Snowshoe trekking is one of the most popular winter activities in the Haut-Garonne Pyrenees. Accessible to all, it requires no special technique and lets you discover the snow-covered mountains at your own pace. Unlike cross-country skiing, which requires a certain amount of learning, snowshoeing is a natural activity: all you have to do is walk. This ease of use makes snowshoeing an ideal activity for families, groups of friends or hikers looking to extend their summer season on the trails. As well as the moderate physical effort involved, snowshoeing offers total immersion in the winter landscape, far from the hustle and bustle of the ski slopes, in the hushed silence of the fresh snow.
The Haut-Garonne Pyrenees offer a wide range of signposted routes to suit all tastes and abilities. Beginners and families with children will find gentle routes through undergrowth, perfectly safe and of reasonable duration, ideal for a first approach to the activity. More experienced hikers can opt for routes at higher altitudes offering spectacular views of the surrounding massifs, with steeper ascents and descents. Some routes also take you to refuges or remarkable viewpoints, turning your outing into a real mountain adventure. Whether you’re looking for a two-hour contemplative stroll or a full-day sporting hike, you’ll find the route to suit your needs in our selection.
For the best snowshoeing experience, you need to take a few precautions before setting off. Systematically check the weather and snow conditions via the resorts’ webcams, a real safety measure for anticipating terrain conditions. Make sure you wear warm, breathable clothing, and pack plenty of water and an energy-boosting snack, even for a short outing. If you’re a beginner or want to discover more technical areas, don’t hesitate to ask the local mountain guides to share their knowledge of the area and guide you in complete safety. For those who don’t have their own equipment, snowshoe hire is available at several locations in the area.
As well as self-guided itineraries, the Haut-Garonne Pyrenees offer guided snowshoe outings that combine sport and conviviality. These guided experiences allow you to discover the winter mountains from a different angle, in complete safety and in a warm atmosphere. If you’re looking for a night-time experience, don’t miss the twilight hikes organised in the Luchonnais, where you can climb an easy summit to admire a panoramic sunset before descending by headlamp light. Gourmets will love the snowshoeing and Pyrenean fondue outing in Superbagnères, which combines a 45-minute walk with a tasting of local cheeses in the shepherd’s hut, or the raclette option in the tepee at Le Mourtis, a real immersion in the forest for a mountain meal in an authentic setting. All these outings include all the necessary equipment (snowshoes, poles, headlamp) and are accessible from the age of 7, so you can share these special moments with family and friends in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
