Five unmissable routes to explore with snowshoes

BarcelonaThe result of an equation involving snow and mountains doesn't always have to be skiing. We can also enjoy it on snowshoes, a system that, although its origins are difficult to pinpoint, historians believe was invented in Central Asia more than 5,000 years ago. The oldest known snowshoe was made from a birch branch shaped into a circle and straps to secure it to the foot. Since then, the device has evolved radically, and after many years when the usual materials were wood and rope, today we find lightweight and resistant technical materials that make them more efficient and safer.

In any case, snowshoeing excursions allow us to stay connected to the mountains during snowy seasons and provide a very beneficial exercise, both physically and mentally. From Rutas Pirineos, experts in mountain routes, hiking, and excursions, mountain guide Anna Fonoyet explains that the first thing we should consider if we want to do a snowshoeing route is our physical condition. "There are routes of different levels, and the first thing we must keep in mind is that these routes involve significant cardiovascular exercise, so if you are a very sedentary person and don't usually exercise, it's difficult to keep up," she says. If you're looking for a leisurely hour-long walk on flat terrain, we'll probably all be able to go, but if the route is more demanding, things can get complicated, "both because of wearing the same snowshoes and because of the snow conditions, which can make progress more difficult, as you might sink in. Therefore, our first recommendation is always to be prepared." The guide explains that, like any sport, snowshoeing also has its technique; "depending on the snow and terrain conditions, and the elevation change of the route, if you don't have at least some basic knowledge, you might run into difficulties." Hence the recommendation to go with a mountain guide, who will always advise you on how to move safely and the most efficient way to use them,” notes Anna Fonoyet.

There are different types of snowshoes on the market, but for a low-to-intermediate level, any mid-range snowshoe would be perfectly adequate. The important thing, as the Pyrenees Routes guide points out, “is that it is suitable for our weight and height, because we must remember that what the snowshoe does is provide buoyancy so we don't sink too much. And it is also important that it has crampons that provide better grip if we encounter any icy areas.” In addition, we will have to pay attention to the equipment necessary for a safe route (see supplement) and be aware of the weather conditions and the route we want to follow. The important thing is, as Anna Fonoyet emphasizes, “to be aware that we are in a time of year when we will have few hours of daylight and when temperatures are much lower and drop sharply when the sun sets.” Therefore, it's important to wear appropriate warm clothing and several layers, so you can add or remove layers as needed. In any case, the key to planning a snowshoeing trip is "planning." "You need to know your fitness level—we always tire much faster in the snow—and the fitness level of the people with you. We must adapt to the person with the lowest fitness level." If we look at routes on any platform, we should always compare the reviews on each page, because depending on who did the route and their experience, they may consider it more or less suitable. Furthermore, she adds, it's important to consider whether or not you know the area and to have landmarks along the route to know at all times if you'll be able to complete the route in the expected time or if, at any point, it's better to turn back. It's also necessary to know the snow conditions, since if there's a good depth of virgin snow, progress will be much slower than if the snow is more compacted. "And keep in mind that snow can sometimes make trails disappear," the guide reminds us. And one last reminder from the expert: snowshoes are designed for terrain with a gentle slope and significant snow cover. If there are areas with little snow or that are slightly icy along the route, "if the slope is gentle, snowshoes will work, but if the slope becomes steeper and the icy areas increase, using snowshoes could be more dangerous, and it would be better to use crampons." In any case, to get started in this activity... In the mountains, Anna Fonoyet recommends starting with marked routes in the vicinity of ski resorts, "which, in principle, are controlled and safer environments. We must understand that where there is snow, there is risk, and that knowledge and information are what empower us to make decisions." In this regard, she points out that in the Catalan Pyrenees there are several resorts with marked snowshoeing routes, "such as Lles de Cerdanya, Tavascan, or Aransa, for example. Three Nordic ski resorts with marked routes that also offer equipment rental." Beyond these suggestions, and those found in www.rutespirineus.catWe propose five simple routes that are worth discovering (check snow conditions and road conditions before setting out to avoid risky situations).

• Starting point: Gento Pond Visitor Center. Sallent reservoir.
• Distance: 4.7 km
• Elevation difference: +485 m
• Time: 2 hours approx.
• Guy: circular

Snowshoeing rollover from the pond Visitor Center Gento It offers a peaceful and exploratory route for beginners. Despite the low difficulty of the itinerary, it should be noted that both the approach to the first pass and to the Font Blanca lake have slopes that occasionally reach between 30° and 35°.

• Starting point: Bòrda Montadí parking
• Distance: 7.1 km
• Elevation difference: +/- 275 m
• Time: 3 hours approx.
• Guy: linear

The route crosses the beautiful Val d'Aiguamòg and leads to the Banhs de Tredòs, the highest thermal spa in Europe and gateway to the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park. A journey that combines nature, history, and relaxation in a unique setting.

• Starting point: Rasos de Peguera station
• Distance: 2 km / 3.4 km
• Elevation difference: 75 m / 150 m
• Time: 1:30 h approx. / 2:30 h approx.
• Guy: circular

At the Rasos de Peguera ski resort, there are two marked snowshoeing trails. The yellow trail is the shorter and easier of the two, following paths and ditches to Les Collades, the furthest point from the Rasos resort. From here, you can join other trails or start your own routes, such as those in Rasets de Dalt. The blue trail adds a kilometer and a half to the yellow one. It heads towards the upper reaches of the Rasos de Peguera resort, at the top of the Les Soques ski lift, where you can enjoy fantastic views of the central Catalan plain, including Montseny, La Mola, and Montserrat.

• Starting point: Virós farmhouse parking
• Distance: 5.8 km
• Elevation difference: 185 m
• Time: 2 hours approx.
• Guy: circular

This gently sloping route loops around the Virós mountain huts and the Pla de Buiro plateau, following the paths, trails, and tracks that crisscross this spectacular forest. Once in the Pla de Buiro, you can visit the Santes Creus hermitage before continuing along the path to the Les Fargues viewpoint and then returning to the Virós mountain huts.

• Starting point: Estana village parking
• Distance: 7.6 km
• Elevation difference: 360 m
• Time: 2:30 h approx.
• Guy: linear

A relatively easy hike from Estana to Prat de Cadí, one of the most beautiful spots in the Cadí mountain range. A pleasant path leads to the foot of the Cadí's northern face, offering excellent views of this entire side of the range. Almost the entire route lies within the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park.