Snowshoe through the amazing winter landscapes of the French Pyrenees, exploring remote plateaus, mountain peaks, and historic villages. With expert guides, cosy accommodation, and a mix of adventure and relaxation, this six-day trip is perfect for those wanting to experience the beauty of the mountains in winter. Enjoy varied terrain, cultural highlights, and the option to unwind in thermal spas.
Day 1: Arrival and Local Walk
You'll be picked up from Toulouse airport in the afternoon and transferred to Chez Arran apartments in Ornolac-Ussat-les-Bains. Once settled, take a short walk to visit a Cathar Spouglas hideout before dinner at a local restaurant in Tarascon Sur Ariège. There will also be time to check kit lists and hire or acquire any additional equipment if needed.
Meals: Dinner | Accommodation: Chez Arran Apartments
Day 2: Chioula or Beille Snowshoe Trek
A trek through beech woods leads to the open plateau of Refuge de Chioula. Early-season trips may instead explore “off-piste” snowshoeing at Plateau de Beille, where you'll stay overnight in a Nordic village. Snowshoeing time: 4-5 hours.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Accommodation: Refuge de Chioula or Angaka Nordic Village
Day 3: Plateau de Sept Cases or Beille Activity Day
A scenic snowshoe trek takes you to the Plateau de Sept Cases and Rocher de Scaramus, an area home to reintroduced bears. Alternatively, those staying in Angaka Nordic Village can enjoy additional winter activities such as Nordic skiing (equipment hire included) or dogsledding (pre-booking required, additional cost). Snowshoeing time: 5-6 hours.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Accommodation: Ax les Thermes Hotel Relais de Montagnard or similar
Day 4: Peak Ascent – Pic Tarbesous, Pic Estibat, or Puymorens
A challenging ascent of Pic Tarbesou (2364m) or a climb near the Andorran border, offering sweeping panoramic views. The chosen route will depend on snow conditions. After the trek, enjoy a celebratory meal in the town of Ax-les-Thermes. Snowshoeing time: 5-6 hours.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Accommodation: Le Petite Montagnarde or similar, Ax les Thermes
Day 5: Ax-les-Thermes Spa and Relaxation
A well-earned rest day with the option to visit Bains de Couloubret thermal spa, explore the town, and dip your feet in the natural sulphur springs. Departures can be arranged on this day if needed.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Celebratory Meal
Day 6: Departure
A mid-morning transfer will take you to Toulouse airport.
Meals: Breakfast
The journey includes stays in the small spa town of Ax-les-Thermes, a mountain refuge, and a Nordic village. The final days bring you close to the Andorran border, offering a mix of cultural experiences and adventurous terrain.
No prior snowshoeing experience is needed, but a reasonable level of fitness is required.
In addition to her extensive training, the guide has achieved remarkable feats, including rowing the Atlantic Ocean unsupported and summiting Mont Blanc three times. Her passion for the outdoors and sharing adventure travel with others ensures that you’ll be guided by someone with the knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm to make your trek memorable and rewarding.
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
All centres are vetted for safety and quality. Your adventure is in good hands with adventuro.
About the centre
Blagnac, France
Operated by Jonnie Miller | International Mountain Leader, a partner of adventuro.