Trek in the Pyrenees with a dog
How to organize a Trek in the Pyrenees with your dog? What equipment to use? Is white trekking suitable for all dogs? Where to sleep with your dog during a trek? The answers to these questions in this article!
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The snow is here, it's time to try new activities with your dog. We often bivouac with Musher but rather in summer. As a result, I was not in the best position to tell you about the white trek and give you advice on these icy adventures. So I interviewed Déborah, who went on a winter trek in the Pyrenees a few weeks ago with several friends and especially Groot and Nova, her two beloved Samoyeds. Quickly discover their story in this new article. It should make you want to share a new activity with your dog this winter!
I give the floor to Déborah and her two dogs.
Groot and Nova, two Samoyed loves
First of all, thank you for offering to share part of our adventures with you.
Groot and Nova are samoyeds. If I have to choose 3 words to illustrate their characters, it's: sociable, stubborn and funny.
My companion Rémy and I were looking to welcome a hairy man into our family. We did quite a bit of research before choosing a Samoyed and then finally Groot came into our lives. With Groot, I started to take a liking to sports again, to a lot of things for that matter. A real sports coach, but also of life. We taught each other how to find each other, we invent and reinvent each other every day.
And then, having still a little love, we chose to adopt Nova. Independent, very robust, she loves to chat.
I am 26 years old and I am passionate about mountains and travel. Passionate about the Pyrenees, as soon as I have the opportunity, I put on my shoes, I take my bag, my two dogs and I go for a walk in our beautiful mountains. I never really liked dogs, I was even afraid, not so long ago. When Rémy told me that having a dog is inexplicable and that I was certainly going to love sharing moments with him, I had no idea that it was going to upset my life and my way of seeing the world so much.
Musher and Sophie: " To know everything about the Samoyeds and learn more about Groot and Nova, I invite you to discover the Portrait Wouafement Bien of this pretty trio. I couldn't keep here everything Déborah shared with us about her two furry loves… We all become big talkers when it comes to talking about our dogs 🙂 "
Trekking in the Pyrenees with a dog
Before telling you about my trek in the Pyrenees, let me introduce you to my adventure partners…
I met Amandine Cavadore who created the Facebook page Canirandoworld with whom I have been traveling the mountains for 2 years now. A real bond of friendship was created between us and it was with her that we decided to do a two-day trek with her new partner Orya, a young Husky bursting with energy.
I looked for a route accessible to dogs in the Pyrenees with a reasonable elevation and distance, which is not necessarily easy. To find ideas, I look at my hiking books, I surf the internet indicating the valley I want to go to, I ask my acquaintances or in Facebook communities. This time I used my joker by calling on a friend to help us come up with ideas. Elodie, owner of two Samoyeds, a mountain buff like us, gave us good advice to find the location of the trek.
On his advice, we chose to leave for two days in the Hautes-Pyrénées. Jacques and Nanouck, a female husky of the same age as Nova, also accompanied us. I really like to share our moments of hiking with other people. We often go hiking with my dogs.
The office of the mountain of Cauterets having indicated to me that the road from the car park of the fruitière was closed, we started the 1st day from the car park La Raillère to reach the refuge of Russel located at 1980 m altitude . We did 8,95 km on this first day with 892D+ and 3h35 of walking without counting the meal break. The refuge is an unguarded refuge, mountaineers are welcome provided they respect the place and leave it clean. One thing to know: before arriving at the refuge, logs are already cut and placed along the path. If you want to light a fire to warm up a little at the refuge, you have to take it.
We took advantage of arriving early on site to take a tour of the refuge. reach the culaus pass was impossible for us, the snow was too present and especially there was not enough visibility. It was not possible to know where we were setting foot. We watched the sunset and waited for the stars to fall asleep. The next morning, we woke up around 8:15 a.m. to watch the sunrise with our dogs.
After breakfast, we packed up to go down to the Estom Lake located at an altitude of 1804 m via its refuge and the Lutour waterfall. We discovered the lake frozen over a large part. Breathtaking landscapes!
