An Honest Account of an Expedition Training in the Pyrenees
Winter Skills Expedition in the Pyrenees: A Journey of Learning and Adventure
The Winter Skills Expedition in the Pyrenees, scheduled for 19-26 January 2026, is an exciting opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to learn essential winter mountain travel skills in a picturesque and challenging environment.
The journey began with the group winding their way up a Nordic Skiing path, amidst falling snow. The group, consisting of a speaker, Gem, Nat, Stephen, Rolfe, and others, made their way through the mountains, stopping for lunch and fitting snow shoes along the way.
Upon reaching the Aneto region, the group settled into a refuge that offered electricity, water, and a bar. Here, they spent their evenings playing cards and Jenga, and enjoying meals prepared by the refuge's staff.
Each day was filled with practical training sessions, designed to equip the participants with the necessary skills for winter expeditions such as Elbrus, Mera, and Lobuche. The training included snow travel, navigation, avalanche awareness, anchors, snow profiles, prusiking, Avalanche Transceivers, Ice Climbing, abseiling, and jumaring.
One of the most memorable experiences was the day spent near a 40m frozen waterfall, where the group learned Ice Climbing. The steep ice gulley was also perfect for abseiling and jumaring, providing a thrilling challenge for the participants.
However, the expedition was not without its challenges. One member of the group struggled to make simple skills look difficult, and the group faced delays due to knee-deep snow on the final rise. The speaker's pack was also large, causing concern about carrying it.
Despite these challenges, the group persevered and reached the top of the Pyrenees in the late afternoon sun, marking the end of their Winter Skills Expedition. Upon their return, the speaker was asked about their holiday experiences upon returning to work.
For those interested in joining the Winter Skills Expedition in the Pyrenees from 19 to 26 January 2026, it's recommended to contact operators like 360 Expeditions directly or check specialized adventure travel sites for updated offerings, as specific details such as the exact itinerary, cost, and booking information were not found in the search results.
[1] Source: Various online resources and adventure travel sites.
- The Winter Skills Expedition in the Pyrenees will provide an opportunity to learn winter mountain travel skills, preparing participants for future climbs like Elbrus, Mera, and Lobuche.
- During the expedition, the group learned various skills, including snow travel, navigation, avalanche awareness, anchors, snow profiles, prusiking, Avalanche Transceivers, Ice Climbing, abseiling, and jumaring.
- The expedition ended with the group reaching the peak of the Pyrenees, a memorable experience that required perseverance in the face of challenges like knee-deep snow and difficult maneuvers on a frozen waterfall.
- Joining the Winter Skills Expedition in the Pyrenees offers an opportunity to enhance your lifestyle, combining travel, sports, and adventure in a beautiful mountain setting.
- To join the Winter Skills Expedition in the Pyrenees from 19 to 26 January 2026, contact operators like 360 Expeditions or check specialized adventure travel sites for updated information about itinerary, cost, and booking.
