Guided snowshoeing holidays in the Pyrenees

Snowshoeing trip in Catalonia

guided snowshoeing holidays in the Catalan Pyrenees

Catalonia provides a dramatic setting for guided snowshoeing holidays in the Pyrenees, far away from the more  travelled routes. Spreading our stay over two traditional Catalan villages, we experience the beauty and tranquillity of the Pallars Sobira and Val d’Aran regions, as well as their cultural heritage. Walks through ancient forests, across valleys and through tiny forgotten villages are complemented by visits to local producers of cheese and a wine tasting. All this surrounded by soaring peaks and extraordinary views, in the company of an expert local mountain guide.

We have chosen Pallars Sobira, an area of the highest Catalan Pyrenees, because of its beauty and solitude. The woods are so deserted they seem almost abandoned. Val d’Aran has been included because of its orientation (North) and easy peaks.

In the company of our local mountain guide we journey from Barcelona to Rialp. This pretty small village will be our base camp for all our stunning snowshoe walks in the Alt Pirineu and Aigüestortes parks.

For the two majestic walks in Val d’Aran, Vielha will be our base camp.

If you want to experience complete silence, broken only by the sound of snow crunching underfoot as you walk, then this is the snowshoeing trip for you.

This is a 6-day tour

Level: Moderate

Group: 4 to 8, plus guide

1st day - Arrive in the Pyrenees

Miguel will pick you up in Barcelona in the afternoon. If you are unable to meet the group in Barcelona, these guided snowshoeing holidays in the Pyrenees will begin in Rialp, a small village in the Alt Pirineu natural park at 730m altitude, with only 670 full time residents.

After a 4.5-hour drive, we will arrive at the hotel.

guided snowshoeing holidays in the Catalan Pyrenees
Pic by Stephen Field

2nd day - Lakes in the Aigüestortes national park

After breakfast we head off to Espot, a village at 1315m, where a 4×4 vehicle will take us to Sant Maurici lake, trailhead of today’s semi-circular walk.

The trail winds through lakes and crags which tower above us. The Amitges mountain hut is a perfect place to have our packed lunch, and a viewpoint to overlook the East side of this majestic park.

Distance: 10.5km ‐ Elevation gain: 500m ‐ Time: 5 hours, including breaks.

[Click on each image to see the photo in its original size]

guided snowshoeing holidays in Aiguestortes national park
Snowshoeing holidays in the Pyrenees
guided snowshoeing holidays in Aigüestortes national park

Transfer to Espot in the afternoon to visit a cheese producer. We will of course have the opportunity to try some of her award‐winning produce, accompanied with a traditional white wine of Catalonia.

Tasting cheese | Snowshoeing in the Catalan Pyrenees

3rd day – Port-Ainé forests and Orri peak summit (2439m)

Today, our circular walk will take us to the summit of Torreta de l’Orri (2439m), a peak located at the top of the Port-Ainé ski resort. It represents the highest point we will reach during the week and from here we will be rewarded by breath-taking views of Catalonia, and of the other peaks of the Pyrenees.

After taking some moments to admire the beauty of the area we will follow a crest line into a dwarf-mountain pine forest called Duc.

Distance: 13km – Elevation gain: 550m – Time: 6-7 hours, including breaks.

snowshoeing in torreta de l'Orri
Pic by Stephen Field

The day finishes at Rialp, where our guide Miguel will give the group the chance to try some of the local produce, including cheese and sausages from the Pallars Sobira region, all washed down with wine from the south of Catalonia.

guided snowshoeing holidays pyrenees

[Click on each image to see the photo in its original size]

Torreta de l'Orri | guided snowshoeing tour in the Pyrenees
Snowshoeing in Pallars Sobira

4th day – Cap des Clòsos (2418m)

Transfer to Plan de Beret, in Val d’Aran, our trailhead today.

Our circular walk today starts at 1845m. Our aim is to reach a summit from where we will be able to overlook the Noguera Pallaresa and Unhola rivers valleys, as well as all the mountains around them.

Despite the proximity of the Beret ski resort, quietness and breath-taking views are guaranteed during the hike.

Distance: 9km – Elevation gain: 600m – Time: 5-6 hours, including breaks

Transfer to the hotel in Vielha, capital of Val d’Aran.

