PYRENEES WINTER
ESCAPE

Yes. At Adventuress in the Wild we work with tour operators who are providing trips for anybody who identifies as a woman. We have found that women are more likely to step out of their comfort zone and try new activities when they are surrounded by other supportive women. All of the tour operators we work with believe that adventure is for every woman no matter your background, ability, body type, or orientation.

Where we endeavor to work with tour operators who provide female guides and ground crew, this isn’t always possible for all trips. Therefore your guides and staff on this particular trip will be male. All staff are highly respectful and have worked with 360 Expeditions for many years.

You will get the most out of this trip if you are an experienced hiker comfortable with hiking for up to 7-8 hours in a day with undulating terrain.

When is the final payment date?

24th November 2024

Do I need insurance?

Individual travel insurance is essential. If you do not provide proof of insurance then you will not be permitted to join the trip. Make sure that you have the appropriate insurance that includes medical evacuation and coverage up to the maximum altitude specified.

We will ask for your insurance details 8 weeks before departure.

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

Cancellation insurance is highly recommended. The Operator of this trip adhere to a strict refund policy as a result of stringent government charges. Please read the Operators Booking Conditions thoroughly before departure.

Flights aren’t included, what time should I arrive and depart to Toulouse?

Flights are not included on this trip to leave your options open for departing the UK. 

Before confirming a pickup time with you check flight schedules will be verified, as we want to make sure you can make it to Toulouse on time and we will confirm what time you should aim to arrive in Toulouse. 

The same will apply for the airport drop-off. Once we have told you the transfer times, please find flights that work for these times, or arrange a night at either end in Toulouse. If there are any issues with booking your flights, please let us know. This may involve hiring a hire car, train, or taxi to your start/finish point. 

Bagneres de Luchon is 1h 40 mins drive away.

What’s the accommodation like?

A traditional gite in the quaint mountain town of Luchon will be your home for this trip. Located near the best places for snow and ease of access, this place gives you lots of flexibility whilst still being charming and cosy. After a day of exertion being able to jump into a warm comfy bed AND with great food on tap is definitely a winning combo.

What’s the weather like up there?

It can be warm in the daytime, sometimes reaching the mid-teens ℃. Higher up though it can drop to below freezing and be chilly, especially in the evenings. Early spring / late autumn ascents may have snow from the refuge up and the temperatures well below freezing.

The very nature of trekking in a mountain environment means that the weather can rapidly change so you need to be prepared for any conditions. Even when the weather looks clear, short heavy downpours or snowstorms are not unusual.

What happens if there is limited snow?

It is extremely rare to have no snow on the routes we have chosen; however, the scenery is stunning whether the snow decides to show up or not. Rest assured though, there will always be a backup plan ready to kick in. It’s all part of the adventure!

What training do we need for this if any?

If you do not walk regularly in the mountains some fitness training will do you some favours. Cardiovascular training and hill walking will set you up nicely and make your adventure that much more enjoyable.

What do I do if I arrive early on the pickup day?

Regular buses and trams go into Toulouse centre from the airport and stop right outside Toulouse central train station by the left luggage point. It is a great city to explore or shop or eat and well worth the 20-minute journey.

What happens if there is a problem on the mountain?

Thorough risk assessments have been carried out and necessary plans put in place in the event of accidents or illness while on the expedition. Our team is highly qualified and experienced mountain leaders with expedition first aid qualifications. Furthermore, they are experienced at working in remote environments and are trained to deal with situations efficiently.

If further medical attention is required, a transfer to the nearest hospital will be organised. Your leaders will offer guidance and support for insurance claims and contacting next-of-kin.

Am I likely to suffer from altitude sickness on this expedition?

It is unlikely that you will suffer from altitude sickness at this height.

Where do we get drinking water from?

You will carry your water with you each day and the guide will carry extra as spare.

What is the food like?

Pastries, fresh bread, and jams are the classic fare at breakfast, and a packed lunch will either be provided or picked up along the way from a local shop. The evening meal will be a three-course meal and of course, all food is plentiful, good quality and locally sourced when possible.

We recommend packing your own snacks as extra.

Can allergies be catered for?

Please inform us of any allergies, intolerances, or dietary requirements and they will be taken into account on the trek.

What if I run out of snacks… are there places to buy stuff?

Some snacks will be provided for your mountain days but we recommend bringing a stash of your favourite snacks from home, a range of fast and slow-release energy snacks that travel well.

The pure ‘energy’ style bars which are solid are quite tough to eat on the mountain so go with simple things. Flapjacks, sweets, nuts, and chocolate are all good ideas.

Will I be able to get WIFI along the way?

