New Year's Eve on snowshoes at the Montgarri refuge in the Pyrenees
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationVal d'Aran / Pyrenees
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions40.51 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Venture into the heart of the Val d'Aran for an exceptional winter getaway on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees . This 4-day , star-shaped itinerary invites you to explore the unspoiled Montgarri area at the pace of beautiful snowshoe hikes .
Explore wild landscapes , from snow-covered forests and pristine valleys to breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding peaks. Each evening, return to the warm and authentic atmosphere of the Montgarri refuge , your friendly base camp, renowned for its generous cuisine and local specialties .
To celebrate New Year's Eve , share a festive and warm moment in the heart of the Catalan mountains . An exceptional adventure combining unspoiled nature , conviviality, and a complete change of scenery to ring in the new year .
The highlights
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A star-shaped circuit for greater comfort
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Discovery of the Montgarri valley, a Pyrenean jewel
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Different stages every day with superb high mountain scenery
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 4h30
- Average daily elevation gain: 470 m
Management
French
The stay will be supervised by a qualified French mountain guide who knows the country, the mountain range and the routes well.
An enthusiastic professional, he will be able to share his knowledge and passion for the natural environment with you, all while ensuring your safety. His dedication to his work compels him to adapt to weather conditions, terrain constraints, and other unforeseen circumstances, managing the pace and physical condition of each participant, all while remaining readily available.
Program
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Montgarri Refuge
- Transportation Minibus - 02h - 85km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Arrival at Saint-Gaudens SNCF train station, then transfer to our refuge located in the secret valley of Montgarri.
We will take secondary routes to gradually discover this magnificent, unspoiled valley. Our hike will lead us through sparse pine forests, delicately dusted with snow, where we will search for the many tracks left by wildlife.
Day 1 -
The Orle Valley
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 580 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today, we will enjoy a beautiful loop route.
We set off to discover the Orle Valley, a wide, deep and wild valley that stretches to the border peaks of Ariège.
A true change of scenery awaits us in this high mountain setting, between vast snowy spaces, passages through forests and preserved panoramas.
Day 2 -
The Tuc of Bandolers
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Discover the Bandolers valley, with its countless fir forests offering an exceptional winter setting.
Our route will take us to the Tuc de Bandolers (2,306 m), a small panoramic summit that will allow us to enjoy a remarkable view over the entire valley.
Day 3 -
Pedescals Peak and the end of the trip
- Transportation Minibus - 02h - 85km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 250 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Ascent of the Pedescals peak (2,410 m), a magnificent viewpoint offering breathtaking views of the Pyrenees and the great border peaks.
Then transfer to the SNCF train station in Saint-Gaudens and end of stay.
Day 4
Accommodation
Accommodation at the Montgarri refuge. This is a very comfortable mountain refuge, with dormitory-style accommodation for 6 to 8 people and hot showers.
You will only need a sleeping bag liner or a light sleeping bag, blankets are provided on site.
Your luggage will be transported to the refuge by snowmobile.
Access
Your guide will be waiting for you at the Saint-Gaudens SNCF train station at 09:30.
Go to the starting point
For those wishing to travel to Spain during or after their stay with their vehicle, please note that it is mandatory to have the following in your vehicle:
- 2 warning triangles
- 1 reflective high-visibility vest
To remain true to our commitment to environmental protection, we strive to organize carpooling when the number of participants exceeds the capacity of our minibus. We therefore offer participants the option of using their own vehicles to carpool; naturally, we offer reimbursement of expenses according to tax regulations to those who volunteer.
Price details
The price includes
- The route is led by a qualified mountain guide who knows the area, the mountain range, and the trails well.
- Full board from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 4
- New Year's Eve dinner with wine, sparkling wine and party favors
- Round-trip transfer from Saint-Gaudens SNCF train station
- The loan of a pair of TSL snowshoes and poles
- Luggage transfer by snowmobile
- The tourist tax
The price does not include
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Drinks and personal expenses
- 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 to bring
For the shelter
- A travel bag for your belongings for the 4 days
- A sleeping bag liner or a lightweight sleeping bag
- Your spare clothes
- A toiletry bag
- A headlamp
- A pair of lightweight, slipper-style shoes for the evening
- For prescription glasses, remember to bring a spare pair.
For hiking
- A 30/40 liter backpack with a waist belt
- A protective cover for the backpack (often integrated into it)
- A pair of waterproof shoes with good ankle support
- A waterproof pouch for your documents, phone, etc…
- A plastic pocket to protect your belongings inside the backpack
- Sunscreen (cream and lip balm)
- Category 2, 3 or 4 sunglasses
- A water bottle
- Cutlery, knife and cup
- Small floor mat (for sitting during your lunch break)
- Toilet paper with a small pocket (so it doesn't end up in nature)
- A lighter
- Survival blanket
- A spare pair of shoelaces
Clothing to bring
Clothing equipment for hiking
The 3-layer technique helps to keep you warm and dry.
- Breathable layer
- Insulating layer
- Protective layer
To apply this method, you will need
- Thermal and breathable long-sleeved T-shirts (not cotton)
- Polartec-type fleece jacket or sweatshirt
- Waterproof, breathable, and windproof jacket with a hood. (Gore-Tex remains the standard material)
- Softshell hiking trousers, warm, breathable and water-repellent, with, if possible, integrated snow gaiters.
- Waterproof, lightweight and compressible over-trousers (Gore-Tex type)
- Pairs of warm, knee-high socks (Merino wool)
- Cap
- Warm, waterproof gloves, silk liner gloves (2 pairs if possible)
