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Photo: Matze
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Le TBiĐž (3144 m) Win wĐžJ+d @ e ba of d Pic Ga%8>s (3031 m)
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The TEAM says thank you and goodbye
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REBEL Straight cut men's fleece pullover in warm NANUK 200. The large outline pawprint on the back makes it stand out from the crowd.
MERIDIAN MEN
g jackets. The waterproof, A lightweight among the 3-in-1 hikin the shoulders with tough at orced reinf is t jacke breathable shell fabric. At extreme low RD OXFO weatherproof TEXAPORE 4x4 enables a second fleece zip front ical metr asym the temperatures, the neck instead of on at t offse layer to be worn as the zips are r. top of each othe
BLACK ICE WOMEN
STORMLOCK knit cap and STORMLOCK POMPOM CAP A lovely knitted look with a windproof fleece lining – keeps your head and ears warm.
Freedom of movement for lots of winter activities: this soft shell jacket is slightly fitted with kinetic stretch. The STORMLOCK laminate is 100% efficient at keeping out the wind and the inner highloft fleece has good insulation performance. Added cold protection is provided by the close-fitting fleece cuffs.
REPULSE HOODED JACKET WOMEN
SAVAGE ROSE The longer cut 3-in-1 hiking jacket has a cosy winter feel about it: the lambswool-like reverse side of the fleece inner jacket provides warm insulation and the fake fur trim on the hood keeps wind and snow off your face. The shell jacket is tailored from tough weatherproof TEXAPORE TASLAN fabric.
Keeps your ears warm. The new fleece hoodie has two distinct advantages: despite higher insula tion it has a compact pack size and garments worn over it slide easily over the smooth fabric surface.
favourite products on our trip
SNOW CAMP This sporty winter hiking shoe is made from synthetic materials and is there care. easyand fore particularly light The TEXAPORE O2 membrane guarantees excellent climate comfort and , weather protection. A thermal lining footcting refle heatlight padding and its bed keep your feet warm. With new the rial, mate tread and choice of in FREEZER sole is geared up for hiking winter terrain.
Pyrenees National Park The French "Parc National des Pyrénées" and the Spanish Ordesa National Park together form a conservation area that contains one of the last unspoilt mountainous regions of Europe. The French national park covers a core area of 457 km2. The landscape alternates between ruggedly romantic valleys and waterfalls, icy peaks and rock cliffs. One of the most impressive features is the Cirque de Gavarnie, a huge basin with a rock cliff very popular with mountaineers plus one of the highest waterfalls in Europe. The encircling mountains rise up more than 1500 m above the base of the basin. Pyrenees National Park: www.parc-pyrenees.com/
Accommodation In summer there is a well-developed network of catered hostels (refuges). In winter it is worth checking out in advance which refuges are open. The mountain huts range from comfortable with heating, hot showers and a menu to basic, small, self-catering. If you are a member of a national mountaineering club, accommodation is sometimes a bit cheaper. We made our base in the comfortable Hotel Le Marboré in Gavarnie, a small village in the middle of the national park. In the Vallée du Marcadau we spent the night in the very isolated but comfortable Refuge Wallon. The hut was managed by three friendly guys who get all their supplies brought up by the skiers in winter. The Refuge des Espuguettes provided us with a great break to get warm and dry. Hotel Le Marboré: http://www.lemarbore.com/hotel.htm Refuge Wallon: http://www.refuge-wallon.net/information other refuges: http://www.pyrenees-refuges.com/ http://www.gites-refuges.com/
Trip options The winter sports regions in the Pyrenees are smaller than in the Alps but quieter and often more idyllic. Besides ski lifts, there are opportunities for cross-country skiing, skiing tours and snowshoe hiking. We made Gavarnie our base and did various day trips on snow shoes in the Cirque de Gavarnie, in the Marcadau valley and in the Cirque de Troumouse with the Lac des Gloriettes.
Maps Topographical map for walkers: Rando Editions / IGN Institut Géographique National Pyrénées, 1: 50000, Pyrénées, carte 4: Bigorre.
Photos: Philip Baske