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Snowshoeing is a relatively unknown activity - a perfect way to get deep into the beautiful Winter mountains and accessible to everyone with very little training required. The Bareges area is scattered with wild valleys, frozen lakes and rolling ridge tops - all benefiting from the proximity of high ski roads which give easy access to deep snow. Using qualified and experienced guides, we offer snowshoeing walks in the heart of the mountains. The local landscape is totally unspoilt and beautiful, and in Winter you can quickly find yourself in perfect wilderness. Leave behind the bustle of the ski resort, and step into peace and tranquility with snowshoeing holidays for all abilities.

Pyrenees snowshoeing holidays - click here for full PHOTO ALBUM

Snowshoeing in the Marcadau valley above Cauterets (January 2008) and in Bareges valley above the village of Betpouey (March 2006)

Snowshoeing holidays are based from our own 18th century, 3-star guest house in the high mountain village of Bareges. Prices include seven nights accommodation in an en-suite bedroom, generous continental breakfasts, packed lunches on walking days, afternoon tea & cakes and delicious three course evening meals. Also included are five full days of guided snow shoeing with ourselves, qualified International Mountain Leaders, and local minibus transport. We take a day off on Wednesdays when you are free to explore in your own time, and try out one of the excellent local restaurants. Snowshoes and avalanche safety equipment are available to hire locally, and we can arrange this as part of your stay.

The only legal qualification for guided mountain walking in Europe

Saturday: Arrive in Barèges, mid afternoon
Sunday: Snowshoeing holiday day 1
Introduction to snowshoeing in the Fôret de L’Ayré – a winter wonderland of snow-laden trees. We walk through beautiful deciduous woodland, following animal tracks, with the chance to see an ermine, deer or white hare. An interesting day discovering snow safety and snow shoeing technique
Monday: Snowshoeing holiday day 2
Pyrenees National Park – a visit to the UNESCO world heritage site of the Cirque de Gavarnie. We walk in the shadow of spectacular 1000m high cliffs and the natural ice sculpture of the Grande Cascade – Europe’s tallest waterfall
Tuesday: Snowshoeing holiday day 3
Cabanes d’Aoubé – a circular walk through deserted Summer pastures, now blanketed with snow. We visit ancient barns and stone circles, whilst gazing across to the towering peaks of the Néouvielle Nature Reserve
Wednesday: Day off
Optional activities or sightseeing. Try downhill skiing in the Tourmalet resort, or perhaps a dog-sledding trip on the Plateau de Lienz. Relax in the afternoon at the wonderful thermal baths in Bareges - the highest thermal spa in Europe!
Thursday: Snowshoeing holiday day 4
Pont d'Espagne and the Marcadau valley - a spectacular, open glacial U-valley scattered with sculpted Scots pines. A breathtaking walk beside a rushing mountain stream, with stunning scenery on every side
Friday: Snowshoeing holiday day 5
Néouvielle Nature Reserve – "Aygues Cluses" valley. We follow a beautiful tumbling stream of perfectly-clear water up to frozen lakes and a remote berger’s cabin surrounded by high peaks
Saturday: Depart

*This itinerary is a guideline. Our schedule is flexible and will vary depending on weather and snow conditions, and the abilities and interests of group members.

Pyrenees snowshoeing holidays - click here for more PHOTOS in our snowshoeing album

Other activities available: downhill and cross-country skiing, sledging, dog sledding, skidoo driving, paragliding, thermal spa

Winter 2011/2012

We are now taking bookings for Winter 2012. Please contact us if you have dates or your own trip to propose. We specialise in the personal touch, and all our holidays are tailored to your particular interests and abilities, led by ourselves as qualified guides. If shopping around for a guided snowshoeing holiday PLEASE check the qualifications of the leaders, for your own safety in the mountains!

*Including accommodation, all meals, guiding, snow shoe hire and local transport.

Please contact us for more details: Price, booking and contact area

Just when we thought the Winter was over - a new snow fall in late April gave us a wonderful day out snowshoeing in the Aygues Cluses ("clear waters") valley and the Neouvielle Nature Reserve.

Accommodation is provided at our lovely 3-star ski chalet; in the heart of the village and close to all the local shops, bakery, thermal spa, bars and restaurants. We are one of the very few ski chalets in the Pyrenees and offer a high standard of service - spacious rooms, en-suite bathrooms, delicious food and many facilities.

Chalet Pyrenees - a traditional village house in Bareges	A warm Winter welcome to snow shoeing in the Pyrenees	Pyrenees accommodation - spacious and characterful en-suite bedrooms	Chalet Pyrenees - cosy lounge with well-stocked bar & wood-burning stove
Delicious 3 course evening meals with after-dinner coffee	Chalet Pyrenees - the front patio buried by a February snow dump	Pyrenees accommodation - lovely en-suite bedrooms with exposed beams	A cosy lounge for apres-ski tea, cakes and relaxation in the Pyrenees

KIT LIST FOR PYRENEES SNOWSHOEING HOLIDAYS

• Clothing/footwear
  Sturdy, waterproof walking boots
  Warm walking socks
  Comfortable walking trousers/leggings
  Synthentic base layer
  Warm jumper or fleece
  Thermal underwear
  W aterproof jacket
  Waterproof trousers
  Gaiters
  Sun hat/peaked cap
  Sunglasses
  Woolly hat, scarf and waterproof gloves
  Swimming costume (for thermal baths)
• Other useful items
  Day rucksack (around 30 litres)
  Sun block and lip balm (minimum factor 25)
  Personal first aid kit (plasters, blister kit, pain killers)
  Water bottle
  Walking poles
• Optional items
  Camera and film
  Maps
  Snacks – cereal bars, dried fruit/nuts, chocolate etc
  Ski goggles