What you will experience

Explore the secret valleys of the Pyrenees, such as those of Lutour, Gaube and Marcadau, and discover a wild world off the beaten track, where nature reigns supreme.

Cross snow-covered forests, look for the tracks of ungulates in the undergrowth, and observe the fauna of the Pyrenees, from the ibex to the bearded vulture.

Accompanied by a local guide with a passion for mountains and photography, you'll explore the Pyrenees on snowshoes, discovering the local flora and fauna, learning to read animal tracks and capture the wild beauty of these isolated valleys.

Spend your nights in authentic Mountain huts, havens of peace where you can enjoy mountain meals by the fire after days of adventure in the great outdoors.

Group size is limited to 9 adventurers to ensure a convivial experience, where each member can play an active role and share exceptional moments in these breathtaking landscapes.

Itinerary

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1
DAY1/ 4
- Accommodation·Auberge
  Where we'll be spending the night
- D-·0m
  descent
- D+·350m
  Vertical ascent
- Distance·5km
  KM covered
Meet at 9.00 am at Lourdes station or at 10 am at la Raillère if you come by car. From the train station, a transfer by car awaits us, bound for the Cauterets massif.

We'll put on our snowshoes and discover the secrets of the Lutour valley. We walk along the torrent through the beech fir forest. The first signs of ungulates can be seen in the undergrowth. On the snow-covered slopes, we can observe the fauna of the Pyrenees. The landscape changes as we leave the forest, giving way to snow-capped peaks.

The path gradually leads us to the Fruitière, a former milk collection and cheese-making centre. We have lunch on the edge of the forest and enjoy the spectacle of nature.

After our meal, we walk along the torrent in search of signs of European otters. It's time to head back to our gîte for the night, at the hôtellerie de la fruitière. Corinne and Patxi give us a warm welcome. We enjoyed dinner by the fireplace.

The guides who will lead your adventure

Story time

Hadrien

Mountain leader (AMM)

French

English

I discovered the mountains at the age of thirteen when my parents moved to the Hautes-Alpes. It was then that something really clicked! A dream was born in my mind: to help people discover the mountains while preserving them. I achieved my most cherished dream when I qualified as a mountain leader. Since moving to the Hautes Pyrénées in 2016, I've been sharing unique moments in the heart of nature. Through the photographic lens, I raise awareness of the fragility of our world. My work allows me to represent the mountains in their noblest forms.

Find out more about Hadrien

What's included in the price

Included

Guiding: You will be accompanied by Hadrien, a local Pyrenean guide with a passion for wildlife and photography.

Accommodation: Three nights in warm, comfortable mountain accommodation [dormitory].

Meals: All meals are included from dinner on D1 to the picnic on D4 (homemade breakfasts, picnics and friendly dinners, taken in the wild or in the Mountain hut).

Loan of equipment: your guide will provide you with snowshoeing equipment (poles and snowshoes).

Not included

Transport to the meeting point (Lourdes station) and from the place of dispersal

Any personal expenses (snacks, drinks, etc.)

Local transport is provided by the guide for groups of up to 5 people; for groups of more than 5 people, a vehicle will be required for local transport.

Anything not explicitly mentioned in the "What's included" section

What level should you expect

Level 1

You should be at least 18 years old to participate

You are able to walk 3 to 4 hours per day, with an average elevation gain of 350 m per day.
You want to discover snowshoeing in a wild environment, without any pressure to perform, taking the time to observe nature.
You don't need any previous experience in snowshoeing or winter mountaineering, but you are comfortable hiking at a leisurely pace over several days.
You are able to carry your backpack throughout the hike (no motorized transport is provided).
You will sleep in different shelters each night (itinerant hiking), surrounded by nature, with shared meals.
You want to experience a gentle, friendly, nature-focused adventure, punctuated by animal tracks, snowy landscapes, and conversations over hot chocolate.

Getting there

Start: Lourdes SNCF station (09h00)

End: Lourdes SNCF station (17h00)

Transport

Getting to Paris Montparnasse

Departure station > Gare Montparnasse

Take the TGV INOUI 8593 (4h53 - a few stops)

Paris Montparnasse > Lourdes

Arrival : Lourdes in 5 hours from Paris

You can also travel to Lourdes by Flixbus from major towns in France, Belgium and Spain. Practical and economical!

A car park is available near the station where you can leave your vehicle during your stay.

If you don't have a car, don't worry: we encourage car-pooling between participants! A WhatsApp group will be set up 7 to 10 days before departure to make organising your trip easier. It's a great opportunity to get to know each other before the adventure even begins!

