Marmot Tours :: Snowshoeing holiday in the Pyrenees, France

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Snowshoe Expedition in the Pyrenees

A unique trip into the heart of the mountains, staying in unmanned refuges


3 day expedition. 2 days taking in peaks near Andorra. Free day to Ski or relax. Chalet / Refuge accommodation. Stunning Mountain landscape Ridges and peaks. Manageable daily distances. Instruction on avalanche awareness and use of transceivers. Reliable snow with warm climate.
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OVERVIEW

Snow covered mountains are majestic. The contrast between the brilliant white carpet, the azure sky and the rock faces is overwhelming. Away from the noise of the ski resorts they are untouched. This perfect white blanket is broken only by the occasional trail of an Izzard or Muflon.

During this week you will get an unrivaled insight into the joys of winter walking. You will receive training on avalanche awareness and the correct use of the latest safety equipment. There are two warm up days, before we head into the heart of the mountains on a 3-day, 2-night expedition staying in unmanned mountain refuges. We will pack light so that we can cover the ground comfortably and take in some peaks en route between the huts.

The week is lead by James Thompson a qualified International Mountain Leader (IML) who has made his home in the valley. He is passionate about the region, its wildlife and forests. He has over 6 years of experience of leading snowshoeing trips.

At the start and end of the week, we base ourselves in a comfortable Chalet in Ax-les-Thermes. The town itself has been inhabited since Roman times, due to its thermal springs which still flow freely down the streets. It is now a popular base for summer and winter activity holidays enhancing its charm with lots of interesting shops, restaurants and lively bars. On the day off, you can take to the downhill or x-country ski slopes. Those wanting to relax would be more than content in the Thermal Baths.

IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?

The trip is aimed at anyone who is after a real mountain experience and is prepared to take on whatever the elements throw at us. A reasonable level of fitness is required as most days there is over 800m of uphill carrying a reasonably heavy pack. Prior experience of snowshoeing is not essential. It is important to us that people book the correct trip. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have have any doubts.

DATES

Sun 29th March- Sun 5th April 2009 (trip code SFE I13)

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The holiday costs £540, starting at Toulouse Airport. Flights are not included but can be picked up cheaply if booked in advance. Expect to pay £80 return. Allow about £30 for drinks and the meals not included (outlined below). There are no other local payments or hidden costs. Please note that we offer a 5% discount if you book more than 3 months before the departure date. We also offer group and loyalty discounts. More Info >>

WHAT DOES THE PRICE INCLUDE?

2 days guided introduction walks and a 3 day expedition* with a qualified International Mountain Leader. Snowshoe and poles hire. Airport Transfers (specified times only). Private vehicle support during the week. 5 nights in Mountain Chalet, 2 nights in unmanned Mountain refuges (honesty contribution included). 3 evening meals in L'Alpage, 2 self catered evening meals in refuges, 7 breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches.

*weather permitting.

WHERE DO WE STAY?

We spend 5 nights in a comfortable Mountain Chalet and 2 nights in unmanned mountain refuges.

Mountain Chalet: We stay in L'Alpage, a comfortable chalet / Lodge 15 mins walk uphill from the centre of Ax. Alan, our host, creates a warm and relaxed atmosphere in his beautiful house. The spacious lounge and bar opens on to a panoramic south facing terrace - the perfect place to relax with glass of vin chaud at the end of a great day in the hills! Accommodation in L'Alpage is normally allocated on a twin share basis with shared facilities.

Mountain Refuges: One of the joys of winter walking in this part of the Pyrenees is that there is no one else around; unfortunately this means that all the refuges in the area are unmanned in winter. However, both the refuges we stay in are very modern and have specially designed winter quarters, which are open for anyone to use when the refuges are non-guarded. Both have 16 matrices on two levels and enough blankets for everyone if the refuge was full. Both have tables and benches as well as special cooking areas. They are both fairly spacious and it is unlikely that anyone else will be using them mid week. There is no form of heating, but 8 people generate enough heat to keep the refuges comfortable.

FOOD

When staying in L'Alpage you will be provided with substantial continental style breakfasts. Comprehensive picnic lunches will be provided on the two walking days which you will be expected to carry with you. 3 evenings meals are taken at the lodge, where we will be served regional specialties such as Confit du canard, Tartiflette and Cassoulet. A moderate amount of wine is included with these meals. The evening meal on the rest day is not included, giving you the opportunity to head into town where there are many fine French and International restaurants. Vegetarians will be looked after very well.

Food on Expedition. We will need to carry with us all the food and cooking equipment needed for the 3-day 2-night expedition. We will make water by melting snow. Breakfasts will consist of porridge, brioche (sweetened Bread), and dried biscuits washed down with ample tea or hot chocolate. For Lunch you will be provided with one standard pack lunch plus a long lasting bread and selection of cheese, pate, fish etc. Dried fruit, nuts and chocolate will be of ample supply. Dinner will be made communally and will consist of basic, but nutritious fodder. Expect a wholesome soup followed by pasta with a basic sauce. Snow cones will normally be served for desert. Vegetarians can be catered for, but will not necessarily be eating at the same time (due to lack of cooker space)

Dinner on the first day is not included due to the differing arrival times of the group members.

COOKING EQUIPMENT

The refuges are not kitted out, so we will need to carry with us 2 MSR stoves, plenty of fuel and two large aluminum pans. These fit snugly into a backpack and can be used to protect your lunch!!

