New Year's Eve snowshoeing in the Pyrenees.

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Wednesday, December 30: Saint-Gaudens - Pic deth Miei (2,258 m) - Montgarri

  

  Welcome by our guide at Saint-Gaudens train station at 9 a.m., then transfer by vehicle to the Val d’Aran up to the Pla de Beret ski resort. Departure on snowshoes towards the Pic deth Miei (2258 m); superb panorama over the large snowy slopes of the Pic de Baciver (2629 m) and the Pic deth Dossau (2516 m). Then a gentle descent among the snowy pine forests and the many clearings. Arrival at the Montgarri refuge, located in the former presbytery of the village. Welcome and check-in at the refuge, where you will find your luggage. Transfer: private vehicle, about 1 hour 20 minutes. Walking time: about 4 hours. Positive elevation gain: + 430 m. Negative elevation loss: - 620 m. Accommodation: guarded and heated refuge. Meals included: lunch - dinner. Meals not included: breakfast.

• day 2

  Thursday, December 31: Montgarri - Marimanha Valley (2208 m) - New Year's Eve party

  

  Discovery of the ancient village of Montgarri, built along the Noguera Paillaresa stream, then departure through pine and fir forests in the secret Marimanha valley. Soon, the valley widens and the forest gives way to vast snowfields. Picnic at the shepherd's hut overlooking the valley, then continuation along a beautiful loop that can take us to the first Marimanha lakes (2208 m), depending on the group's condition. Return to the refuge where New Year's Eve preparations are in full swing... Meal and evening in the company of Kim and his team: an exceptional dinner in this "end of the world" refuge with a unique atmosphere... Lit by the fireplace, unlimited drinks, songs, dances, but also the famous New Year's grapes (a Spanish tradition!!), enjoyed to the sound of the church bells, will brighten up this festive night. Feel free to bring party favors! Walking time: about 5 to 6 hours. Positive elevation gain: + 660 m. Negative elevation loss: - 660 m. Accommodation: guarded and heated refuge. Meals included: breakfast - lunch - festive dinner and New Year's Eve party.

• day 3

  Friday, January 1: Montgarri - Bandolers Valley

  

  Departure for the Bandolers valley… To the east of the refuge, a little-known small valley opens up; it gives access to the Bandolers peak (2,329 m), a unique viewpoint to contemplate the immensity of the Pla de Beret and the Montgarri valley, overlooked by the surrounding mountains… The chamois have made it their home; it is very likely that you will be able to observe them… Walking time: about 5 hours. Positive elevation gain: + 680 m. Negative elevation loss: - 680 m. Accommodation: guarded and heated refuge. Meals included: breakfast - lunch - dinner.

• day 4

  Saturday, January 2: Montgarri - St-Gaudens - End of the stay

  

  Hiking through pine and fir forests, then along the Noguera Pallaresa stream, half buried under the snow... A true "Canadian Great North" landscape where wild boars, deer, roe deer, chamois, and hares leave their tracks... Arrival at the Pla de Beret, then return transfer in the middle of the afternoon to the SNCF train station in Saint-Gaudens. Transfer: private vehicle, about 1 hour 30 minutes. Walking time: about 3 hours. Positive elevation gain: + 300 m. Negative elevation gain: - 100 m. Meals included: breakfast - lunch. Meals not included: dinner.