Snowshoeing in the snowy valleys of the Encantats
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationPyrenees / Val d'Aran
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AgeFrom 15 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions103.45 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Every winter, the Val d'Aran transforms into a veritable white haven, offering ideal conditions for snowshoeing in the heart of the Spanish Pyrenees . This winter getaway invites you to a gradual immersion in a pristine mountain environment, sculpted by snow and silence.
Accommodation is in a family-run hotel located in the heart of a charming mountain village . From the hotel, the panoramic view opens up across the valley and surrounding peaks, creating a warm and authentic atmosphere after a day of exertion.
The routes take us between Aygues Törtes National Park and the Beret high plateau , two iconic sites offering a great diversity of landscapes. Along the way, we discover frozen lakes , spectacular mineral cirques , and vast larch forests , all in a typically wintery atmosphere.
Each day is punctuated by the contemplation of magnificent landscapes , revealing all the natural and wild richness of the Val d'Aran under its blanket of snow.
The highlights
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Discovering the magnificent Aigues Tortes National Park
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Varied landscapes in a preserved natural area
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A very comfortable 3-star family hotel in a pretty valley
Photos
Sport
Level
Snowshoeing
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average daily elevation gain: 530 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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Discovering the heights of Bagergue
- Transportation Minibus - 01h30 - 80km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Meet at the Saint-Gaudens SNCF train station at 9:00 am.
After joining the group, you will go to the hotel to get dressed for this first hike. Experience your first snowshoeing adventure above the village of Bagergue , towards the Serra d'Arenho.
Day 1 -
Ascent towards the Pic de Pedescau
- Transportation Minibus - 20h - 11km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today's objective will be the Pic de Pedescau, which rises to 2375 meters. To reach it from Pla de Beret, we will ascend along the Barlongueta stream.
At the top, a superb view will unfold before us.
Day 2 -
The Great Circus of Colomers
- Transportation Minibus - 20h - 10km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
For the third hike of our trip, we'll explore the vast Colomers cirque. To get there, we'll first have to cross the Banhs de Tredos and the large Aiguamog plateau. Once in the cirque, we'll be able to hike between the small passes and the various plateaus.
Day 3 -
Hidden lakes and frozen lakes
- Transportation Minibus - 00h20 - 11km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We will begin our hike at L'Orry, at an altitude of approximately 1800 meters. We will ascend slowly but steadily until we reach Estanh de Baish. After this small lake, we will continue climbing and find ourselves in a truly high-mountain setting. If conditions permit, we will even cross a frozen lake.
Day 4 -
Outing in the Val de Ruda
- Transportation Minibus - 00h25 - 15km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This final, superb hike will begin at the bottom of a wide valley, along the Arriu de Saboredo. Depending on everyone's fitness level, we will make a final effort by climbing up to the Pleta de Saboredo, where we will take a break at the refuge of the same name.
Day 5 -
End of stay
- Transportation Minibus - 01h30 - 80km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Transfer to Saint-Gaudens SNCF train station after breakfast, for an expected arrival around 11:00 am.
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
A very comfortable, family-run 3-star hotel in an exceptional location in a beautiful valley. Double or twin rooms (with separate beds) are available, each with a shower, toilet, and TV.
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
Sunday at Saint Gaudens station at 9:00 am.
Go to the starting point
Free parking at Saint-Gaudens train station.
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 (tires or snow chains)
- 2 warning triangles
- 1 reflective high-visibility vest
Free parking at the accommodation during your stay.
Price details
The price includes
- Supervision by a qualified mountain guide
- Equipment rental: TSL snowshoes, poles, safety kit (avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe)
- Accommodation in a 3-star hotel in a shared twin room
- Full board from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 6
- Return transfers from Saint-Gaudens train station with our 8-person minibus
- Daily transfers
- The tourist tax
The price does not include
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Single room : CHF146.37 / person
- Additional night with half-board the night before the stay (twin/double) : CHF59.46 / person
- Additional night with half-board the night before the stay (single room) : CHF77.76 / person
- Additional night with half-board at the end of the stay (twin/double) : CHF59.46 / person
- Additional night with half-board at the end of the stay (single room) : CHF77.76 / 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
The 3-layer technique helps to keep you warm and dry.
1. Breathable layer
2. Insulating layer
3. Protective layer
To apply this method, you will need:
- Thermal and breathable long-sleeved T-shirts (not 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)
- Softshell hiking trousers, warm, breathable and water-repellent, with integrated snow gaiters if possible (ski trousers not recommended)
- 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)
