Snowshoeing exploration at the foot of Aneto
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationFrance / Pyrenees
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AgeFrom 15 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions93.61 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
In the heart of the Benasque Valley , a true jewel of the Spanish Pyrenees, this winter stay immerses you in a wild and unspoiled high-mountain world. Framed by the highest peaks of the range, including the legendary Aneto, you'll explore a territory shaped by granite and still marked by the presence of impressive glaciers . Each day is an immersion in nature's rhythm: silent forests , pristine high plateaus , and breathtaking panoramas unfold along the trails.
After the exertion, it's time to relax in a comfortable 3-star hotel , nestled in a typical village in the Aragonese Pyrenees. The welcome is genuine , the atmosphere friendly , and the setting ideal for savoring the tranquility of the mountains. Designed for lovers of wide-open spaces and accessible winter hikes , this stay combines gentle adventure with immersion in one of the most iconic mountain ranges of the Pyrenees.
The highlights
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An immersion in the heart of the Pyrenees with magnificent landscapes at every turn
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3-star hotel: comfort, warm welcome and tasty food after exertion
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5 days of snowshoeing with varied panoramas for a unique winter adventure
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average daily elevation gain: 510 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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Heading towards the Pyrenees and my first snowshoeing adventure
- Transportation Minibus - 02h30 - 147km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Meet at 9:00 AM at Saint-Gaudens train station before heading towards Spain and the Benasque Valley. After passing through the Vielha Tunnel , you'll stop for your first snowshoe hike near the Encantats mountain range . This time in nature allows you to gently acclimatize to the altitude and experience the mountain atmosphere of your stay. Lunch will be served outdoors in a peaceful and unspoiled setting, surrounded by typical panoramas of the snow-covered Pyrenees.
Day 1 -
Remuñe Valley: Forests with granite peaks
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The day begins with a snowshoe hike in the Remuñe Valley , a gradual route that leads you from snow-covered pine forests to a stark, high-mountain landscape . As you ascend, the scenery transforms: the silent undergrowth gives way to towering walls , icy gullies , and sharp ridges . You'll be traversing a spectacular setting, near the French-Spanish border , with the powerful and wild atmosphere of the massif as your backdrop.
Day 2 -
Under the Aneto, across the Aigualluts plateau
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Head towards the Aigualluts plateau , a vast snow-covered expanse at the foot of Aneto , the highest peak in the Pyrenees. Today's route takes you through pine groves , secluded valleys , and wide open spaces , in an increasingly alpine atmosphere. Throughout the hike, you'll be surrounded by panoramic views, dominated by the iconic peaks of the massif, between the gentle slopes and the imposing heights of the surrounding ridges.
Day 3 -
At the foot of the Posets mountains, in the Val d'Estós
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After a short transfer , you'll set off to explore the Val d'Estós , dominated by the Posets massif, the second highest peak in the Pyrenees. The out-and-back route takes you into the heart of a pristine valley , framed by towering peaks. Throughout the hike, the sweeping views of the surrounding ridges offer a stunning panorama of the Pyrenean landscape, a blend of the imposing power of the rocky giants and the serenity of the snow-covered wilderness.
Day 4 -
Towards Rencluse, in the footsteps of the Maladeta glacier
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
For this final day of hiking , you'll head towards the Rencluse refuge , depending on snow conditions. The route leads you through a high mountain landscape , marked by the starkness of the terrain and the presence of the Maladeta glacier , one of the last still visible in the Pyrenees. A unique atmosphere , perfect for contemplation, to conclude this winter immersion in style.
Day 5 -
Return to Saint-Gaudens
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast , it's time to leave the Bénasque Valley. You'll head towards Saint-Gaudens train station , where you're expected to arrive around noon . A leisurely journey home, a chance to reflect on the landscapes you've passed through and the memorable moments experienced during this winter interlude in the heart of the Pyrenees.
Day 6
Note
Your guide reserves the right to adjust the proposed itineraries based on weather conditions, the participants' skill level or fitness, or any other unforeseen circumstances. These modifications are always intended to guarantee your safety and comfort while maintaining the quality of the experience. The hiking and transfer times mentioned are estimates only. They may vary depending on the group's pace, weather conditions, and the state of the trails or roads. Your guide will ensure the program is adapted so that everyone can fully enjoy the trip.
Accommodation
Very nice 3* hotel, very comfortable, located in Bénasque, offering twin rooms with separate beds, shower, toilet and TV in the room.
Please note: Due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, we may need to change our hotel partners, even those with whom we have collaborated for many years. Therefore, the location of your new accommodation may be changed, but this will not affect the quality of service you will receive. Thank you for your understanding.
Access
At the Saint Gaudens SNCF train station at 9:00 am. Please arrive already dressed in hiking gear.
Go to the starting point
For your information, if you wish to travel to Spain during or after your stay with your vehicle, please note that it is mandatory to have the following in your vehicle:
- Winter equipment (snow tires or chains)
- 2 warning triangles
- 1 reflective safety vest
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be supervised by a qualified mountain guide.
- Accommodation in a 3-star hotel in a shared twin room
- Full board from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 6
- Equipment rental: TSL snowshoes, poles, safety kit (avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe)
- Round-trip transfers from Saint-Gaudens train station
- Daily transfers
- The tourist tax
The price does not include
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Single room : CHF146.37 / person
- Additional night with half-board (twin/double) : CHF59.46 / person
- Additional night with half-board (single room) : CHF82.33 / 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 provided on site
- A pair of TSL rackets
- A pair of poles
- A safety kit (avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe)
Equipment to bring
For the hotel
- A travel bag or suitcase for your belongings for the 6 days (no overly bulky luggage)
- Your spare clothes
- A toiletry bag
- A pair of light, slipper-type shoes for the evening
- A swimsuit (optional)
- For prescription glasses, remember to bring a spare pair.
For hiking
- A 30/40 litre backpack with a waist belt (you will need to carry the safety kit, shovel and probe in your backpack…)
- A protective cover for the backpack (often integrated into it)
- A pair of waterproof shoes with good ankle support (No boots or après-ski boots)
- A pair of gaiters (if not integrated into the trousers)
- A waterproof pouch for your documents, phone, etc…
- A plastic pocket to protect your belongings inside the backpack
- Sunscreen (cream and lip balm)
- Category 3 or 4 sunglasses
- Ski mask
- A container with an airtight lid (like Tupperware) for the picnic
- Cutlery, knife and cup
- A water bottle
- Small floor mat (for sitting during your lunch break)
- Toilet paper
- Lighter
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 (no cotton)
• Lightweight warm jacket (down jacket or micro-puff type)
• Polartec-type fleece sweatshirt
• Waterproof, breathable, and windproof jacket with a hood. (Gore-Tex remains the standard material)
• Warm, breathable and water-repellent softshell hiking trousers with, if possible, integrated snow gaiters (ski trousers are not recommended)
• Waterproof, lightweight and compressible over-trousers (Gore-Tex type)
• Pairs of warm, knee-high socks (Merino wool)
• Beanie
• Warm, waterproof gloves, silk liner gloves (2 pairs if possible)
