Things to bring with you...
We provide all the skiing and snow shoeing equipment you will need. You just need to make sure you have the warm, comfortable kit listed below.
The mountains are less forgiving in winter than in summer
and demand a higher level of preparation and equipment.
Highlighted items are essential and, for your own safety
and comfort, must be part of your kit.
- Boots - sturdy leather or fabric boots that don't
let in water and can take walking crampons.
For clothing use layers as follows:
- Thermal shirt e.g. a Helly Hansen Lifa top that
insulates and wicks moisture away from the skin. Cotton
shirts soak up sweat and become cold and uncomfortable.
- A fleece or warm woollen jersey and plenty of warm
socks.
- Waterproof jacket and trousers that really work.
- For cross country skiing, freedom of movement is
important, so wear a tracksuit/fleece/wicking trousers
and waterproofs or some lightweight skiing trousers.
- Rucksack - we recommend a 30 litre capacity sack.
- Gloves - an insulating liner plus waterproof outers
are best or bring good ski gloves. You can get hot
cross country skiing so it's worth having thin windstopper
gloves as well as waterproof outers.
- A warm hat plus a cap or hat to keep strong winter
sun off your face.
- Gaiters are very useful for walking in the snow/snow
shoeing.
- Sunglasses with good UV protection.
- High factor sunblock plus a sunblock for the lips.
Money and Shopping Hours
It's probably wise to bring some Euros in cash to get
you through the first few days of the holiday. There
is a cashpoint in Hecho. You can also use your Visa/Access
card in cashpoint machines and in most shops. You will
only need to spend money on drinks and things to take
home with you. Shopping hours are from 9.00am to 2.00pm
and from 5.00pm to 8.00pm every day except Sundays.
Meals
Breakfast is continental usually from about 8.30am.
Good, tasty picnic lunches are provided for you as is
a three course menú dinner including wine. Dinner
is eaten later than in the UK, usually from around 9.00pm. Health and Fitness
Cross country skiing is a demanding sport so, to enjoy
your holiday it's best to be as fit as possible. Some
preparation e.g. a few walks, cycling will help in reducing
stiffness and aches and sprains. Your guides are qualified
in first aid and can deal with minor mishaps. Please
tell us about any medical condition you think we should
know about so that we can react quickly and appropriately
to any problem that might occur.
The Weather
The winter weather should be crisp and clear. It will be cold so bring plenty of warm clothes. It could well snow with accompanying strong winds and rain is a possibility in the villages.
The Environment
In order to help keep the mountains as pristine as we find them we try to minimise our impact on the pyrenean environment and ask you to not drop litter and treat the mountains and villages with respect.
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