Are you passionate about outdoor activities? What better than snowshoe hikes in the Pyrenees to discover this region?
Want a getaway in the large snowy areas of the Pyrenees? Snowshoe hikes in the Pyrenees are for you! Alone, with family, with friends, with a guide or group? it is the outdoor activity that rhythms your winter holidays!
Under the hiking shoe, the snowshoe allows you to walk on the powder in the heart of the forest in the middle of exceptional sites. Berced by the silence of nature, you progress in snowy landscapes and observe unforgettable views. If you are interested in snowshoeing in the Pyrenees, this guide is for you!
1. Cirque de Gavarnie
Photo credit: Shutterstock – by-studio
Duration: 2:30
Deranked: 100 m
Distance: 6 km
Level: easy
Cirque de Gavarnie is one of the most impressive and beautiful places in the French Pyrenees. Located in the Pyrenees National Park, it has been registered since 1997 at UNESCO World Heritage. Located on the French-Spanish border, surrounded by the Mont-Perdu massif, the majestic Cirque de Gavarnie and its impressive Grande Cascade stands in front of you during your snowshoe hikes in the Pyrenees.
Even if you have several signage circuits, we recommend the one called Circuit 2 (accessible for all levels and ages). This course offers a breathtaking view of this extraordinary natural place that is Cirque de Gavarnie.
With snowshoeing in the Pyrenees, the trail rises slightly by passing through snow-capped woods worthy of a Canadian postcard. In short, it is a snowshoe hike in the spectacular, extraordinary and unforgettable Pyrenees!
2. Pont d’Espagne – Cauterets
Photo credit: Shutterstock – zedspider
Duration: 6h
Deranked: 500 m
Distance: 16 km
Level: average
Uncontournable to visit the Pyrenees at best, the Pont d’Espagne is a natural site nestled in the heart of the Pyrenees National Park. Being part of the Great Sites of Occitania, it would be a shame to miss such a marvel, which is why we suggest these snowshoe hikes in the Pyrenees.
At the start of Gaube Lake, you walk the pedestrian paths towards the Clot Plateau. Once you get out of the woods, the bridge of Estalounquet stands out in front of you for the end of the snowshoe hike in the Pyrenees. When you arrive at the Walloon refuge, stop and admire the Great Task, the Pic and the Marcadau Valley, which are revealed in your eyes.
3. Path of Gypaètes
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Thibautsl
Duration: 2h
Deranked: 200 m
Distance: 4 km
Level: easy
Drawing its name from an emblematic bird of the site, the path of the gypaetes honours what is said to be “barbu”. The departure of the route is on the road that goes up to the Ossoue dam and leads you to a spectacular point of view.
“After the effort, comfort” has never been so meaningful! In the distance you can admire the famous Gavarnie circus but also the exceptional Pimené peak! Much less crowded than Gavarnie, he offers many hikes and beautiful landscapes, think about it!
4. Gaube Valley
Photo credit: Shutterstock – TMP – An Instant of Time
Duration: 5:30
Deranked: 630 m
Distance: 12 km
Level: average
Go on expedition during your snowshoe hikes in the Pyrenees! In the middle of the forest, in the heart of a wild and snowy nature, with your snowshoes on your feet you venture towards Gaube Lake.
Alone or accompanied by an experienced guide, you will discover the fauna and flora of the region and how they adapt to winter. Summer and winter are radically different, think of comparing the seasons by returning to the summer period make a hike. In both cases, the decor is sumptuous!
5. Gavarnie Station at the Tentes Pass
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Andres Cervino Alvarez
Duration: 3h
Deranked: 200 m
Distance: 6 km
Level: easy
Are you looking for outdoor activities in the Pyrenees in winter? What if you test snowshoe hikes in the Pyrenees? Hiking on the mountain slopes to take height and enjoy the Taillon, the Boucharo pass and a part of the Gavarnie circus.
Whether you're a beginner or confirmed, this snowshoe outing is quite simple so accessible at all levels and ages. Complications start if you want to continue the snowshoe hike in the Pyrenees to the Pic des Tentes. We advise you to be sporty and prepared for this ascent. The level then passes from easy to medium even confirmed.
6. Cirque de Troumouse in loop by Héas
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Oleg_Mit
Duration: 5h
Deranked: 650 m
Distance: 10 km
Level: easy
The plains are white, the snowy summits, the forests covered with a thick white coat, the cold is burning... Winter is there for the greatest happiness of hikers! Indeed, among the snowshoe hikes in the Pyrenees, Cirque de Troumouse is one of the most beautiful!
Magnificent and grandiose, the circus houses the Virgin's hut that welcomes the Virgin of Troumouse. Once this discovery is made, rest at the Auberge du Maillet. And if you have time, just leave the next day after spending a night out of time.
7. Pailla Plateau
Photo credit: Facebook – Randozone.com
Duration: 4h
Deranked: 400 m
Distance: 8 km
Level: average
What better than hiking in the Pyrenees to discover the region? From the village of Gavarnie, this hike leads you to the charming cottage of Pailla. After crossing the snowy forest during a reasonable climb, the reward of this effort appears!
Indeed, you see the famous summits of the Gavarnie circus: Taillon, the Brèche de Roland, the pass of Boucharo and that of Pahule. Spectacular!
8. Tournaboup in Barèges
Photo credit: Shutterstock – thieury
Duration: 3h
Deranked: 400 m
Distance: 5 km
Level: average
Among the snowshoe hikes in the Pyrenees, the one that drives from Tournaboup to Barèges is one of the most beautiful. You follow the snow-covered paths to the Gaubie Bridge.
Afterwards, you have pleasant surprises like the Dets Coubous and Aygues Cluses lakes nestled in the heart of the forest. The bravest can even climb to the Madamète lakes if they still have courage.
9. Vallée d’Ossoue
Photo credit: Shutterstock – NiarKrad
Duration: 4h
Deranked: 325 m
Distance: 9 km
Level: average
What better than snowshoe hikes in the Pyrenees after a exhausting day of skiing? In the middle of a sleeping nature covered with its thick white coat. In addition, discover the richness of silence and the happiness of effort.
After a stop at the Milhas hut, admire the magnificent Ossoue lake.
10. Gavarnie at the Espuguettes shelter
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Pablo Mazorra
Duration: 4h
Deranked: 500 m
Distance: 5 km
Level: easy
The refuge des Espuguettes is a snowshoe hike in the Pyrenees easy from the village of Gavarnie. The snow covers the nearby peaks and the panorama is superb. You can also admire, during your ascent, the Astazous (Grand and Petit) as well as the Piméné peak. Spectacular!
11. Refuge et lac de la Glère depuis Barèges
Photo credit: Flickr – Pierre PRESTAT
Duration: 3h50
Deranked: 500 m
Distance: 8 km
Level: easy
Classical in the Barèges region, snowshoeing in the Pyrenees from Barèges to Lake Glère is accessible at all levels and ages. You easily cross the snowy landscapes and discover the Pyrenean natural wonders along the trails.
Once your ascent is finished, enjoy the panorama to take a break and rejuvenate before descending. We guarantee that in the evening you will not make long fire, but will make beautiful dreams of snowy, white and magical landscapes.
So, among all these snowshoe hikes in the Pyrenees, what is your favorite?
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