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”Finding one-self above the clouds faced with magnificent star-gazing scenery has the ability to not only elevate the spirit but also to enrich the mind with the interesting studies conducted there and enjoying “Pyrénéism” adventure skiing, first thing in the morning”
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Free-Riding the Pic du Midi – French Pyrenees
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The Pic du Midi du Bigorre in the French Pyrenees is part of the Grand Tourmalet ski area and is along side surrounding by two areas and resorts of La Mongie and Bareges. It has positioning it-self as a freeride destination similar within the spirit of the legendary routes of La Grave – La Meije massif.
The Pic du Midi is a free-ride playground for those in search of “Pyrénéism” adventure skiing! The Pic, 2877m, which is accessed by two consecutive cable cars and has a spectacular space observatory at the top with a restaurant including a champagne bar. The observatory also has 15 bedrooms, redecorated for and offers overnight star-gazing stays, including a dinner of local specialities and the chance for first tracks in the morning. A new lift pass has been launched for those who only want to access the off-piste. New routes can be accessed from both stages of the cable car, with the flagship being the 10km long, 1700m vertical meter Caume du Pic from the top to the shuttle bus at Artigues-Campan.
The routes are un-groomed, not patrolled and not avalanche protected, so it’s important that skiers and snowboarders are fully kitted with avalanche safety equipment, transceiver, shovel, probe and a local mountain guide for the excursions. Using (AT) ski boots, touring binding and skins will open up huge back-country terrain. Some of the classic alpine tours can be accessed within a simple one hour hike up into the most spectacular terrain. Your guide may also propose daily ski touring. There’s a new, free shuttle bus that get used for quick pick up at the end of each ski run so we can get more rotations of skiing.
The Pyrénées mountain range is situated between Spain and France and stretches for 400 km between the Atlantic ocean and Mediterranean sea. There are over 200 summits exceeding 3,000 meters in altitude. The highest peak is found over the border in Spain, the 3404 meter Pico d’Aneto. Further to the south than the Alps the climate is milder and influenced by the proximity of the sea. In winter there can be a surprising amount of snow above 1500 meters with five meter of snow depth 2013 and 2015. Due to the climate and altitude, there is very little glaciation so little risk from exposure of crevasses. Powder days can occur well into April.
If conditions are not ideal skiing at Pic du Midi due to strong wind on higher altitude or high avalanche risk, we use our mini buses to visit any one of the other neighboring resorts with their own micro climates. Within a 45 minutes drive to a big hour we cover the ski resorts, Luz-Ardiden and Cauterêt to the west or drive east to reach the resorts of the Vallée d’Aure: Piau Engaly, Saint Lary and Baqueira in Spain. Our alpine day-long ski trips are exciting guided freeride adventure in the French and Spanish Pyrénées.
Our colleague and mountain guide Walfroy Constat from Skiers lodge/Guideservice will stay with the group for the entire ski week!
Walfroy will organize the best optimal area to ski during the week exploring the Pic du Midi region in France including a 7 night stay in a hotel and cover several different secret spots depending on where the best skiing is at the moment combined lift accessed off-piste skiing using (AT) ski boots, touring binding and skins will open up huge back-country terrain. Some of the classic alpine tours can be accessed within a simple one hour hike up into the most spectacular terrain with the goal of providing the ultimate week of freeride adventure. He was involved in a film year 2003 traversing the (Pyrénées from coast to coast starting by the beach of the Atlantic ocean ending up by the eastern shores of the Medeterian sea.
Movie: La Traversée des Pyrénées à Ski
Thermonism
For your Spa in the Pyrénées: The Grand Tourmalet offers you the benefits of its thermo waters in Bagnères-de-Bigorre, only 22km from La Mongie with several establishment… The Aquensis spa thermal offers a mild climate, an awesome environment and everything is there ! Jacussi, haman, sauna, massage, tee-house. Conditions treated at Bagnères : – Rheumatology and sequelae of trauma and musculoskeletal response: osteoarthritis, neuralgia, tendonitis,osteoporosis psychosomatic : Stress, insomnia, overwork, anxiety, depressive decompensation … and Ski-Zo-Frenic….ism.
