The Pyrenees in winter have to be experienced! Padding through the snow on snow shoes or gliding along on cross country skis opens up a magical, silent wilderness that is otherwise inaccessible. The excellent winter weather on the south side of the Pyrenees - usually cold, fresh and sunny - is a real bonus.

Snow shoeing and cross country skiing breaks are in the Hecho Valley and around, as there are plenty of easily accessible and beautiful areas to explore.

Another fabulous option is back country skiing which is similar to cross country skiing but off piste along the snowy valleys. It is the most wonderful way to experience the winter hills and not difficult to do once you have the basics of cross country skiing under your belt.

We can offer either tailor made breaks according to your requirements contact us or the 4 day break outlined below which can be for either skiing or snowshoeing.

A Short Break in the Hecho Valley.

Just 2/3 hours from Biarritz and Zaragoza airports, the Hecho Valley has some of the best walking in the Pyrenees with a choice of routes from gentle valley walks to high alpine routes in stunning limestone scenery. Hecho is a wonderful Pyrenean village, still very traditional and full of life with plenty of bars and shops. The villagers speak Cheso the valley dialect and are mostly farmers and foresters.

The walks described below are just a few examples of many different routes on offer. There are many easier (but no less beautiful) options and in spring and autumn when the high hills are covered in snow there are great walks in the nearby Pyrenean Foothills.

DAY 1
A hike to an azure glacial lake set above one of the most beautiful valleys of the Pyrenees. You are likely to see the majestic and rare lammergeier soaring above you and the high meadows come alive with flowers in early summer. Height gain: 250m Distance: 17km

DAY 2
To the Ibón (lake) de Acherito set in its cirque of jagged rocks. From the lake you head up to the border ridge with France for some amazing views before walking down the Acherito Valley through alpine meadows. Height gain: 700m Distance: 18km

DAY 3
A Circuit of the Ordesa Canyon. This is the classic route around the Ordesa Canyon and the views, flowers and wildlife are absolutely wonderful. Walk up a steep path (2 hrs) to a beautiful path which contours along the side of the canyon 600m above the canyon floor to the end of the canyon where you descend to walk back to the starting point along the river with its spectacular waterfalls, alpine meadows and beech forest. Height gain: 800m Distance: 24km

This 4 day winter break in the stunning winter landscape of the Pyrenees is designed for beginner and inexperienced cross country skiers. Two days instruction (qualified, english speaking instructor) on pisted circuits will help you to become confident on skis before spending two days back country skiing in the Hecho Valley.

Back Country skiing is similar to cross country skiing but instead of using groomed circuits you make your own tracks in pristine snow. The Hecho Valley is ideal for back country skiing with beautiful, safe routes with gentle gradients and high plateaux.

Days 1 & 2 Somport Cross Country Ski Station

Cross Country skiing on a pisted circuit.
A.M. Qualified instruction to get you up and running and confident with free heel skiing.

P.M. XC ski route along stunning forest and mountain pistes. By the second day you should be skiing with a degree of confidence and enjoying gliding on skis through this winter paradise with over 30km of pistes.

Days 3 & 4 Hecho Valley

To the Hecho Valley to go back country skiing. Gliding over virgin snow in a a rarely visited winter landscape is a superb wilderness experience. You'll have the valley to yourselves and will see birds of prey, chamois and foxes which are well adapted to this environment. We choose routes to suit your expertise and fitness.

Price for a 4 day break.

₤280.00 per person for group of 4 people (minimum number). Price reduces for larger groups – please enquire.

The price includes: qualified instructors and guides, cross country and back country ski rental, 4 excellent picnics and local transport to and from skiing areas.

Accommodation can be arranged to suit your requirements (from basic to luxury).

Please contact us to organise your own, tailor made cross country skiing and snow shoeing trip in the Pyrenees.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS