VIDEO. With Izi Rando, two friends will help you discover hikes to do near Toulouse

By Maxime Nuts
Published on 16 Jan 21 at 18:19

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You want to discover beautiful places near Toulouse, but you are not a specialist in hiking ? Arnaud Ferrieu and Benoit Hoelt of Isirando, offer on social networks walks to do in the region.

Through their testimonials and videos, they deliver their advice for a successful hike.

For this article, they present a recently proposed hike: ” ski touring in Peyragudes resort ».

An example: ski touring in the Pyrenees

Before proposing an exit, the two members of Izirando test it. For the last hike they offer, Arnaud and Benoit took part in the game of ski touring in the resort of Peyragudes :

“After the weekend snowfall the weather was perfect for a great breath of very fresh air in the Pyrenees“, They explain.

They are not specialists and for them it seemed inaccessible not long ago, but the current situation and their need to reach the mountains and participate in economic activities in this difficult period made them want to take up the challenge.

Leave early, to respect the curfew

To carry out their exit serenely, and respect the curfew, take off at 8 am from downtown Toulouse Monday, January 11, 2021.

The temperature is 0 ° C, the sky is gloomy, even if they are reassured by the weather forecast watched the day before.

Direction the A64 towards Pyrénées, exit to Lannemezan, to go to the Louron valley with a magnificent view of the Pic du midi. “The snow accompanies us on the low side, in the valley, we cross the village of Arreau, before arriving on Loudenvielle, and the climb to Peyresourde. After 1 hour and 50 minutes on the road, we arrived at the resort at Peyragudes ».

Remember to book your equipment in advance

On site, they go to the only equipment rental room open during the week of the six stores in the resort.

Thirty minutes later Arnaud and Benoit are equipped for their adventure. The salesperson takes the time to explain how to put on the skis, how to put on the skins (necessary for using the skis when going uphill), the correct technique for walking uphill, and finally the safety rules.

The seller warns them thatyou have to think about “reserving the equipment, in fact, the rental equipment is quite limited ”. Arnaud explains: “The mountains and the current situation have never been so favorable to the discovery of different activities. The demand is strong, to be sure to find what you are looking for, the best thing is to prepare your trip in advance by reserving the equipment ”.

Respect the safety rules

To avoid unpleasant surprises, Benoit indicates thatsafety instructions must be followed to the letter : “The area is groomed on some slopes, but you have to pay attention to safety rules. The station is only partially secure and the trackers cannot intervene in the event of a problem. “

An activity accessible to beginners

Arnaud, who is new to ski touring, gives his impression of this practice in Peyragudes : “The climb is done on the side of a groomed track, without technical knowledge of the practice, it is easily done. Of course, you have to climb, and therefore have a certain physical condition. Once at the top, the view is beautiful. Just adjust the bindings to go back down. The ski then behaves like any downhill ski. The practice is easy ”.

Benoit, who had already practiced him, gives details: “ Many activities are ultimately accessible to everyone and require a minimum level of preparation. Protect yourself from the cold, ask a few questions in the resort to understand the safety rules. However, the mountain remains magnificent. The snow has fallen in a rather rare amount, and now is the time to take advantage of it. The winter conditions are ideal ”.

Return to Toulouse before 6 p.m.

Summary of this day in the heart of nature: departure at 8h00, 1h50 drive, a little tour in the valley on the side of Loudenvielle to visit. 1h40 of ski touring, up and down, a hot meal in Arreau and return to Toulouse at 5.45 p.m..

Below is the video, with the breathtaking images of their day:

More and more hikes offered

In the meantime, Benoit and Arnaud continue to develop their concept: “ Our goal is to make finding hikes easy for everyone. We will regularly add content to the platforms. Our trademark is make you want to, and make hiking accessible« .