Silent Trails & Frozen Lakes: A Pyrenean Winter Immersion. Climb to the majestic Frozen Lakes of Pessons, warm up in a traditional stone borda, and conclude your challenging journey with an optional, restorative soak in Andorra’s famous thermal spas. Experience the Pyrenees not as a tourist, but as a silent, courageous evader. Bespoke trips are available
Overview
Experience the Pyrenees at their wildest. Trade the crowded ski slopes for untracked powder, following ancient shepherd trails to silent, frozen cirques while enjoying snow fun. We will organise a little Smugglers escape game on request – it’s fun!
Itinerary
You have the option of booking the Andbus from Toulouse or Barcelona to Andorra or booking a pickup with us from Toulouse Blagnac and then transfer to a local hotel Soldeu.
Pessons Frozen lakes
Level 1 The path climbs through a mountain pine forest after which we cross a ski slope to descend through snowy trees to our first lake Estany de Primer and enjoy a fantastic mountain restaurant.
Level 2 We then climb through granite boulders and more pine towards the impressive cirque de Pessons and several beautiful lakes before returning to Grau Roig. With young families we can stop at the restaurant close to Estany de Primer.
Time short day 2-3hours or longer day 5-6 hours Distance 10.5km
Ascent/Descent 300m Hotel Soldeu 4* (B,L,D)
Val d’incles - A journey back in time
One of Andorra’s most pristine and protected valleys with typical Bordas (local barns) and a church with romanesque architecture. It is known to be one of the main valleys where the French Resistance passed during the 2nd World War guiding refugees and used by local smugglers often coming from France and returning with local goods. Look out for animal tracks left in the snow from hares, foxes, squirrels, pine martins.
Level 1 is a half day valley walk ascending gradually through snowy trees above a beautiful stream. Along the way there are sign boards informaing about local culture and traditions throgh time. Plenty of time for enjoying the snow. An excellent choice for families with young children.
Level 2
We extend the journey to visit the panoramic Cabane Sorda and lake with +440m height gain or alternatively climb up towards the port de Fontargente (Incles) French border if conditions allow. Hotel Himalaiya or similar, Soldeu 4* (B,L,D)
In the morning we transfer to El Serrat above La Massana and Ordino which takes just under an hour.
Level 1 Today we climb up through beautiful woodland to break out into a remote open valley with a babbling stream. Ascending for approximately 2 hours we reach the refuge de Rialb (1990m) and explore around.
Level 2 To a "port" on the border with France or loop around depending on the snow conditions. This area was frequently used for escapes from France to Andorra and there is a small museum to refugees close to where our route starts.
4* Hotel with spa in El Serrat or La Massana (B,L)
From El Serrat or Massana we depart and can also drop people in Andorra la Vella if they would like to stay longer or depart from there to Barcelona.
A second option is we take you to Ax les Thermes from where you can get the train back to Toulouse. (B)
Included
- 4* Hotels as stated in the Itinerary
- Meals (B,L,D) as itemised on each day
- Transfer from Tarascon sur Ariege or Ax les Thermes to Grau Roig
- Qualified international mountain leader
- Baggage transfers between hotels
Excluded
- Excluded:
- Transfer from Toulouse Blagnac to Tarascon sur Ariege or Ax les Thermes
- Transfer from Ax les Thermes - Toulouse or Toulouse Blagnac though it can be arranged via train or taxi
Andorra can be accessed from Toulouse or Barcelona airports easily. We will send you details on booking.
Luxury and Confort levels
Accommodation in Andorra in the winter season is quite expensive or very expensive in some locations due to its excellent now conditions and popularity for skiing. So for this we are offering split level packages.
Luxury accommodation includes a stay in 4* hotels with a Spa with a 1-night stay in a mountain refuge according to the itinerary
Comfort accommodation includes: Accommodation in refuges, mountain hostels with individual rooms or in apartments, of which there are many
