PYRENEES WINTER WALK & SNOWSHOE

8 days at GBP899 including flights
Tripcode: CEW

Countries Visited: France, Spain

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Our Clients’ Reviews

Average Review Rating: from 8 reviews.

Timothy Purkiss

PYRENEES WINTER WALK & SNOWSHOE

Written January 2012
This was an absolutly fantastic holiday. The food, scenery and company were all brilliant and it was of course in a magnificent area. It was a diverse group of people but everyone got on very well, had plenty of laughs, and will keep in touch I hope.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
On New Yeras day when we reached a peak on the border between France and Spain. It was a beautifull, sunny, still day and the views across to the Mediteranian on the Spanish side were something I will remember for a very long time. I can't think of a better place to seen in the New Year from!
What did you think of your group leader?
Very good. The leader made sure that all of the walks were fun, safe and yet challenging. It was good for people to feel like they had actually achieved something at the end of each day. He also contributed to the jokes and the fun atmosphere which helped to make sure people were almost never in a bad mood.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
You will need to be reasonably fit to do this holiday. It is also very important that you bring all of the correct kit as specified in the trip notes. A good pair of sunglasses are particularly important, because on sunny days the glare of the sun on the snow is quite dazzling.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
There is nothing bad I can think off to say about this holiday. I would highly recommend it to anyone. I did not really want to come home at the end of the week!
Joanne Stockton

PYRENEES WINTER WALK AND SNOWSHOE

Written March 2010
Amazing scenery, delicious food, almost-perfect weather, great company.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The ridge walk on the final day was spectacular. The conditions were ideal, with bright sunshine, blue skys and most importantly, lots of snow!
What did you think of your group leader?
Merv was a friendly and enthusiastic leader. He planned a varied programme of walks, ensuring every day was different. He had the difficulty of having to deal with a wide range of walking abilities. He coped reasonably well with this, but at times a second leader would have been useful, as this would have enabled the group to split. Merv was not always quick enough to provide reassurance when members of the group needed it.
I would also like to mention Simon, who cooked all of the meals at the chalet. His cooking was excellent and I was particularly impressed by the way he cooked separate meals for those with special requirements (I'm a vegetarian). Nothing was too much trouble for him. The packed lunches that he prepared for us were substantial and delicious; just what was needed when out in the mountains.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Read the trip notes carefully. The walks in this trip are fairly challenging and you need to be able to cope with some significant ascents. This is a mountainous area after all!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The accommodation, although very pleasantly situated, has some deficiencies. Most of these are mentioned in the trip notes, for example the shared facilities. There was also a problem with the heating when we were there. The rooms were warm, but the radiators didn't come on, making it very difficult to dry clothes. As already mentioned in another review, the porch area is inadequate. Walking boots left there overnight did not dry out properly and there wasn't sufficient space to hang outdoor gear. The bedrooms themselves varied, but mine was very small with insufficient storage space (just a small chest of drawers). This was particularly difficult given that there were two of us sharing.
Nicholas Sarkies

PYRENEES WINTER WALK AND SNOWSHOE

Written March 2010
Very well organised expeditions each day tailored to the group's abilities and the prevailing conditions: excellent, nourishing food suiting all tastes.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Glorious ridge walk in fresh snow, surrounded by jagged peaks in bright sunshine
What did you think of your group leader?
Merv is a very experienced, knowledgeable, kind and encouraging group leader.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you haven't done this before, go for it!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Don't expect 5 star luxury, but the food compensates and the views are magnificent.
Rhona Bean

PYRENEES WINTER WALK AND SNOWSHOE

Written January 2010
A very well organised, most enjoyable trip with a great bunch of people.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
When the clouds parted on Christmas Day and revealed some of the main Pyrenean Ridge for the first time.
Drinking the most superb mulled wine I've ever tasted during our morning break from snowshoeing!
What did you think of your group leader?
Excellent - bags of patience and good company as well as having the knack of choosing places with the best snow when there was not that much snow around! Had every confidence in his decisions and in his driving.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Don't worry about not having any previous experience but be prepared to walk part of the day without snowshoes. We often started and finished the day carrying our snowshoes. You can also get away with a sack less than 45 litres.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The food was wonderful and most imaginative. I can't praise Simon too highly for his meals and his cakes which welcomed us home every afternoon! The lodge is very cosy with excellent showers.
Lyndsey Clark