How to register

1

Step 1

Choose your departure date and number of participants

2

Step 2

Book online by paying a deposit or the full amount directly. It is also possible to book by telephone by calling +32 460 25 61 85 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).

If the minimum number of participants is reached, departure is confirmed!
If the minimum number of participants is not reached, we will give you a full refund.

Departure is confirmed 15 days in advance for adventures lasting more than 4 days. Departure is confirmed 7 days prior for adventures lasting less than 4 days.

3

Step 3

In the case of a deposit, the remaining amount will be debited from your account before departure.

Your reviews

The opinions of our participants who have placed their trust in us

Frequently asked questions

Is there electricity or sockets in the Mountain huts for recharging phones?

Yes, all the Mountain huts on this expedition have electricity. However, it is advisable to bring an external battery, as sockets are often limited and shared between participants.

Are the dormitories mixed or separate?

Mountain huts generally accommodate participants in mixed dormitories. There is no systematic separation by gender, but the atmosphere is respectful and adapted to the group dynamic. If someone has a particular need (privacy, difficulty sleeping in a group), they can let us know in advance.

How comfortable are the Mountain huts?

The comfort is simple but warm. The Mountain huts are heated, have sanitary facilities (toilets, hot showers) and offer quality hot meals. They are not hotels, but authentic places where people sleep in dormitories, share meals and enjoy a collective experience in an unspoilt mountain setting.

Is there somewhere I can leave my things if I don't want to take everything with me on the trip?

No, there are no lockers on site. It is important to pack a suitable rucksack (40-50L) and only take what you need. The guide will be able to help you sort through your belongings on the first day to lighten your bag if necessary.

What happens if there isn't enough snow to use snowshoes?

The holiday will continue. In the absence of snow, the itineraries will be adapted and carried out on foot with the same discovery objectives. The programme remains just as rich in naturalistic observation and immersion. The guide adjusts the routes to ensure a quality experience whatever the conditions.

What clothes should I take with me?

A full list is provided, but in summary, you need to pack: Warm, breathable layers (fleece, down jacket, thermal underwear), a windproof, waterproof jacket, warm, waterproof trousers, waterproof hiking boots, gloves, hat, neck warmer and two pairs of warm socks, comfortable clothing for the Mountain hut (slippers, dry clothes). This expedition takes place in winter: it's essential to be able to layer up and stay dry and warm. Everything has been thought out for your comfort and safety.

Are instalment payment options available?

Yes, that's right! At checkout, you can choose the Alma option to pay for your booking in 2x, 3x or 4x. All you have to do is select Alma at checkout and follow the instructions. It's simple, fast and secure.

Can I privatise this expedition for my group?

Yes, all our expeditions can be privatised for a group already formed, on the dates of your choice.

To make your request, go to the expedition that interests you and click on "Privatise the expedition". We'll take care of the rest!

What happens if the weather is bad?

At Wildhartt, nature is our playground, rain or shine. Rain, snow or wind: our guides adapt the itinerary, activities and accommodation to guarantee you the best possible experience.
Unless safety is at stake (storm, avalanche, flood...).

In this exceptional case, we can cancel an expedition, at least one week before departure.
If this happens:
→ You can postpone your adventure at no cost,
→ Or receive a full refund.

What kind of people usually join Wildhartt expeditions ?

You don’t need to be a top athlete or adventure expert to feel at home. Most Wildhartt participants are between 25 and 60 years old, with a balanced mix of women and men.

Many join solo or in small groups of two or three. They often live in cities and are looking for a meaningful brea some time to reconnect with nature, slow down, and enjoy something real.

They usually have a regular movement practice (hiking, running, yoga...), but not with a competitive mindset. They’re in good shape, but don’t necessarily have technical skills. What brings them together is a shared desire to disconnect, observe, learn, and experience nature in a more grounded, accessible way.

If that speaks to you, you'll feel right at home. The group spirit is kind and open, and the pace adapts to everyone.

What does the price of a Wildhartt adventure include?

At Wildhartt, transparency is essential. The price of your expedition reflects a clear breakdown of costs:

30% for our guides, the mainstays of every adventure.

35% for accommodation and meals, essential for your comfort.

10% for equipment and transport, to guarantee safety and fluidity.

25% for organisation and logistics, from first contact to the end of the expedition.

1% for the rewilding of Europe, a concrete commitment to give back to nature what it gives us.

Our priority: to offer you a quality experience, with complete clarity.

Do you have any questions? Contact us.

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