Here at Apogee, we challenge you to think about where this summer could take you: the summit of Mount Washington, the impeccable network of bicycle paths in the Netherlands, or around a campfire – laughing so hard with your new friends that you give yourself a side-stitch.

Over the next ten weeks or so, we’ll spend time profiling our eighteen teen summer adventure camp itineraries, giving you special insight on current trip availability and ideas on what trips might be the best for your child. Without further ado, please check out our first feature of the series: Pyrenees Mountains & Coast!

Where will this summer take you? Perhaps it will take you on a hike past a crystal clear lake, with jagged, rocky peaks rising in the background as you head towards your night’s accommodations: a cozy mountain hut.

This program is perfect for:

• High-school age students who are looking for an intermediate-level hiking trip in Europe;
• Students who are looking to fit a trip to Europe in their busy summer plans but don’t have time for a three-week program (PMC is only two weeks long);
• Students who are excited by both spectacular mountain views and beautiful beaches;
• Students who are looking for an hiking trip that does not require backcountry camping;
• Students who are excited to explore Spanish/Catalonian culture;
• Alumni who loved our Costa Rica Mountains & Coast, Alaska Mountains & Coast or Iceland Mountains & Coast programs and are looking for the next step;
• Alumni of our Alps Explorer or Europe Coast to Coast trips who are excited to explore a different part of Europe!

Fast, Fun Facts about PMC:

• Refugi Life: On the second half of the program, when the students are hiking the “Carros de Foc” circuit in the high Pyrenees, they stay in mountain huts called refugis. They get to sleep in beds and have meals provided by the refugi staff!
• Backpack Without the Backcountry: The backpacking portion of PMC is unique because of the aforementioned refugis. Because they have meals provided and don’t need to carry tents/sleeping bags, their packs are much lighter than a typical backpacking pack would be – closer to 15-20 pounds instead of 30-40!
• Feel the Mediterranean Breeze: The first half of the program keeps the group on the Mediterranean coast, giving students a chance to cool off at pristine Mediterranean beaches after their day hikes and take a kayak tour to some of the most picturesque spots along the coast.
• “Bon dia/buenos días!” Our PMC trip takes place in the Catalonia region of Spain, which has its own unique culture and language. Most locals speak Catalan, the regional language, in addition to Spanish!

Have other questions or want to check trip availability for our teen summer hiking adventures? Call us at 207-725-7025 or email the PMC trip specialist, Megan Iverson, at megan@apogeeadventures.com.