Home > Tours > Europe Tours > Western Europe Tours > Snowshoeing in the Catalan Pyrenees

Snowshoeing in the Catalan Pyrenees

No Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Fully Guided Small Group
Sold Out
 Trip Length
8 Days
 Trip Starts
Rialp
 Trip Finishes
Rialp
8 Day Snowshoeing in the Catalan Pyrenees Itinerary (Exodus)
Countries Explored: Spain
Trip Style
Winter Adventure
Budget
Affordable
Max. Group Size
14
Pace
Leisurely
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
CAP

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Exodus 8 Day Snowshoeing in the Catalan Pyrenees. The Catalan Pyrenees provide a dramatic setting for snowshoeing, far away from the more frequented routes. During our stay in the traditional Spanish village of Rialp we experience the beauty and tranquillity of the Pallars Sobira` region, as well as its cultural heritage. Walks through ancient forests, across valleys and through tiny forgotten villages are complemented by the visit to a local producer of cheese. All this surrounded by soaring peaks and extraordinary views in the company of an expert local...read more guide.

Itinerary

If you are unable to meet the group at the airport, the trip will begin in Rialp, a small village set at 725m altitude, with only 629 full time residents. Stay: Hotel Victor or similar.

A 10 minute transfer takes us to our start point, where Roní and Port-Ainé ski resort are linked, for a day exploring the Santa Magdalena Valley. Crossing deep forests and ridges we admire some of the highest peaks of Catalonia. The day finishes with a transfer back to our hotel (approx 20 mins), where our guide will provide you with more information about the Pyrenees area. For instance you will hear about Tírvia – a village destroyed during the Spanish Civil War, where the last Cathar was arrested. There will be time to explore this village on the following day. Distance: 6km/ Elevation gain: 450m/ Duration: 5 hours including breaks. Stay: Hotel Victor or similar.

The scenic village of Farrera is just a 30 minute transfer and is a great location to begin our walk. Today our route takes us through the La Coma Valley. Here we find numerous 'bordes' or shepherd's huts, used to keep cattle and store feed. Traversing first deep forests, we pass through two small villages - Farrera and Burg, both of which have fewer than 100 inhabitants. This insight into a traditional way of life in the remote countryside is what makes this walk memorable. After the walk we transfer back to the Hotel. We will have time for a shower and a deserved rest before visiting a cheese producer, located in Rialp. We will have the opportunity to hear stories about how their products are made and of course try some of them, accompanied with traditional wines of Catalonia. Distance: 8km/ Elevation gain: 550m/ Duration: 6 hours including breaks. Stay: Hotel Victor or similar.

For the third snowshoe walk of the week we will be in the Espot mountains. Our aim is to reach the Rossell peak (2007m) located on the ridge between the Espot and the Escart valleys. The views from the summit are certainly worth the effort! Our path takes us through El Forcall, a forest of an outstanding beauty, where dwarf mountain pines and silver birches will lead our way. On the ground we can see alpenrose and common bearberry, along with juniper in the sunniest parts. The day finishes with a transfer back to our hotel (approx 20 mins) where we will have the opportunity to taste some of the local produce, including cheese and sausages from the Pallars Sobirà region, accompanied with wine from the south of Catalonia. Distance: 12km/ Elevation gain: 500m/ Duration: 5-6 hours including breaks. Stay: Hotel Victor or similar.

After breakfast the rest of the day is free to relax, explore Rialp, visit Son, a village home of a remarkable Romanesque church, or head to the nearby ski resort. Rialp is well connected to Sort and Esterri d'Àneu thanks to local bus lines. in Esterri d'Àneu you can find an interesting eco museum, set up in 1994 to promote the ecoconservation in the area while in Sort you have the opportunity to visit a museum called The Freedom Trail. It illustrates the story of thousands of people (Jewish, British airplane pilots for instance) who escaped from the Fascist regime during the World War II by crossing the Pyrenees. Your leader will be able to advise you of your options of how best to spend your free day. Stay: Hotel Victor or similar.

After breakfast we head off to Planes de Son, our starting point today, passing by Son, a nearby village at 1390m famous for its Romanesque bell tower. On our way to the Fogueruix Pass at 2110m, we get into the Aigüestortes National park and can stop at the Pla de la Font mountain hut and crane our necks at some of the highest peaks in the area that tower above us. The pass itself lies between the Son Valley and the Espot valley. We descend via another route back down to the Planes de Son. Distance: 11.5km/ Elevation gain: 690m/ Duration: 7 hours including breaks. Stay: Hotel Victor or similar.

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 breathtaking views of Catalonia, and of the other peaks of the Pyrenees. After having taken some moments to admire the beauty of the area we will follow a crest line to then continue into a dwarf-mountain pine forest called Duc. NOTE: Depending on weather and snow conditions this loop can be shortened to 9km and the elevation gain will be 371m. Distance: 14.5km/ Elevation gain: 480m/ Duration: 7 hours including breaks Stay: Hotel Lo Victor or similar.

Our trip finishes today in Rialp.

Trip Inclusions

  • Snowshoe the valleys and forests of Pallars Sobira
  • Walk up to high passes of the Aiguestortes National Park
  • Learn about cheese and wool production, enjoy wine tasting
  • Visit and stay in remote mountain villages

  • 7 nights traditional mountain hotel, all rooms en suite
  • 5 days guided snowshoeing
  • Snowshoes and poles provided
  • All breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches and 6 dinners included
About Exodus Travels
About Exodus Travels

Snowshoe, ski, or dogsled your way through Europe's winter wonderlands. Read more

Exodus Trip Leaders
Exodus Trip Leaders

Exodus chooses their Leaders carefully. Professional, dedicated and are passionate about sharing their home countries. Read more

Accommodation with Personality
Accommodation with Personality

Wherever possible, Exodus chooses properties that are locally owned and that reflect the area you are visiting. Read more

Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Exodus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Exodus. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

Similar Tours

9 Day Camino de Santiago Trek (Exodus)

9 Days Samos Santiago de Compostela

Operated By: Exodus

From 2,831
Save 336
9 Day Portuguese Camino Highlights Walk (Exodus)

9 Days Porto Santiago de Compostela

Operated By: Exodus

From 4,262
Save 245
8 Day White Villages of Andalucia Walk (Exodus)

8 Days Canillas De Albaida Canillas De Albaida

Operated By: Exodus

From 3,013
Save 62
8 Day Tour du Mont Blanc Week (Exodus)

8 Days Col de la Forclaz Chamonix

Operated By: Exodus

From 4,018
Save 90