GUIDING AND INSTRUCTION

This trip is lead by a qualified International Mountain Leader (Accompagnateur en Montagne Europeen)

You be accompanied by James Thompson, a qualified Mountain Leader and member of BAIML (British Association of International Mountain Leaders). James has 6 years of experience in leading safe and enjoyable snowshoeing trips. He is passionate about the area and throughout the week will offer informal lectures about the mountains, nature and aspects of winter safety. Instruction on the the best way to use the snowshoes will naturally given (just walk!) James will carry all the equipment necessary to safeguard the group.

GROUP

There is a maximum of 8 people (minimum 2) plus James on this holiday. Bookings from single people are welcome as activity holidays are a great way to make new friends.

TRANSPORT

Throughout the trip you transferred to and from the walk start points in a Private minibus. James has lots of experience of driving in snowy conditions. The bus is naturally fitted with snow tyres and chains are carried. The unique road network around Ax means that we can drive high and gain good views with minimum effort. Transfers on the first 2 days of the trip will be from 20 to 40 mins each way.

CLIMATE

The area around Andorra gets more snow than any other in the Pyrenees (often more than the Alps). Most years the snow sits on the hills until the end of May, while the proximity to the Mediterranean results in a warmer, more stable climate. The Latitude ensures that we can enjoy long sunny days in the hills.

SNOW CONDITIONS

Every year the conditions are different, however we can expect to be on snow for most of the week, except the final hour of the expedition. During April we can normally expect the snow to be hard packed and stable. In the mornings it will be hard and fairly icy and by mid afternoon the snowshoes will be sinking a bit.

WHAT TO BRING

You do not need to buy any specialist gear to come on this holiday. The snowshoes and walking poles are provided. You will need a pair of walking boots (stiffer the better), water proof top, Gaiters, warm clothes (lots of layers are best), 2 pairs of gloves, warm hat, sun hat, normal walking trousers, eye protection. You should be able to carry 2L of fluids in your rucksack. Sheet sleeping bag, duvet jacket. An old pair of waterproof trousers are desirable, especially if you take to the tobogganing. A full kit list will be sent on booking.

HOW DO I GET THERE?

Toulouse Airport is only 1hr 45mins form Ax by road. Minibus transfers at specified times are included in the cost of the holiday (we will discuss this with you at your point of enquiry). Please see the Transport section for all travel options (air, road and rail), plus getting to the start point independently of the group transfer.

HOLIDAY ITINERARY
NOTES	The itinerary remains flexible to accommodate differing snow conditions and the desires of the group. As snowshoeing is more pleasant and safer in good weather conditions the Expedition rest day may be altered to the end of the trip. The route has been chosen as it avoids slopes that are prone to Avalanche. If the weather changes for the worse and we decide (for safety reasons) not to move onto the Refuge D'en Beys, we can walk down to L'Hospitalet and catch the train back to Ax. This is an easy 2hr walk down hill. If this is the case, additional walks will be laid on for the rest day. Mobile phone coverage is fairly good and both refuges have emergency phones.
DAY 1	Transfer 1 hr 45 mins from Toulouse airport to our Lodge in Ax-les-Thermes. Dinner tonight is not included due to the late arrival of the flights.
DAY 2	A short drive towards the Andorran Border takes us over 2000m so the 26000m peaks are within easy reach. As well as taking in a peak, we will have the opportunity of practicing walking on differing slope gradients and in differing snow conditions. In the evening there will be a presentation about avalanche awareness, assessment of stability and avoidance.
DAY 3	The main aim of today is to learn about the use of Avalanche Transceivers and other safety equipment that we will be taking with us on the Expedition. The walk will not be too demanding giving us time to have a look at the snow pack and get back to the lodge in time to prepare for the expedition.
DAY 4	A 40 min transfer takes us up to the Col De Puymorens (1920m). From here we head North East down the Coma d'en Garcia, this classic U shaped valley provides us with the perfect warm up as we head towards our first Col at 2534m. From here, and without the burden of our loads, we can take in the Tossa Rodona (2601m) or in exceptional conditions the Pic de Coma D'Or (2826m). The scenery is majestic as we head around the base of the craggy Puig Pedros towards the Refuge de Besines (2104m), nestled amongst the pine trees.
DAY 5	Today we traverse one of the wildest places in France. The gentle ascent through the sparse, snow clad trees is awe-inspiring as we head for the Coll de Coma d'Anyell (2455m). Again, without the bags, there is the option of heading up the ridge to the spectacular Puig de Lanos (2660m). The descent to the Refuge D'en Beys (1970m) is unrivaled by any I have come across in winter. In the summer it is a land of granite boulders, rivers and lakes which, when covered in natures white blanket, leaves us with an interesting landscape of ever changing gradient, punctuated by the occasional tree.
DAY 6	After our 2 nights in the wilds we are ready to leave the mountains, however, if conditions are good we could take in the peak behind the refuge before descending. Our route takes us down the deep Oriege valley where we have great views of the rock climbers Mecca of the Dent D'Orlu. We end our trek at Orlu (912m).
DAY 7	Today is free to do as you wish. There is an excellent downhill ski Resort which can be accessed from Ax, or if you fancy trying x-country skiing, James will not take much bribing to take you up to the Plateau de Beille where 65km of prepared trails await. Relaxing in the thermal baths is always an option.
DAY 8	Time to leave. After breakfast we transfer to Toulouse airport

Contact Marmot Tours: info@marmot-tours.co.uk
Tel/fax: 0033 561 02 80 43. French Mob: 0033 (0)6 30 01 12 98