Guided snowshoeing with a Action Challenge Leader (IML qualified) and UK medic

• Airport transfers to and from Toulouse
• Transfers Toulouse to Luchon
• Transfers to and from the mountain base
• Technical equipment (snow shoes) – see note on kit list (trekkers will need to bring poles, not included)
• 2 nights in mountain refuge

• 2 nights in a 3*Luchon guest house, B&B, based on 2 people sharing
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner on refuge nights
• Dinner in Luchon on arrival

• Return flights to Toulouse
• Personal equipment and any additional kit needed
• Insurance
• Any additional town accommodation due to bad weather
• Lunch when in town, and celebration dinner
• Personal expenses, gratuities, alcohol, laundry etc
• Any additional costs associated with leaving the expedition early

Some fitness training is a good idea if you do not walk and snowshoe regularly in the mountains. Any cardiovascular training and hill work will stand you in good stead and make your challenge much more enjoyable.

This is a “land only” challenge, meaning you must book your own flights to Spain. We recommend booking flights to Toulouse Airport, aiming to land in the morning / early afternoon so you can meet the team to transfer to Luchon.

Since this is a land only challenge, you are free to book your return flight at your own convenience, and arrange any extra travel too.

Accommodation will be a mixture of hotels/guesthouses and Mountain Refuges – traditional lodgings high in the mountains. Hotel accommodation is on a twin share basis. If there is someone in particular who you would like to share with, please let the team know.

We will wake at around sunrise, and enjoy breakfast at our accommodation. Then we will stretch out, and set off for the day’s trail. While snowshoeing there will be regular breaks to take on water and rest, with a longer break for lunch. On return to our accommodation, there will be time to relax before dinner – with more downtime in the evening for conversation and socialising.

The 1000 Lakes region of the Pyrenees is very mountainous, and this winter trip will of course take us to snow covered and frozen mountain terrain. We do however seek out well graded trails and so the routes used are rarely steep.

The food is plentiful and of very good quality, often using locally sourced ingredients. Breakfasts consist of pastries, fresh bread and jams and you can expect hearty meals in the evenings. Packed lunches will be simple, but filling. Dinners will be good with ample carbohydrate content – think pasta, rice, potatoes etc, but don’t expect a la carte!

Luggage is transported by vehicle to/from the airport to Luchon, and to/from the start point of the snowshoeing. While going to and from the refuge participants must carry the essentials for their 2 night stay.  

The pace is always manageable and steady, and there’ll be plenty of opportunities to take a break for photos, a quick drink or snack, or just to take in the incredible views.

Yes, you’re supported every step of the way! Your challenge will be led by an experienced Action Challenge leader. Our leaders are selected for their experience, knowledge, enthusiasm, sensitivity and sense of humour, and will ensure that your trip runs smoothly. 

You will also be accompanied by an Action Challenge doctor, who will be carrying a fully stocked medical kit in case of any emergency. They will carry out daily health checks, and the re-assurance of their presence should allow you to focus on, and enjoy your challenge!

We have a full support team in country. If for any reason you need to leave the group early local staff will assist you and will arrange transfers, accommodation and medical care if necessary.

As you’d expect, it can be chilly! We’ll expect temperatures around and below freezing, though the weather is often very fine and clear. As we approach spring time it is possible to have days that are very sunny and feel warm. We do have to be prepared though, and that means having the clothing and kit needed to stay safe and comfortable. A kit list will be provided upon signing up.