ONE of the most unusual and special hotel on the planet has to be the space observatory on the Pic du Midi situated at altitude. 2900 meter. NASA scientists mapped the surface of the Moon way before the Apollo 11 spacecraft landing took place on the moon. This spectacular and famous observatory has a small hotel attached on the summit where you can spend a night to observe the observatory’s facility with magnificent star-gazing scenery, it has the ability to not only elevate the spirit but also to enrich the mind with the interesting studies conducted there and enjoying “Pyrénéism” adventure skiing, first thing in the morning”.
We offer a possibility of one night stay out of per week (Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday) to stay stay at the space observatory. The hotel costs is 280 euro for a single person in a single room or 399 euro for a two people in a twin room. That includes the cable car ride up, site visit, dinner, breakfast. All rooms have stunning views of the Pyrenees . . .The rooms were originally designed for visiting astronomers so are a bit basic and include linen. All you would need to bring is a small bag of change of clothes to wear in the evening. There’s also a restaurant at the Pic du Midi which serves simple, traditional meals based on local products including a champagne bar.
These groups need to be formed in advanced by the guests who wish to book!
To keep the flexibility! The Pic du Midi is custom made for a group of friends that wish to have their own group all exclusive either with our private/pro with 1 guide to 4 clients ratio week or the standard ski week with groups of 5/6max skier’s addition to the guide.
There will be an extra charge for the extra excursion days for accommodation, milage using the van and covering guide costs. We will quote you a price for the private customized group.
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Facts Free-Riding the Pic du Midi in the Pyrenees, France
Option 1: Based on 1 Guide to 5/Max6 Clients Ratio Peak
Price: The price is 1468 euro per person per week sharing accommodation.
Option 2: Based on 1 Guide to 4 Clients Ratio
Price: The price is 1595 euro per person per week sharing accommodation.
There is an additional cost of 20 euro per night if you wish to have your own single room. There is an extra cost for staying one night at the observatory! Please fill in the number of participants, couples or friends sharing accommodation, arrival and departure date and time.
Pic du Midi Region: Stay at Observatory
Day 1 Sunday
Day 2 Monday (Possibility to Stay at Observatory)
Day 3 Tuesday (Possibility to Stay at Observatory)
Day 4 Wednesday (Possibility to Stay at Observatory)
Day 5 Thursday
Day 6 Friday
Season dates 2019
Freeride Excursion Pic du Midi (Advanced Skier)
2018.02.03 to 2018.02.10 Week 6
Freeride&Backcountry Adventure 3404m Pico d’Aneto (Expert Skier)
Dates coming soon.
There are three airports recommended.
www.tlp.aeroport.fr/gp/Destinations-vols/231
Please let us know your special request and we will send you a customized program. info@skierslodge.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_text_separator title=”Price Includes – Terms & Conditions” title_align=”separator_align_left” color=”custom” style=”dotted” accent_color=”#02656b”][vc_tta_accordion style=”flat” shape=”square” color=”turquoise” active_section=”0″ no_fill=”true” collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”Price includes” tab_id=”1511165395087-f8334f9a-c6e6″][vc_column_text]PRICE INCLUDES:
- Standard Room in (double) (twin) (triple) Accommodation.
- Lodge Accommodation – Breakfast, 3 Course Evening Meal.
- Guiding 6 Days Per Week by Certified Mountian Guide. (Guiding starts on Sunday).
- Local Ground Transportation in Mongieand to Other Ski Areas (Minibus max 1 hour round-trip).
- Use of Avalanche Transceivers, Harness, Shovel, Backpack, Helmet.
NOT INCLUDED:
- Valid Travel Insurance.
- Lift Passes.
- Off-Piste Insurance.
- Transfers from/to Toulose, Tarbes and Lourds.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Terms & Conditions” tab_id=”1511165395173-4741f3c7-e60f”][vc_column_text]Note: Please check your emergency medical evacuation and repatriation insurance coverage policy for trip cancellation or interupption of ski holiday, for any reimburses of travel costs and ski package during your stay due to sickness or injury. In general a Carte Neige and a valid UK EHIC should be sufficient for most on-snow related accidents costs, but medical costs are not extensive and it should not be seen as a replacement for insurance cover.
Valid travel insurance is recommended! Off-Piste insurance is not included in your holiday package.(A Carré/Carte Neige is instantly recognised by the French rescue and medical services and so any rescue costs incurred are automatically covered (i.e. you do not need to pay up front and claim back later))[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
