Easy outing in the Pyrenees: Lac de Gaube in winter

Looking for a very simple outing in the Pyrenees? Whether in summer or winter, Lac de Gaube is waiting for you.

My winter experience of this hike

It is an easy hiking trail, perfect for beginners. Here, I invite you to follow me through the winter version of this outing.

Park at the Plateau des Pountas car park. Depending on the date, check whether it is free or not.

Hiking to Lac de Gaube: an essential route in the Pyrenees

Nestled in the heart of the Pyrenees National Park, this hike takes you to Lac de Gaube. Honestly, you will see, it is cool. Easy to access, it offers a beautiful immersion in the mountains with a rather peaceful view. Perfect to get your legs going, whether to start the season or simply discover the area gently.

Start: Plateau des Pountas

Park your car at the Plateau des Pountas car park, at 1,459 m, near Pont d’Espagne. Since the late 1990s, the road has stopped here to limit environmental impact and keep the place pleasant.

The route to Lac de Gaube

From Pountas to Pont d’Espagne

The hike begins by passing under or around the Pountas gondola building. Take the path on the right side of the road and follow signs for the “sentier des passerelles”. When you arrive at the suspended footbridge above the Gave de Gaube, take a moment to admire the superb stone Pont d’Espagne, which majestically crosses the gave.

The trail then follows the rock wall for a few dozen meters before reaching the esplanade in front of the hotel. There, it joins the GR51 coming from the Lutour waterfall and Cauterets. Cross Pont d’Espagne and take the road descending slightly toward the car park.

Pont d’Espagne

Climb toward Lac de Gaube

On the right, signs quickly indicate the direction of Lac de Gaube, along with the red and white markings of the GR10. The trail then climbs through a beautiful forest of pines and firs on the right bank of the gave, with 200 meters of elevation gain. Along the way, you will cross several streams flowing into the Gave de Gaube.

Option: Lac des Huats

At 1,666 m altitude, as you leave the forest, it is possible to briefly leave the GR10 to reach a wide plateau where the small Lac des Huats rests. This detour offers a nice viewpoint and lets you appreciate the quiet of the place. The trail goes around the lake and its marshy areas before rejoining the GR10.

Arrival at Lac de Gaube

Less than an hour after the start, the trail leaves the forest and shortly after reveals the magnificent Lac de Gaube at 1,731 m altitude. This enchanting setting, surrounded by peaks rising above 2,500 meters, is an ideal reward after the climb.

Return and variants

The return is by the same path, but a variant lets you pass by Paradis by joining the upper departure point of the chairlift. Be careful in winter, however: this area can be exposed to avalanche risk.

For the curious, it is also possible to reach the southern end of the lake by following the GR along the left bank. A nice way to extend the walk.

This hike, accessible in every season, is a great moment for about two short hours of walking. Whether under the summer sun or in winter’s white coat, Lac de Gaube remains a classic for any hiker exploring the Pyrenees.

Looking for a very simple outing in the Pyrenees? In summer or winter? Lac de Gaube is waiting for you.

Small visual of the walk

How much elevation gain? The hike to Lac de Gaube from Pont d’Espagne has 271 m of positive and negative elevation, since the return is by the same path. What gear should you bring in summer? In summer, hiking poles, water and sunglasses. Hiking shoes are a plus. What gear should you bring in winter? In winter, hiking poles, snow shoes, either snowshoes or crampons to avoid slipping, warm clothes, sunglasses and water. Can you see isards? Yes, this hike offers a good chance of seeing isards.