But what is caving anyway?

The idea of caving is to go explore a cave with friends or family (with a guide for those who are not initiated). It is a sport in its own right and much more accessible than you might think! Most of the progress is made by walking. You will also have to crawl, climb, and sometimes abseil. This is the heart of these explorations! And don't forget that we are not alone underground... Our guides will tell you more!

Is it cold in the caves of the Ossau Valley?

A cool thing that you don't always know is that the temperature underground is about the same all year round (about 13°C). So in winter, it's warmer underground than on the surface! One more reason to take advantage of the holidays to discover the numerous underground caves that the Ossau valley and its surroundings offer.

In the Ossau valley, there are caves with ArudyRébénacq, Les Eaux-ChaudesBruges, Izeste. Aiming a little further afield, there is a magnificent network in Saint-Pé-de-Bigorre (8 km from Lourdes) to which we go very regularly.

In addition, our instructors will provide you with: an oversuit to protect your clothes, a pair of boots, a helmet (yes, the ceiling is sometimes a bit low!), a powerful headlamp attached to the helmet (it's all dark down there!), a pair of gloves (the rock is sometimes abrasive in the caves) and, if the cave requires it, a harness

In short, you won't be cold and you'll be safe with the right equipment!

To finish convincing you Caving : caving can be done even when it rains ! The caves we propose you to discover are protected from the rising water (even by heavy rain). A good way to enjoy a mountain activity this winter even on rainy days.

Caving trips this winter with Aventure Chlorophylle

The outings we offer are half-day or full-day. At the moment, in order to respect the sanitary rules imposed by the Covid19, we make groups of 5 people.

Jonathan fromAccroNature and Nicolas ofChlorophyll Adventure will be your monitors this winter to share this universe with you! They will take the time to help you discover this unique environment shaped by water and time at your own pace. With your guide, your journey will take you through vast rooms, smaller ones, you will wander through galleries with stalactite-covered walls or cross the path of underground rivers. You will also discover the fauna and the traces that the inhabitants of the place may have left there!

 Information and reservations on Chlorophyll Adventure ! or on 05.59.71.11.07 Nicolas or Alexandre will be happy to answer you!

Ski touring

Ski touring allows you to discover a wild and authentic mountain, without having to use the ski lifts (which is a good thing because they are closed for at least a few more weeks!).

For a discovery of the activity, they will be able to take you hiking in the cirque of Anéou with the ascent to the pass of Anéou or the peak of Canaourouye with a departure at the pass of Pourtalet (at the end of the road going up from Laruns to Artouste, at the French-Spanish border).

From this same pass, for the more sporty, a 2-day ski tour will allow you to go around the mythical Pic du Midi d'Ossau, with a night at the Pombie refuge.

Caving in winter in the Ossau valley ?

We don't think about it much but caving can be practiced in summer and winter. Winter is certainly the best season for this activity. The temperature of the caves is almost constant all year round (around 13°C), so you will be safe underground!

A unique adventure that is as much about sport as it is about culture: underground, you crawl, climb, walk and learn about the functioning of this underground biotope (its formation, its inhabitants...). And above all, you'll be amazed!

www.aventure-chlorophylle.com/speleologie

Canyoning in winter?!

But yes, it is possible! Winter canyoning is a unique way to discover a new facet of the mountains in winter: by descending its canyons! You will discover incredible landscapes, from the bottom of the canyons.

This practice is made possible by equipment adapted to stay dry and warm (the water is still cold in this season ;-)). Waterproof wetsuits and fleece under-suits will be provided (in addition to the classic canyoning equipment). In short you thought you were cold, with Lionel you will be warm to participate in the adventure! Here are some pictures of our last trip with our instructors to make you want to go!

Lionel from Kathaayatraa offers half-day or full-day trips from 70 euros to discover or rediscover the Pyrenean canyons in their winter form. Do not hesitate to contact him for more information. The preferred canyons are those of the middle mountains (Ossau valley, Valentin valley, Basque country or Gavarnie).

www.kathaayatraa.fr

Have a good winter and enjoy each day, they are precious these days!

Alex