Val d'Aran · Pyrenees · Guided activity

Snowshoeing in Val d'Aran: forests and nature

A guided snowshoe route through the snowy forests and landscapes of the Val d'Aran, €55 per person in a group of 4 to 7, adapted to the snow and the actual conditions on the mountain.

CategoryAdventure and nature
LevelModerate
Duration4 to 6 hours
From€55 per person

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5.0· 76 Google reviews

Discover

Route chosen according to the snow, the weather and the level of the group
Introduction to snowshoeing for participants with no experience
Small group of 4 to 7 people (minimum of 4 to confirm the outing)

Snowshoeing in Val d'Aran: forests and nature

Snowshoeing in Val d'Aran: forests and nature · from €55 / person

—

MTWTFSS

People

Ask us on WhatsApp

30% deposit to secure your spot We confirm within 24 h

How does booking work?

You pick the day and number of people and send us the request. Nothing is charged yet.
We check availability with our team and local collaborators.
We usually confirm within 24 h and send you a link to pay a 30% deposit that secures your place.
The balance is paid before the activity. If it doesn't go ahead (for example, minimum group not reached) we refund the whole deposit; the same if you cancel 7 days or more ahead.

Plan your adventure

Is this activity right for you?Chat on WhatsApp

Activity overview

Snowshoeing through the snowy Val d'Aran

A winter outing of 4 to 6 hours through the snowy forests and landscapes of the Val d'Aran, with the route decided according to the snow, the weather and the real level of the group. It includes an introductory briefing for anyone using snowshoes for the first time, in a small group of 4 to 7 people (minimum of 4 to confirm).

Two people making their way on snowshoes across a winter landscape — The Val d'Aran under snowWinter forests and landscapes, on a route adapted to the snow and the group

AreaVal d'Aran, Pyrenees
Duration4 to 6 hours
GuideJavier Gil · Ecotour Experiences
Group4 to 7 people
EcosystemsForests and snowy mid-mountain terrain

Reading the landscape

Val d'Aran: the landscape up close

Geology, Wildlife, Plants and Heritage: a closer look at the setting of this activity. Documentary images of species or places not taken at the exact point of the route are shown for reference only, and sightings are not guaranteed.

Snowy high-mountain landscape, reference image (geology) — **Snowy high-mountain landscape**The valley's glacial relief takes on a different character under snow: the same cirques and forests as in summer, now blanketed in white.

Estany de Sant Maurici under snow, reference image (geology) — **Estany de Sant Maurici under snow**The best-known glacial lake in Aigüestortes, frozen and snow-covered in the depths of winter.

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GeologyThe Val d'Aran and Aigüestortes under snow

View the documentary source ↗

Pyrenean chamois, reference image (wildlife) — **Pyrenean chamois**Rupicapra pyrenaica · in winter, the snow drives it downhill towards the upper edge of the forest.

Tracks in the snow, reference image (wildlife) — **Tracks in the snow**The snow reveals the tracks of mammals that go unnoticed in other seasons: one of the ways the guide teaches you to read the terrain.

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WildlifeWinter wildlife of the Val d'Aran

View the documentary source ↗

Mountain pine under snow, reference image (plants) — **Mountain pine under snow**Pinus uncinata · its conical crown is adapted to shed accumulated snow, unlike other conifers with flatter crowns.

The forest at winter rest, reference image (plants) — **The forest at winter rest**In winter the valley's beeches shed their leaves and its firs slow down, and the snowshoe route takes you through them under a blanket of snow.

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PlantsThe Val d'Aran's forests under snow

View the documentary source ↗

Stone and slate villages under snow, reference image (heritage) — **Stone and slate villages under snow**The pitched slate roofs of Aranese architecture are designed precisely to bear the weight of winter snow.

Mountain refuges in the snow season, reference image (heritage) — **Mountain refuges in the snow season**The same staffed refuges used in summer take on a different character in winter, with access depending on the snow and the weather.

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HeritageAranese villages in winter

View the documentary source ↗

Local photos: Ecotour archive. Documentary images: free-licence image banks or Wikimedia Commons, used under licence or with permission. The species and features shown are documented in the area, but seeing them during the activity is not guaranteed.

