Superb snowshoe hike at La Couéou

A little piece of paradise

A wonderful snowshoe hike inthe Aure valley, near Saint-Lary, in 60 cm of fresh and immaculate snow that I had the pleasure to participate in.

The Couéou forest road, located 1 km above the village of Aragnouet in the direction of Spain, will be the starting point of this hike which will take us in 3 hours 30 of ascent to the Courtaou de Prat, from where we will have a superb view on the bottom of the Aure valley, all the surrounding peaks and the border ridges with Spain.

You will be surprised to encounter in the first third of the climb a clearing with the kennels of sled dogs waiting impatiently to set off. Another very very nice activity to do in Saint-Lary. That will be for another time, for today it will be snowshoes.

But we must continue to a more serious climb through a silent and pristine setting.

Return trip 3h30

GOOD TO KNOW

Provide equipment

It is sometimes necessary to be equipped with chain or snow tire to access the start of the hike.

An unexpected point of view

As we climb, fewer and fewer trees and more and more sunshine.

We advance through breathtaking scenery, disturbed only by the crunch of our footsteps in the fresh snow.

After 600 meters of elevation gain, we approach the Prat hut, which will be the goal of this hike and the place for a well-deserved lunch break. We will have a superb view of the upper Aure valley, the surrounding peaks and the border ridges with Spain

And finally...

We can't wait to come back to test a new corner of paradise

It’s time to head back down and enjoy the magnificent view of the peaks one last time before heading back into the forest. We had a wonderful day in beautiful scenery accompanied by the guide’s fascinating comments.

Equipment

To make the most of your hike, remember to be well equipped! Hiking boots, a waterproof winter outfit, ski gloves, water, sun cream and snowshoes of course!

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