change of scenery is guaranteed.
The route, shorter than the previous days, will take place along the edge of the Neouvielle Nature Reserve.
The terrace of the refuge, near the lake, will offer us the opportunity to enjoy a slice of blueberry pie with a good hot chocolate.
The return journey will be via the ski lifts;
Day 6 -
Rest day
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Second day of rest which can be enhanced by a visit to the Balnéa thermal spa center which is 10 minutes from the gîte.
Day 7 -
Departure from the gîte
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After a quick inventory, you will leave the gîte and this beautiful valley with your eyes full of memories and perhaps slightly heavy legs, but with the desire to return to Aure and Louron.
Day 8
Note
All hikes can be adapted to the overall level of the group. It is also possible to add a hike on one of the rest days. The guide may cancel or modify all or part of a hike due to changes in weather or snow conditions.
Accommodation
Discover this bright cottage with free parking adjacent to the accommodation.
On the ground floor you will find a large entrance hall, a living room with fireplace, a kitchen area, a cabin bedroom with bunk bed and WC.
The living room opens onto the garden and the wooden terrace. At the end of the garden, the Neste river will lull you with the gentle lapping of the water.
Upstairs you will find a mezzanine, 2 bedrooms with double beds and a bathroom with toilet
The cottage is less than 10 minutes from essential shops (supermarket, petrol station, bakery, organic grocery store, butcher, bars)
Access
Go to the starting point
Free parking in front of the cottage
Price details
The price includes
- Self-catering accommodation at the La Louronnaise gîte
- Guided hikes led by a BE AeM certified guide
- equipment rental (snowshoes + poles)
The price does not include
- Meals
- Drinks
- Supervision on rest days
- Bed linen and towels (available for rent)
- Access to Balnéa
- Gore-tex or other waterproof membrane shoes for snowshoes (rental available)
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 poles provided
Equipment to bring
- Backpack
- 1-liter water bottle
- High-top, waterproof shoes (available for rent from our partners)
- Gloves, hat, cap
- Sunscreen
Clothing to bring
- Waterproof clothing
- For the upper body: 3 layers (close-fitting garment, light fleece, waterproof jacket)
- Puffy jacket
- For the lower body: ski pants or waterproof clothing