Despite the cold and the wind, we bravely decided to eat by the lake of Estom. With these temperatures and especially on treks, I prefer hot dishes, so I turned on my stove to eat a freeze-dried dish. Then we headed back down to the parking lot. In total, we did 4 hours of walking on the second day, not counting the meal break. This route is at the border of the national park, throughout the hike we saw the markings indicating this imaginary line that we were not allowed to cross. Dogs are not allowed on the other side of the line.
It is true that hiking requires more preparation in advance when it involves several days. We do not leave with shoes, a bag and dogs without planning anything, especially in areas where there are restrictions. In the Pyrenees, not all areas are accessible to dogs even on a leash. From the moment you understand this and above all accept it, you realize that there is still enough to do for many km in sumptuous landscapes with your companion(s). Hiking with your dog in the mountains requires preparation.
To find out if your hike is in the national park or not, you can simply look on an IGN map at 25ᵉ (000 cm = 1 m), the limits are indicated by a line on the map (you will need this map in any case to find you). There are also maps with the restriction zones on the internet. If you have any doubts, you can contact the mountain office on which your hike depends. In this case for us it was the mountain office of Cauterets. Source of information on restrictions, on the state of the roads (in winter many roads are closed), on the difficulty of the hike or the delicate passages: they are a great help and often happy to communicate this information.
Cani-rando and cani-snowshoe equipment
Snow was insufficient for snowshoeing. But the icy roads or with packed snow were there. I was therefore equipped with anti-slips in order to optimize my points of support. With the traction of my two dogs, it is better to have solid support on the ground.
My dogs are rarely on the loose during my mountain hikes. It is often compulsory to keep them on a leash and then it is a choice on my part. I release them when we are on a meal break or when we arrive at our destination and I see no danger, but they must remain in my field of vision and not disturb the people who are present on the paths.
During a group outing, a beautiful misadventure happened to me that I will always remember. A collective cani-rando had been organized. We were eight masters and nine dogs in all categories. When the spirits relaxed, a little hesitant, I decided to untie Groot so that he could play with the buddies. We were talking quietly when the huskies suddenly started chasing game down a steep mountain cliff. My mate and I yelled "Groot here". He came back quickly but three huskies were missing. To retrieve them, we had to descend the cliff and put ourselves in danger. After several perilous attempts, we managed to bring everyone back up safe and sound, but since then I no longer want to take any risks so they remain attached. The Samoyed remains a primitive dog with a very present and very strong hunting instinct despite a good education. The story ended well, but it could have been serious...
I'm lucky to have two dogs that love trail traction. Tethering is therefore not experienced as a lack of freedom or a punishment, but as work. The Samoyed needs work to grow and feel whole. A bond is also created with this line that connects us to each other. For the tough descents, when I have both Groot and Nova, the pulling force is so strong that I don't take any risks, they come in the back and follow me. We reverse the roles and I guide them.
In terms of equipment, I have a harness on which I attach my two stroke lines which are connected to a pulling harnessstyle sled harness, for my two dogs.
White trekking: for all dogs?
I think anyone who has a dog and wants to go to the mountains in winter together can do it!
Provided you prepare your route, create it according to your abilities and that of the dog and have the appropriate equipment. All breeds can go cani-rando or leave for several days provided they always have suitable equipment.
For dogs with no undercoat, it will be necessary to think of the coat. If there is a lot of snow, even for Nordic people, you will have to think about boots in order to avoid the "snowball", a ball of ice which forms on the hairs between the pads and which scratches and injures the dog's paws by friction.
In winter, the conditions are more difficult and the paths such as the markings can be hidden when it is covered with snow, for example, so you have to take this into consideration and adapt your route.
Trekking – where to sleep with your dog?
We slept in an unguarded refuge. We lit a fire, thanks to our stoves we ate a hot meal and slept with our sleeping bag and our dogs nearby to keep us warmer.
To be able to sleep in winter outside a refuge with your tent, you need a warmer sleeping bag than in summer/spring/autumn. It is possible to add a "meat bag" or sleeping sheet to this bag to gain a few degrees, this also ensures better hygiene.
From the moment the refuge is outside a national park and is unguarded, nothing prevents you from taking your dog, provided you respect everyone's areas if you are not alone. If it is a guarded refuge outside the national park, the best thing is to call the guard. Depending on the season, your dog may not be accepted in the shelter...