[Click on each image to see the photo in its original size]

guided snowshoeing holidays in the Catalan Pyrenees
guided snowshoeing holidays in Val d'Aran
guided snowshoeing holidays in Val d'Aran
guided snowshoeing tour in the Pyrenees

5th day – Eth Portilhon and Tuc d’Aubàs (2073m)

After breakfast we head off to Eth Portilhon, our starting point today, a pass at 1293m, located on the border with France. Our adventure today is a walk there and back along the same path.

We follow up a trail which goes through a majestic fir forests, ending on the Baretja saddle (1760m), again on the border with France. Those who are in a good shape will continue to the summit of the Aubàs peak.

Distance: 9km – Elevation gain: 810m – Time: 6-7 hours, including breaks

Transfer to the hotel in Vielha, capital of Val d’Aran.

[Click on each image to see the photo in its original size]

guided snowshoeing tour in Val d'Aran
guided snowshoeing tour in the Pyrenees

6th day – Return to Barcelona

After breakfast we transfer back to Barcelona where we arrive around 13:00.

Other photos of the itinerary

[Click on each image to see the photo in its original size]

guided snowshoeing tour in Aigüestortes national park
guided snowshoeing tour in Aigüestortes national park
guided snowshoeing tour in Aigüestortes national park
Recent snowfall in the Pyrenees
snowshoeing tour in the Pyrenees
guided snowshoeing tour in Aigüestortes national park
Happy group | snowshoeing in the Pyrenees
guided snowshoeing tour in Aigüestortes national park
guided snowshoeing holidays in the Catalan Pyrenees
guided snowshoeing holidays in Val d'Aran
Romanesque church in the Catalan Pyrenees
guided snowshoeing holidays in the Catalan Pyrenees
guided snowshoeing tour in Val d'Aran
guided snowshoeing tour in Aigüestortes national park

Guided snowshoeing holidays Pyrenees: Accommodation

During the first part of the tour we stay in Rialp, a village in the valley, next to La Noguera Pallaresa river. It has ideal facilities for excellent and comfortable snowshoeing holidays.

Then we move to Vielha, the capital of Val d’Aran, in the north side of the Pyrenees. Vielha is a lively town with plenty of facilities, and the hotel is located in the town centre.

Hotel Victor

guided snowshoeing holidays pyrenees

Our accommodation for the tour is Hotel Victor in Rialp. This charming family‐run hotel was founded in 1903 and has been recently restored. All rooms are en suite and very comfortable. There is free Wi‐Fi access. Meals are prepared using local produce giving a great insight into the traditions of the area.

Victor’s cuisine is very popular, so much that it has become the main reason for many people to come and visit the area.

Single supplements are available on request.

Hotel Aran la Abuela

Hotel Aran la Abuela | Val d'Aran | Vielha | Snowshoeing tour

Again a family-run hotel. It is notable for its cuisine, its strategic situation and a metal statue of a grandmother on the stairs at the entrance.

There is a lounge with a music corner where a piano is available for anyone who can play.

Single supplements are available on request.

Still available places for these trips:

– January 28  2024

– February 11  2024

– February 25  2024

Price from: contact us by completing
this form

What’s included:

>> Full-board en-suite accommodation: three nights in Hotel Victor and two in Hotel Aran la Abuela.

>> Meals: five breakfasts, four packed-lunches and five evening meals

>> Snowshoes and poles

>> Park fees as appropriate

>> All road transfers in country

>> Accident insurance while in the wilderness

>> Qualified English-speaking local mountain guide

>> All scheduled non-walking activities

Excluded:

>> Flights

>> Personal equipment

>> Packed lunch on the first and last days

>> Travel insurance

>> Meals and drinks not indicated in ‘Included’

Essential info:

– The guide has the right to change the itinerary at any time if deemed necessary to guarantee the security of the group

– Walking gear & equipment – We send you a list when you book

– If you can drive to Rialp on your vehicle, contact us by completing the form at the “Book” label. We can arrange a meeting at Rialp. You will also get a discount.

Tailormade tour: let us know the dates that best suit you and/or the changes you would like to do on the trek by completing
this form

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