The accommodation in Luchon has WiFi. There may be spots of 4g coverage on the mountain but it will be patchy. Enjoy the lack of interruption!

Can I bring my snow shoes and/or poles?

You can bring your own if you prefer. We recommend heel raisers and spare straps specific to the snowshoe in case repairs are required. Your guide will have a generic snowshoe repair kit for breakages but obviously, the ones specific to your snowshoe will give a better result.

Trekking poles must be in your checked-in luggage, they cannot travel as hand luggage.

Rucksack

Approx. 40-50L rucksack. A daypack for daily essentials to include your packed lunch, water and extra layers. This should be fitted with shoulder straps and a waist belt.

Waterproof rucksack cover

To keep off any rain showers.

Warm headgear

Anything to reduce heat loss from your head. Warm hats, beanies, and balaclava are all good choices.

Wide-brimmed hat

Protect exposed areas like ears and the nape of the neck

Buff/Scarf

Essential sun protection

Sunglasses

Worth spending money on ones with good UV filters. Category 4 wrap-around styles are essential. 

Sunblock

Essential for protection from the sun.

Lip salve

Sunblock is not a suitable swap. You will be susceptible to burning without suitable protection.

Waterproof jacket (Outer layer)

Gore-Tex or event seam sealed are recommended both as waterproof and windproof. Make sure it is big enough to fit over a couple of layers. 

Base layer

The function of your closest layer is to draw (wick) moisture and sweat away from the skin. Thermal base layers for use at higher altitudes will provide an additional insulative layer while drawing sweat away.

Quantity: 2-3

Mid layer (long-sleeved fleece tops)

Lightweight microfleeces or similar will provide warmth and insulation without being overly bulky or heavy to pack.

Duvet jacket

We recommended synthetic as they will stay warm even if they get wet. 

Warm gloves

Consider liners or a light polartec pair for lower altitudes and evenings, and a thicker waterproof pair like ski gloves for higher altitudes.

Trekking trousers

Polyester trousers are the norm, these dry quickly and don’t weigh much. Consider some with detachable lower legs as an alternative to shorts.

Quantity: 1-2

Waterproof trousers

A lightweight pair of Gore Tex/eVent trousers are also great against the wind.

Long Johns

Thermal insulation for the lower body

Underwear

Merino or another wicking material, not cotton. Quantity at your own discretion!

Walking boots

4-season waterproof boots with mid to high ankle support and well worn in.

Gaiters

Gaiters are vital on this trip for keeping the snow out of your boots

Trekking socks

Lighter-weight merino wool is a good option, whether you choose single layer or double up is up to you.

Water bottles/bladder

Begin each day with a full water bottle and make sure you maintain hydration throughout.

Change of clothing for evenings

Comfortable clothes for the evening

Wash kit

Keep it simple! A toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant are the essentials. Moisturiser is recommended and everything else is a luxury!

Travel towel

We like the ones available at Lifesystems

Wet wipes

Always useful! Preferably biodegradable.

Alcohol gel

Also useful.

Personal first aid kit

A small kit with painkillers, plus blister plasters, plasters, antiseptic, rehydration sachets, and any muscle rubs you wish to use is a good idea. Your guide will have a more comprehensive kit for bigger problems. 

Personal medication

Keep this in your daysack

Head torch

Head torch and spare batteries.

Earplugs

If you’re a light sleeper these may come in handy

Camera

Spare batteries and memory cards are recommended.

Snacks

Shortbread, flapjacks, chocolate, sweets, individual cheese snacks, and nuts are all handy to pack especially in the cold, and won’t disintegrate in your bag.

Passport

Your passport should have an expiry date at least six months after the final day of travel.

Copy of passport

Just in case. Or a photo of it.

Travel insurance

It’s your responsibility to ensure that you have the appropriate insurance for your intended trip.

You must carry individual travel insurance to take part in the expedition. You will not be permitted in the park without proof of insurance and we will be requesting your insurance details 8 weeks before your departure.

There are many insurance providers available and we do recommend that you shop around to get the best cover for you on the expedition you are undertaking. You must check that the insurance cover they offer is right for you, including medical evacuation and coverage up to the maximum altitude of this trip, taking your circumstances (items to be insured, cancellation cover, medical history) into account.

Let us know if you would like to pay for your trip in instalments. The first instalment will always be the required deposit amount. Instalments are only available if making payments before the trip’s final payment date. The entire balance must be paid on the final payment date. 

Contact us at info@adventuressinthewild.com for more information.

This booking will be subject to The Operators Booking Conditions, and Adventuress in the Wild Booking Conditions.