Before you book

Is this activity right for you?

Check at a glance.

Adventure2/5
Culture1/5
Nature4/5

Great fit

You'll love it if…

You want to discover the snowy Val d'Aran with no previous snowshoeing experience.
You are looking for a winter activity adapted to your real level, not a fixed route with no room for manoeuvre.

Worth a second look

It might not be for you if…

You want confirmed dates right now: outings are confirmed according to each season's snow and weather.

Who'll be with you on this activity

Javier Gil

Javier chooses the route according to the snow, the weather and the real experience of the group. The activity takes place on snowshoes in suitable mid-mountain terrain, with an introductory briefing and safety decisions made throughout the day.

AEGM / UIMLA-qualified mountain leader

Activity highlights

What makes this one special

First steps on snowshoes
Before setting off, a short briefing on how to walk on snowshoes: foot placement, pace and how to move on different types of snow, designed for those who have never used them.
Introduction included
No previous experience needed

Snowy views of the Val d'Aran
The route seeks out the best viewpoints over the snow-covered valley, always within what the snow and the weather allow on the day.
Snowy viewpoints
Route adapted to the day

The valley's winter landscape
The Val d'Aran under snow has a character all of its own: silence, low light and a landscape completely transformed from the rest of the year.
Winter landscape
Mountain silence

Snowy forests
Much of the route runs through snow-covered forests, where the pace adapts to the group and to the depth of the snowpack.
Mid-mountain forests
Pace adapted to the group

Included

Qualified professional guide from Ecotour Experiences
Snowshoes and trekking poles
Activity insurance
Initial technical briefing on how to use snowshoes
Included in the activity.
Public liability and accident insurance

Not included

Transport to the meeting point
Food and drink for the day
Personal winter clothing and footwear

Additional information

Subject to snow and weather
Ecotour checks the snow and the forecast before every outing and may reschedule or cancel if conditions are not suitable.
Introduction included
If you have never used snowshoes, the activity includes an introductory briefing before the route begins.

Snowshoeing in Val d'Aran: forests and nature

Snowshoeing in Val d'Aran: forests and nature · from €55 / person

—

MTWTFSS

People

Ask us on WhatsApp

30% deposit to secure your spot We confirm within 24 h

How does booking work?

You pick the day and number of people and send us the request. Nothing is charged yet.
We check availability with our team and local collaborators.
We usually confirm within 24 h and send you a link to pay a 30% deposit that secures your place.
The balance is paid before the activity. If it doesn't go ahead (for example, minimum group not reached) we refund the whole deposit; the same if you cancel 7 days or more ahead.

Average temperatures Val d'Aran

JAN-6 °C

FEB-4 °C

MAR-3 °C

APR0 °C

MAY4 °C

JUN8 °C

JUL10 °C

AUG10 °C

SEP7 °C

OCT3 °C

NOV-3 °C

DEC-5 °C

Would you rather go on your own?

If you don't need a guide and are only looking for the gear, we also offer snowshoe hire, with pick-up in Vielha.

Got questions?

If you have any questions about the trip or the price, or you'd like a private departure, get in touch and we'll help.

Talk to us

Before you set off

What to bring

Warm layers and waterproofs for rain and wind

Warm clothing in layers and a waterproof jacket

Waterproof hiking or winter boots

Gloves, a hat and sunglasses

Once your date is confirmed, you'll receive the final kit list, adapted to the forecast and ground conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What people ask us

01Can I take part if I have never used snowshoes?

Yes. The activity includes an introductory briefing and the route adapts to the experience and real level of the group.

02What happens if there isn't enough snow?

Ecotour checks the weather and the snow before the outing and may reschedule or cancel if conditions are not suitable.

03How long does the outing last and how much does it cost?

4 to 6 hours, €55 per person (snowshoes and poles included), in a group of 4 to 7 people. The outing goes ahead with a minimum of 4 participants.

04When does it run?

From December to March, depending on snow conditions each season.

05Do I need my own gear?

No, snowshoes and poles are provided during the guided activity. If you would rather hire the gear and go without a guide, take a look at our snowshoe hire service.

06Who leads the activity?

Javier Gil, an AEGM / UIMLA-qualified mountain leader, who adapts the route to the snow, the weather and the real level of the group.

