|
Snowshoe Expedition in the PyreneesA 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. |
|
 To
detailed itineraryTo
photo album (external website)To
other winter holidays |
|
OVERVIEWSnow 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 unrivalled 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. Please see our itinerary for more detail on the day to day plan. 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 and friendly 2* hotel 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.DATESPlease contact us for dates.HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?The holiday costs £630, starting at Carcassonne Airport. Flights are not included but can be picked up cheaply if booked in advance. Expect to pay £80 return. Allow about £40 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. It is possible to book a single room for a supplement of £100 - this must be arranged on booking.This price includes: 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 friendly, family run 2* hotel, 2 nights in unmanned Mountain refuges (honesty
contribution included). 3 evening meals in Hotel Terminus, 2 self catered
evening meals in refuges, 7 breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches. WHERE DO WE STAY?We spend 5 nights in a comfortable 2* hotel 5 minutes walk from the centre of Ax les Thermes, and 2 nights in unmanned mountain refuges.Hotel Terminus: Our hosts, Alain and Elizabeth, offer a warm welcome in their lovely hotel. They are proud to serve up delicious evening meals using meat and vegetables from local producers. The rooms are large and all have a window overlooking the river Ariège. The hotel is a 5 minute walk from the centre of Ax les Thermes, opposite the railway station. Each room has an en-suite bathroom, as well as a telephone and television. The kitchen produces excellent authentic Pyrenean dishes. Accommodation is normally allocated on a twin share basis. 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 mattresses on two levels and enough blankets for everyone if the refuge is 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. FOODWhen staying in the Hotel Terminus 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 Hotel, whose restaurant is a popular haunt with locals and tourists alike. Alain serves up traditional French cuisine using local produce and where possible, organic ingredients. 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 EQUIPMENTThe refuges are not kitted out, so we will need to carry with us 2 MSR stoves, plenty of fuel and two large aluminium pans. These fit snugly into a backpack and can be used to protect your lunch!!GUIDING AND INSTRUCTIONYou 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. MASSAGE SERVICEOn most evenings of this trip Cathy Thompson will be offering Therapeutic Massages at the Hotel. More info>>
GROUPThere 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.
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.
|