PYRENEES WINTER WALK AND SNOWSHOE

Written January 2010
A great week's walking with amazing views, a relaxed vibe (though hard walking) and great food.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The walks were just fantastic - even though we had a lack of low-level snow. The final day ridge-walk was particularly good.
What did you think of your group leader?
The group leader Merv was a very good guide, he adjusted each day to the weather and snow conditions and the group. His very subtle adjustments kept the whole group challenged but not too tired all week.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be aware that you will be walking all day for five days, and doing a lot of ascending and descending. Walking in snowshoes is more tiring than hiking without snow so be sure you are prepared.
Also, we took up the offer of a days x-country skiing on our 'day off' over in Spain. It was fantastic fun, most of us had never tried the sport before but we picked up enough to enjoy the day. I'd highly recommend this trip if you're legs are feeling ok with the walking.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Although the Chalet is lovely (and food was fantastic) be aware that there are no ensuite showers as you'd expect in a similar Chalet with a ski company. The shower facilities that do exist are absolutely fine but know that they are downstairs away from the bedrooms and there are only two between the group (max. 10 people).
Jenny Hemming

PYRENEES WINTER WALK AND SNOWSHOE

Written January 2010
The walks were just the right end of challenging, and I really liked the relatively small group size. The scenery was great, even though there wasn't the amount of snow we had hoped for (but you can't do much about the weather). Friendly, relaxing and FANTASTIC food.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I just love being in the mountains. Add snow to the mix, and plenty of sunshine, and the wow moments come thick and fast. I'm told there's a Maori proverb about Mount Cook which goes something like "If you bow your head, be it to a lofty mountain". That's how mountains are for me.
What did you think of your group leader?
We had a wonderful group leader. He was knowledgeable both about the area and about outdoor activities and winter sports, with years of experience. He inspired a feeling of confidence and safety, making it clear who was in charge without being overbearing. He kept reminding us it was a holiday, not SAS training! He set the pace of the walks exactly right to allow those who wanted to push on a bit to do so, without making anyone feel they were getting left behind, or were holding people up. He was friendly, with plenty of time for - and an apparently genuine interest in - each member of the group. He made sure we had a lot of fun, that the trip was relaxing, and no-one felt forced to do things they didn't want to.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you like walking and do a bit from time-to-time you'll have no problem. Snow-shoeing is straightforward to get the hang of. If your hill-walking is a bit rusty, you'd do well to get in some practise either in real life or in the gym if there's no other way - these are mountains, so you do have to walk up things. It's worth it!
The brochure makes it clear that the chalet is shared facilities so be prepared for that. Having said that, there didn't seemed to be any problems, and there was loads of hot water. The chalet is comfortable and warm. Don't expect to be able to walk into town in the evening though, and if music is important to you make sure you've got your mp3 player loaded or bring your own CDs - the collection in the chalet is limited!
There IS free wi-fi though - worth knowing if you've an iPhone/touch or Blackberry etc.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Simon and Merv looked after us very well, and we had a lovely, relaxing, outdoorsy time - just as we'd hoped for.
David Teece

PYRENEES WINTER WALK

Written April 2008
Great location, comfortable, homely accomodation and excellent food added to the fun of snow shoeing with friendly and supportive fellow travellers made this a trip to remember.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The week ranged from heavy snow to clear blue skies and warm sunshine. Some of the views of the high Pyrenees from the ridges were awesome. Snow shoeing was relatively straightforward and proved to be fairly strenuous climbing in deep snow but an absolute riot descending rapidly. The whole area around Luchon was inspiring and it was good to return to a comfortable and homely house at the end of each day. Mel's cooking was superb-a lovely combination of wholesome dishes prepared and served with a smile.
What did you think of your group leader?
Nathan led the group with quiet determination. He combined a good level of support with sufficient challenge and helped the group to achieve beyond their expectations in some cases. He was always approachable and very reliable.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
As has been stated elsewhere, do not take your level of fitness for granted. I walk regularly in all areas of UK at a fairly demanding level and I found the snowshoeing to be fairly strenuous, particularly breaking trail in fresh deep snow. Having said that , the techniques are easily mastered and this should be an activity which any reasonably fit person can enjoy.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
La Feniere proved to be a comfortable base but it really needs improved drying facilities. We were quite lucky with the weather and only really had two wet days. The porch used for gear storage is not up to the job of ensuring dry gear for the following day.
Is Exodus confident that a ratio of 1 leader to 10 party members is really sufficient for winter activities? I think Nathan did a good job but I do wonder how we would have coped had an accident occured.
Exodus Response
We are glad that Mr Teece enjoyed his trip with us to the Pyrenees and we appreciate the feedback given. La Feniere is classed as a 'mountain lodge' and offers a comfortable standard of accommodation. We agree that it would benefit from a drying room however due to planning restrictions this is not possible however there are certain areas that clothes can be placed to dry.
Regarding group sizes, as a commercial operator, Exodus has to try to balance the safety of clients, which is always our top priority, with the commercial requirements of running a business. By using experienced and well trained leaders, completing regular assessments on the safety of our trips, seeking expert local advice, and using well recognised and well used routes, we are confident that we can run this trip safely using the current leader ratios.
Chloe Knott - Trip Manager

- Exodus Staff