Pyrenees Winter Walks and Snowshoe I 6 days I Bespoke and fixed dates
6
Days
No Fixed Departure Available!
We run winter walks from December – Marchduring the ski season and are happy to arrange bespoke guided trips and self-guided.
We can also arrange bespoke multi activity holidays for families at any time during this periodincluding options such as nordic ski, yoga sessions, huskey sledging, igloo building and thermal spa.
If you would like a weekend or day trip do ask. This trip includes 3.5 days winter walking in a spectacular location.
1 x night at Chez Arran apartments, 1 x night in refuge de Chioula or Angaka Nordic village, 2 x nights in a hotel in Ax les Thermes
Experience the quietness of moving through fresh Pyrenees snow and hearing snow fall from bronzed beech trees or majestic pines. Explore some fantastic local snowshoeing day routes – we will find the best conditions for you to enjoy fresh snow including at the Plateau de Beille and around the refuge de Chioula. For this reason, we keep our Pyrenees Winter Walking programme flexible and the order of days may change to get the best snow or conditions. We climb a 1500-2500m peak before you leave. Enjoy the vibrant winter town of Ax as well as take an optional dip in the local thermal baths at Les Bains de Couloubret. Of course, there will be ample time to play in the snow and identify animal tracks for any families joining.
Highlights
Wonder of Beech forests in winter
A night out on a high mountain plateau in a traditional refuge or camp
Climb a Pyrenean peak
Enjoy the Spa town of Ax les Thermes
Itinerary
Day 1 :
Arrival to Chez Arran and local walk - Chance to visit a Cathar Spougla hideout
We will pick you up from the airport at Toulouse in the afternoon and transfer to ChezArran apartments in the small spa village of Ornolac Ussat les Bains, perfectly poised for your snowshoeing adventure. Visit a Cathar spouglas or hideout before dinner. Settle into your apartment, go through kit lists, plus a chance to hire or plan to acquire any other special equipment. Explore the town of Tarascon Sur Ariege and eat in a local restaurant.
Meals (D) Accommodation: Chez Arran Apartments
.
Day 2 :
Chioula or Beille Trek through beautiful beach woods
Today we will visit the domaine de Chioula trekking in through beautiful beech woods to an open plateau and refuge de Chioula. In early season we shall instead start from the Plateau de Beille to explore “off piste” snowshoeing and stay in a Nordic village. Snowshoeing 4-5hrs Accommodation: Refuge de Chioula or at Angaka Nordic Village, Plateau de Beille (B,L,D)
Day 3 :
Plateau de Sept Cases snowshoe on a high mountain plateau or mixed activity day at Beille
In the morning after breakfast we walk out from Chouila to the col de Marmare and ascend onto the plateau de Sept Cases and the rocher de Scaramus after dropping off our night kit. This is the territory of one of the bears that was re-introduced to the area and we will talk about how animals and agriculture co-exist in the region. Route meanders between mountain forest and large snow-covered plateaus with splendid views of the Pyrenees mountains. (Transfer time ~ 4 minutes or walk out, snowshoeing time 5-6 hours) If staying at Angaka village, Beille we will either: • Transfer by vehicle to Ax les Thermes or the col de Marmare for some more winter walking / snowshoeing or • Include Nordic skiing hire for you at the Plateau de Beille for a change of activity and then transfer you to Ax les Thermes after a second day on Plateau de Beille. This is a non-guided activity. With enough notice we can also reserve dogsledding which is not included. Accommodation: Ax les Thermes hotel Relais de Montagnard or similar. (B,L,D)
Day 4 :
Climb a peak: Ascent of Pic Tarbesous, Pic Estibat or near Porte de Puymorens close to Andorra
Today we will head up to Ascou-Paiheres and pic Tarbesou 2364m, 5 hrs +700m or drive up to the magnificent Porte de Puymorens on the Andorran border. There is an amazing 360 panorama from Tarbesou which can be climbed in approximately 3 hours. For the Col de Puymorens we can either go up a stunning wide valley towards the Coma i Portella d’en Garcia or the Pic de la Mina (2683m). We will follow the best conditions! We will eat in the lively town of Ax Les Thermes with its cobbled streets and thermal springs walk. Tonight is our celebratory meal. Snowshoeing 5-6hrs Accommodation: Le petite montagnarde or similar Ax les Thermes.
Transfer time: Ascou Paiheres: 35 minutes Porte de Puymorens :50 minutes Meals (B,L)
Day 5 :
Ax les Thermes spa or relax day
Rest and relax in the morning in Ax les Thermes. A chance to visit the amazing Bains de Couloubret thermal spa. Wander the cobbled streets of Ax les Thermes and dip your feet in the sulphurous waters. If you wish to depart on this day just let us know in advance.
Celebratory Meal. (B, L)
Day 06 :
Departures
Mid morning departures from Ax les Thermes. (B)
What is included?
Included in this trip
Accommodation and food as specified in the programme
Local transport as per the itinerary
Guiding by a qualified International Mountain leader
One guide to 10 guests maximum ratio
Snowshoes, poles and transceivers (when required) will be provided
Baggage transfer
Not included in this trip
Flights
Insurance
Mountain snacks
Alcoholic beverages and restaurant drinks
Any additional transport or accommodation needed if you have to leave the group for a medical or fitness reason
No Fixed Departure Available!
FAQs
What will I carry
You will walk with only a day sack. Our team will meet you with your additional luggage at the end of the day except on your journey into the refuge de Chioula or Angaka Nordic village.
What is the food like?
Day 1 On the first night you will have the chance to sample local cuisine at a local restaurant in Seix or Tarascon Sur Ariege if staying at Chez Arran.
Day 2 The second night offers a farm experience with all home grown and made produce at Aunac or Esbintz. All our clients report having had a fabulous meal brought to them by Adeline (Esbintz) or Anthony (Aunac).
Day 3 On arrival at the col de la core you will receive a buffet lunch before the evening wild camp. For dinner we give you a 3 course meal including tasty starters that are carried in by our team.
Day 4 In the evening you will have a fixed menu dinner provided by the Estagnous refuge and drinks are available from their bar service. Dietary requirements can usually be catered for as long as we know in advance.
Day 5 Celebratory meal in Vielha A rewarding tapas meal with an excellent local wine selection and a great variety of gins and juices too!
Lunches: On most days you will receive a large and varied packed lunch but please do supplement with your own snacks.
What do people do in the Winter in the Pyrenees?
Skiing at Ax les Thermes and Plateau de Beille the nordic resort
Rock climbing in the sunshine
Winter walking and snow shoeing “off piste” giving a great sense of adventure
How do I get there?
By air Ryan air offers flights from London Stansted to Toulous regularly and Fly Be and British Airways are also good options. By rail there are overnight trains from London – Paris and then on.
