Pyrenees – The Trail Gate

The central part of the Pyrenees

The picturesque Benasque Valley, surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Pyrenees in northern Spain, invites adventurers and nature lovers on a unique journey. The region is characterized by its impressive mountain landscape, which has the largest concentration of peaks over 3000 metres in the entire Pyrenees.

An exploration of the Benasque Valley promises a journey through centuries-old paths and historic trails. These trails are not only a reflection of the traditions of the local population, but also a gateway to breathtaking views and untouched natural treasures. Wander through the narrow streets and historic squares of charming Benasque, whose Romanesque church of Santa María is well worth a visit.

Enjoy the culinary diversity of the region, which is characterized by local products and traditional gastronomy. From hearty, regional dishes to delicate specialties, the local cuisine offers a feast for the senses.

The clear nights in the Benasque Valley reveal an impressive starry sky. The low light pollution allows a clear view of countless stars and the fascinating Milky Way. A truly magical experience for stargazers and romantics alike.

This trip is for people who are passionate about history, culture and the wonders of nature. Experience the Benasque Valley as a place where the past meets the present and tradition meets modernity. Immerse yourself in the beauty of this region, which impresses not only with its breathtaking landscape but also with its cultural diversity.

Our Local Guides

Arturo, Local MTB Guide.
Founder of the Trail Gate Project and Mtb Guide. He is a legend in the valley, not only for his consistently positive charisma, but also for his contribution to the mtb community in the region. He brought a lot of terrain back to life and even created some new trails. He is our lead guide, knows every corner of the valley and makes sure the pace is just right every time and for everyone. Follow him and enjoy!

Carlos, Professional Photographer and Bike Guide.
Co-founder of The Trail Gate project and long-time professional photographer. Mtb Guide. A long-time resident of Innsbruck, he has a close relationship with the Pyrenees and its people. The terrain, the atmosphere and the flair of the region are an important part of his life and with this project he and Arturo want to give something back to the locals while showing their visitors the region in the best possible way while biking. It’s all about quality!

The accommodation

The accommodation on this trip is a mixture of adventure and comfort. We spend 5 nights in typical Spanish hotels. 2x in Bielsa and 3x in Castejon. As far as cuisine is concerned, we will dine in the hotels as well as in nice restaurants outside. But the adventurous overnight highlights are definitely the two huts. The Refugio Marradetas is rustic, we chill out by the open fireplace, get the best food and enjoy Spanish wine. Then it’s off to sleep in cozy bunks. The Refugio Llauset, on the other hand, resembles a modern alpine refuge. The metal-clad building is embedded in a breathtaking, almost high-alpine backdrop. A night here is an absolute dream!

Our route

In 6 days we cross the most central part of the Pyrenees in a loop. We start our journey comfortably in Bielsa with a shuttle tour on the first day. The bus takes us up narrow gravel roads to just below the highest point. From here, you have to push and carry your bike to the summit – but there are only about 100 meters of altitude left. Our first descent already gives us a taste of the character of the rest of the tour: breathtaking panoramic views and challenging trails. Single trails of varying degrees of difficulty await us in the second part of the descent. After a refreshing lunch break, we continue by shuttle to the Refugio Marradetas.

The second day starts with an ingenious, endless descent, which is also ridden in the famous Trans Nomad race. Benasque invites you to enjoy a leisurely coffee before continuing by shuttle. This time, however, 600 meters of climbing are still on the agenda. The reward follows immediately in the form of another rewarding descent. The day ends with a cross-country trail to the hotel in Castejon, where we spend two nights exploring the best descents in the area. Here you have the option of using some shuttles or taking it easy before we set off for Vielha on the fourth day – another crossing stage. After a hike-a-bike and a proper enduro descent, we enjoy the lively Vielha. However, we escape this hustle and bustle on the same day. After a shuttle and a one-hour hike, we reach the Refugio Llauset.

The queen’s stage on the fifth day is imminent: crossing the Sierra Negra requires almost 1000 meters of altitude on your own. As the name suggests, the trail leads over black soil – a lunar landscape that is one of our absolute favorites. We end up back in Benasque, where we round off the day with dinner together. On the last day, you return to the starting point in Bielsa. The day’s itinerary includes a shuttle, hike-a-bike, epic trail, a sumptuous lunch, another shuttle, another breathtaking trail and a relaxing beer at the end. The only thing left to do is pack the bike – because the next day we set off on our journey home, rich in wonderful impressions and memories.

If the weather is bad, we always have the option of moving to the lower mountains in Ainsa. As a former Enduro World Series location, we won’t run out of trails there either.