6-Day Pyrenees Winter Trail Snowshoe Trek in France

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.

Key Details

Ages: 5+
Group size: 1-16 people
Duration: 6 days
Location: Pyrenees, France
Accommodation: Apartments, refuge, hotel, and farmhouse stays
Activity level: Moderate to challenging

Itinerary

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

Location

The trip is based in the Ariège region of the French Pyrenees, a beautiful area known for its diverse landscapes, from deep valleys to high plateaus.

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.

Prerequisites

Participants should be comfortable walking in snowy conditions for several hours each day.

No prior snowshoeing experience is needed, but a reasonable level of fitness is required.

Why Choose Us

Your guide’s background as a Royal Marines Commando means that he brings invaluable experience from military operations and international expeditions, making him the perfect person to lead you through challenging and remote terrains. Holding an International Mountain Leader award, he has the skills to ensure your safety and enjoyment throughout the trip.

In addition to his extensive training, the guide has achieved remarkable feats, including rowing the Atlantic Ocean unsupported and summiting Mont Blanc three times. His 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.

3 nights in hotels, 1 night in a refuge, and 1 night in Nordic village accommodation

Meals as listed in the itinerary

Qualified International Mountain Leader guiding throughout

Snowshoeing equipment (snowshoes, poles, transceivers where required)

Local transport and baggage transfers

Airport transfers for group bookings

Flights to and from France

Travel insurance (including winter sports cover)

Snacks and personal supplies

Alcoholic drinks and restaurant beverages

Additional transport/accommodation if leaving the group early

The weight you'll carry depends on what you need and the type of trek you're doing.

Most of our treks are supported, meaning you’ll only need to carry a day sack with essentials, usually between 6-8kgs.

This trip is suitable for anyone with a moderate level of fitness. You should be comfortable walking for several hours on varied terrain, including snow-covered trails and gradual ascents.

Some days involve climbs of around 700 metres, but the pace is manageable, and breaks will be taken as needed. If you regularly walk or hike, you’ll be well-prepared. If you’re unsure, we recommend doing some hill walks in the weeks leading up to the trip to build stamina.

The best trekking boots are the ones you’re most comfortable in and have worn in well.

It’s important to choose boots that fit your foot shape—whether you have wide or narrow soles, need extra cushioning for high arches, or use your own insoles for support.

A boot specialist at a walking or running shop can help guide you to the right pair.

A well-worn pair of trail or walking boots is essential. Your rucksack should be comfortable, with adjustable waist and shoulder straps. You may need to experiment to find the best fit for you. The great thing about walking is you don’t need a lot of expensive gear.

We personally recommend trekking poles, as studies show they can improve your posture, alignment, and walking efficiency—making your trek about 20% more energy-efficient. Over the course of the day, that adds up!

It’s essential to have hiking and activity insurance that covers you for the specific region and altitude of your trek.

Please contact us via the adventuro chat below if you have any queries.

Absolutely! No previous snowshoeing experience is required, though participants should be in reasonable physical condition and comfortable walking in snowy conditions and on uneven terrain.

Your guide will provide instruction along the way, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience safely.

Yes! We offer discounts for larger groups.

If you are booking with a group, please contact us via the adventuro chat below for more details on the discounts and to discuss your booking.

The itinerary provided above is a sample and can be adjusted depending on your group’s preferences, fitness levels, or the weather conditions.

Our guide will work with you to ensure the trip is tailored to your needs, creating the best possible experience.

You’ll stay in a mix of comfortable accommodation suited for winter conditions. The first night is in a cosy apartment in the village of Ornolac Ussat les Bains.

On the second night, you’ll stay in a traditional mountain refuge or at a Nordic village, offering an immersive experience in the winter landscape.

The third and fourth nights are in hotels in Ax-les-Thermes, providing warm, comfortable rooms after a full day outdoors. All accommodation includes heating, hot showers, and good food to keep you energised.

After a decade serving as a Royal Marines Commando, I gained extensive experience on operations, overseas exercises, and expeditions. Now, having traded my Green Beret for a life in the mountains, I focus on outdoor education, training, and leading expeditions across the UK and internationally as a qualified International Mountain Leader. With a deep passion for exploration and a commitment to delivering high-quality guiding, I support individuals and groups in achieving their trekking goals. Whether it's a tailored 1:1 experience, a couple’s adventure, or a dynamic group trek, I ensure each journey is well-planned, insightful, and memorable. As a registered BAIML International Mountain Leader and holder of a French Carte Professionnelle, I operate to the highest professional standards. I bring extensive experience from diverse environments—rowing across the Atlantic, leading Arctic ski expeditions, completing the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc, and summiting Mont Blanc and Denali. I am dedicated to sustainable adventure, ensuring minimal environmental impact while fostering a deeper connection with the natural world. If you're looking for expert guidance, planning support, and an unforgettable trekking experience, let’s make it happen.