Each November, the cold arrives and the Catalan mountains start turning white. With the first snowfalls, the Pyrenees get dressed in white and are prepared for snow activities. Walking through the majestic snow-covered mountains is a real privilege you can enjoy once you put on the right equipment. This post presents 5 spots in Catalonia where you can start out in snowshoeing and discover the local mountains in winter.
Snowshoeing is a leisure activity that is getting more and more popular in Catalonia. Why? Because it is a perfect option to discover the mountains: it is easy, anyone can practise it and it does not require to be in great physical shape. The only things you need to start snowshoeing are snowshoes, poles and motivation! Let’s start!
Snowshoeing in Vallter
The first place we recommend you to put on your snowshoes and go for the adventure is the region of Ripollès, which hosts Vallter 2000 Ski Resort. There, you can choose one of the 7 snowshoeing routes for all levels, from families with kids to skilled sportspeople. The team of Guies de Muntanya i Barrancs Ama Dablam offer several options that allow you to spend fantastic moments and enjoy the winter mountains, from a walk for beginners to an ascent to some Pyrenean peak or a mountain crossing. For a start, we suggest you to go for the snowshoeing First snowshoeing outing, a totally safe two-hour hike through a fantastic black pine forest that will make you discover the Pyrenees from within!
Snowshoeing in El Port del Comte
El Port del Comte, in the Solsonès region, is another perfect place to enjoy winter and snow in a peaceful and funny way. The experts of Esportec Outdoor Sport will allow you to discover the Pre-Pyrenees snowshoeing in a splendid way! Choose the guided hike that best matches with your level:
- Bàsica: through the surrounding forests and paths.
- Mirador: to a mirador where you will have the opportunity to enjoy amazing views.
- Prepirineu: one-day hike up to the highest summits in the area.
Snowshoeing in Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park
Apart from hiking and forest bathing, Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park also allows you to go snowshoeing, which becomes the main activity in winter.
Go for some unforgettable trails through the natural park with the experts of Obaga Activitats, Rutes Pirineus or Roger Mountain Guide!
The route through Sant Maurici Lake, Ratera and Amitges is a fantastic option for a one-day snowshoeing discovery in the National Park. A real must for nature and mountain lovers! The area located along Aran Valley is also very recommended to put your snowshoes on and start exploring the summits that shape the valley.
And if you want to connect with nature under the moonlight, Obaga Activitats organizes Night snowshoeing trails! A really brilliant option!
Snowshoeing in Cerdanya
If you want to spend a fantastic day in Cerdanya walking peacefully through a snow-covered forest, 360XPLORE offers you a range of guided snowshoeing routes that allow you to discover the silence of nature and the magic of the local landscape. If this seems too short for you, you can end up the day ascending to Niu de l’Àliga’s mountain hut (La Tosa d’Alp) by cable car with the guides of Altitud Extrem and finish the ascent snowshoeing. The end of the trail, with the views of the Cerdanya and Berguedà regions, is really spectacular!
Snowshoeing in Berguedà
Rasos de Peguera, in the Berguedà region, is another snowshoeing destination. As this ski resort is the closest one to Barcelona, a lot of families go there to enjoy all the pleasures of the white mountains.
Apart from discovering the natural surroundings, Relleus Gent de Muntanya gives you the opportunity to go for snowshoeing routes to hear stories about snow and bandits, because nature is also full of thrilling tales and legends!
As you can see, Catalonia offers a wide range of options to start snowshoeing and enjoy snow-covered landscapes. This post just mentions a few of them. If you want to find out about other trails and snow activities selected by Naturexperience, please click here.
