The really warm weather we’ve been having in October and November finally broke and snow’s arrived to the Pyrenees. Gustavo and I chose a great day to head out for the first snowshowing trip of the season.

We headed to Pic Peyreget (2487m) just on the French side of the border. It’s a great peak and the route passes right under the iconic Pic de Midi d’Osau. Hike Pyrenees guests will know this peak as it’s one we often do on our Peaks & Passes and Valle de Tena Explorer holidays.

Gustavo making tracks through the fresh powder

It wsa a beautifully sunny day and the weather was perfect. We were surprised at just how much snow there was. 30 to 40 cm of powder everywhere and around Refugio Pombie in sheltered spots the drifts where up to about 80cm which made for hard going.

Approaching Refugio Pombie

This area around Portalet is fantastic in winter with lots of skiing and snowshoeing routes.

It wsa hard work getting up to the summit with the deep snow and we were making fresh tacks which although a wonderful feeling is tough!

Summit views were fantastic though – made the effort worthwhile.

Phil on the summit of Pic Peyreget (2487m)

Although we’d been quite hot hiking it got cold the last twenty minutes as the sun went down and a stop off at the cafe on the border for a coffee and to warm up by the fire was very welcome.

Warming up by the fire!

Really good day out and looking forward to geeting out more on the white stuff. Not at the moment though as we’re on holiday in Teerife and I’m hiking in much hotter weaher here. Hoping to do Teide next week weather allowing although there’s quite a bit of snow on the summit at the moment and Anna didn’t let me pack my crampons so I’m not certain I’ll get to the top. Watch the blog for photo’s!