Gallery

Moments from the activity

Reviews

What people who have done this experience say

Excellent5.0

Google76 Google reviews

Write a review

PAU RODRIGO9 months ago
Snowshoeing
Excellent experience with Javi on a snowshoe route. Vast knowledge about everything to do with the mountains. Going with him guarantees you'll enjoy your adventure 200% and come back with a smile. He works really hard. The best guide I've ever met. See you soon, Javi. Take care 👋👋👋
★★★★★
Jose Manuel Luque Rodriguez11 months ago
Snowshoeing
More than a guide, a friend!! His level of knowledge about the mountains, snow, animals and everything related to the mountains is exceptional. My experience with him on snowshoes: 15 out of 10!! A professional and one of those people who only give... Personally, I didn't meet a guide, I made a friend. Professionally... one of a kind... I'd always recommend him, and I already do. A hug, Javi.
★★★★★
Carlos N1 year ago
Snowshoeing
We did a snowshoe route and the experience was heartwarming. Javi as a guide doesn't just pass on his love of the mountains, he teaches you to love and understand them; on top of that he's one of the group, he's your friend and he cares about every single person in it.
★★★★★
Carlos Buil3 years ago
High mountain
As always, it's an unforgettable experience to do high mountain climbing safely with Javier. Climbing two 3,000-metre peaks and enjoying the scenery in an educational and passionate way. Looking forward to doing it again 💪💪💪
★★★★★
ines piazuelo3 years ago
Vallibierna
Very professional and fun guiding on the Vallibierna. With guides like this, it seems possible to climb any peak. Thanks for the encouragement during the ascent, Javi, we'll surely see each other again 🏔️🥾👏🏻…
★★★★★
Rut V2 weeks ago
Red deer rut
A wonderful experience in a luxury setting. We got in touch with Javi after finding him online and it was a great decision. He's a young guy, passionate about his work and about nature, and it shows. He explained so many things about the rut and the surroundings, and brought samples to show us how animals are tracked, always with respect and without disturbing their habitat. He also took loads of souvenir photos, both of us and of the animals, which we really appreciated. I loved the equipment he uses: he has a screen that attaches to the camera, so we could all enjoy the views without needing telescopes. Thank you so much, Javi, for the experience. You're a truly lovely person.
★★★★★
M. Villar (Proska)2 weeks ago
Red deer rut
Without a doubt an unforgettable experience. Several companies offer the rut, but not like this one: his knowledge of the subject, together with the technology he uses, guarantees a complete outing and lets you enjoy the activity to the fullest. 100% recommended
★★★★★
Loisian2 weeks ago
Red deer rut
We can only thank Javi for our outing: the day before the weather was awful and he advised us to postpone it, so we wouldn't climb up and not see the rut. The next day was wonderful, the views beautiful, and thanks to his experience and his technology we could see everything as if we were at the cinema. If we come back, we'll do it again. 100% recommended
★★★★★
Juanma Ferrer Navarro4 weeks ago
Red deer rut
A really good person who knows the Val d'Aran very well. We had a great morning listening to and watching the rut with Javier, who will be your guide. On top of that, you learn a lot about the local flora and fauna of Aran.
★★★★★
José Luis Durán12 months ago
Red deer rut
With Ecotour we did two organised rut outings last September. Although in the morning we didn't manage to see any deer (because, unfortunately, the wild boar hunt was on), the experience, both the trekking + observation outing and the afternoon observation, was great. Javier is a great professional who radiates friendliness and passion for his work, and he passes that on in everything he explains. I think we couldn't have found a better guide. A completely recommended experience with him. To repeat another year!
★★★★★
Joan Palomer12 months ago
Red deer rut
We went to see the rut with two little girls, and with Javi it was great fun and he was very attentive. For our next outing in the area, we'll definitely hire him.
★★★★★
Montse Coca1 year ago
Red deer rut
A great afternoon: Javi took us to an area where we could see and hear the rut, treated us to a small snack of local produce and told us about the life of the deer, the differences between antlers… You can tell he's passionate about his work. Thanks to the camera and lens he uses we could see them really well and watch their behaviour during the mating season. A great experience, highly recommended.
★★★★★