Musher and Sophie "Musher usually sleeps at home in his basket. When we go out in the winter, I always bring a coat to cover her when we take breaks so she doesn't get cold. Last summer, at high altitude, we were surprised to only have 2 degrees at night in the tent… Musher was really cold, she didn't know how to put herself on. So she ended up in my duvet on my mattress. At least we were warm. Since then, I take with me a coat and a survival blanket to insulate her from the cold on the ground. Adapt your equipment to your dog.”
You're not a big fan of mountain shelters to sleep with your dog in the Pyrenees? Do you want your dog to be well received in your holiday accommodation in the Pyrenees? Here is a selection of QUALIDOG-certified accommodation in the Pyrenees!
Hikes to do with your dog in the Pyrenees
There are as many dog trekking routes in the Pyrenees as there are places outside the national park to go. The trek is just several consecutive days of hiking, it is you who create it according to your expectations, your level and that of your dog (number of km, difference in altitude, etc.)
In the Aspe Valley, it is possible to do the Montagnon lake in trek 950 m of D+ 4 h 30 of walk 8,4 km A/R. I plan to do this circuit soon with Amandine and her dog.
Still in the Aspe valley, there is the lake and the Ansaberre cabin, where you can stay, which I did alone with my two dogs on a day hike very recently. You can also do the Linza refuge in Upper Aragon via Pétragème, but this is a cross-border route (provide passport and papers for dogs).
In the zone of Luchon, with Rémy, Groot and Nova we trekked to Lac d'Oô, Lac d'Espingo, Lac de Saussat then Lac du Portillon. It was superb.
You can also do a trek in other countries. Groot and I with Amandine and Elwin, a cocker english, always ready to follow his mistress, went this summer to the Spanish natural park of the Sierra de Guara for both a land hike, but also an aquatic one.
The Bardenas Reales, in Spain, second European desert is a great place to trek with your dog. We discovered it with Jacques and Nanouck on one day, but it would take more time to really discover it.
Musher and Sophie "I'm a big fan of the Pyrenees and it's often our playground. camping with my dog. Musher wears a dog backpack and so she carries her kibble and her equipment. It's very useful."
Winter activity to do with a dog
In winter, I hike with my dogs. Depending on the conditions, I put on shoes, anti-skids or snowshoes. I also run with my dogs.
Last year, my dog and I took part in the Canitrail blanc du Hautacam, at night. It was an extraordinary experience, I loved it. That's when I realized that even a “snow dog” might need soft cordura boots to run around in order to avoid “snowballs”. In the middle of the course my dog lay down. He didn't want to leave anymore. I realized the problem… impossible to remove the ice packs with my hands, I had to go with my teeth! Disgusting ? My dog is not a simple animal but a member of the family who is under my protection so when he has a problem, I solve it! He's my companion, he protects me so I protect him: it's a whole relationship. We finished this trail together filled with emotion. Another unforgettable moment...
My best memory is the one in the refuge when the fire had to be lit. The damp wood took it hard… Our many attempts earned us some giggles with the dogs nearby who were making their living. The characters are felt through their interactions. It is these moments that allow us to learn a lot about our dogs. The patches of ice caused us difficulties, they can quickly become a danger. Nova then Groot also slipped on a patch of ice.
There are still places where I absolutely want to take Groot and Nova:
Mont-Perdu in Ordesa National Park (Spain)
Foz de Lumbier in Navarre (Spain)
The Encantats in Aigües Tortes National Park (Spain)
Montagnon lake on a trek
I also want to take part in the Artouste canitrail. Last year Groot was not old enough to run with me. I will be proud to accompany him this year for my birthday! ☺
I did my 1st half-marathon from St-Jean de Luz, arrival Hondarribia in October 2018, I hope to finish my 1st marathon in 2019.
Lots of projects, always lots of destinations, that's “living”!
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I hope this lovely story will have made you want to go on an adventure with your dog! I do. I think I'm going to visit the little refuge at altitude this winter 😉
To follow the adventures of our trio: go to their Instagram account: les.chtis.coco. Déborah shares superb photos of her two four-legged life companions and the playgrounds in which they have fun together.