Best snowshoe routes in the Pyrenees: Top 5

In short:

For beginners: Refugi Comes de Rubió, an easy and gradual route.
For scenery: Estany de Sant Maurici, with Els Encantats as the main highlight.
Balanced route: Pla de la Font, with forest, a mountain hut and around 480 m of elevation gain.
For reaching a summit: Port Ainé – Pic de l’Orri, a moderate circular route.
For those looking for a challenge: Pic de la Coma del Forn, with almost 1,000 m of positive elevation gain.

When winter arrives, many of the paths we walk during summer disappear beneath the snow. Forests change completely, mountain lakes become surrounded by white landscapes and some of the best-known summits in the Pyrenees reveal an entirely different side.

Snowshoeing routes in the Pyrenees are one of the easiest ways to continue enjoying the mountains during the colder months. You do not need to know how to ski, and there are itineraries for almost every level: from gentle walks through forests to genuine high-mountain ascents.

The Lleida Pyrenees also offer an enormous variety of landscapes. The Parc Nacional d’Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici, the Parc Natural de l’Alt Pirineu, Tavascan, Port Ainé and the area around Planes de Son provide very different routes within a relatively short distance.

We have selected five of our favourite snowshoeing routes in the Pyrenees, ranging from beginner-friendly options to an ascent with almost 1,000 metres of elevation gain.

Why go snowshoeing in the Pyrenees?

Snowshoes distribute our weight over a larger surface area and allow us to move across soft snow without sinking deeply with every step. They are easy to use and, once you have learned a few basic techniques, walking with them feels quite natural.

This makes snowshoeing a very accessible activity for anyone who wants to discover the winter mountains without needing to ski.

However, the fact that snowshoes are easy to use does not mean that every route is easy. Distance, elevation gain, altitude, snow conditions, weather and avalanche risk can make two apparently similar itineraries very different experiences.

That is why our selection includes routes for different levels.

1. Refugi Comes de Rubió from Rubió: an ideal beginner route

Best snowshoeing routes in the Pyrenees: hikers with dogs follow a snowy trail towards a mountain hut.

We start with one of the most accessible options on the list. The snowshoeing route to Refugi Comes de Rubió begins in the small village of Rubió and enters the Parc Natural de l’Alt Pirineu.

The complete out-and-back route covers approximately 8.1 km with around 285 metres of positive elevation gain. The gradient is generally gradual and the final destination lies at around 1,960–1,980 metres above sea level.

Much of the appeal lies in the route itself: forest, snow, tranquillity and a mountain landscape where it is common in winter to find animal tracks across the white surface.

At the end we reach Refugi Comes de Rubió, a mountain hut located inside the Parc Natural de l’Alt Pirineu and used throughout the year for activities such as hiking, ski touring and snowshoeing.

Key information

Distance: approx. 8.1 km.
Elevation gain: approx. 285 m.
Maximum altitude: approx. 1,960–1,980 m.
Duration: approx. 3–4 hours.
Type: out and back.
Level: easy.

Recommended for: people using snowshoes for the first time, active families and anyone looking for a winter excursion without major elevation gain.

See the snowshoeing route to Refugi Comes de Rubió

2. Estany de Sant Maurici – Aigüestortes: one of the great Pyrenean landscapes

If scenery is your priority, Sant Maurici in winter is difficult to beat.

The itinerary takes place inside the Parc Nacional d’Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici, one of the most emblematic natural areas in the Catalan Pyrenees.

Starting from the Prat de Pierró sector, the route climbs through forest until reaching Estany de Sant Maurici. Above the lake rises the distinctive silhouette of Els Encantats, which becomes one of the main highlights of the excursion.

The selected route covers around 10.7 km with approximately 390 metres of positive elevation gain. It is not technically difficult, but its length makes it slightly more demanding than a short beginner outing.

MundoCanyon currently organizes snowshoeing excursions both in the Parc Nacional d’Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici and in the Parc Natural de l’Alt Pirineu.

Key information

Distance: approx. 10.7 km.
Elevation gain: approx. 390 m.
Maximum altitude: approx. 1,980 m.
Duration: approx. 4–5 hours.
Level: easy to moderate.

Recommended for: those who want to discover one of the most famous landscapes in the Pyrenees and enjoy a longer route without steep gradients.

See the snowshoeing route to Estany de Sant Maurici

3. Refugi Pla de la Font from Planes de Son: forest, snow and a mountain hut

Best snowshoeing routes in the Pyrenees: two hikers cross a snowy field between pine forests and mountains.

Very close to the Parc Nacional d’Aigüestortes lies another of our favourites: the route to Refugi Pla de la Font from Planes de Son.

It is a particularly well-balanced excursion, combining forest sections, open areas, mountain views and a clear destination: Refugi Pla de la Font, located at around 2,000 metres above sea level.

The complete route covers approximately 7.5 km with around 480 metres of positive elevation gain. It is therefore shorter than Sant Maurici but involves more climbing.

The ascent is gradual and allows us to see how the landscape changes as we gain altitude.

Key information

Distance: approx. 7.5 km.
Elevation gain: approx. 480 m.
Maximum altitude: approx. 2,010 m.
Duration: approx. 3–4 hours.
Type: out and back.
Level: easy to moderate.

Recommended for: people who are already used to walking and want a complete excursion without yet committing to a high-mountain ascent.

See the snowshoeing route to Refugi Pla de la Font

4. Port Ainé – Pic de l’Orri: an accessible snowshoe summit

Best snowshoeing routes in the Pyrenees: a group of snowshoers pose on the summit beside a communications tower.

For those who want the excursion to finish on a summit, one of the best options is Pic de l’Orri from Port Ainé.

The route begins at close to 2,000 metres and gradually leaves the forest behind before reaching open high-mountain terrain.

The objective is the Torreta de l’Orri or Pic de l’Orri, at around 2,440 metres. Thanks to its position, it offers wide views over Pallars and different parts of the Pyrenees.

Our proposed route is circular, covering approximately 7 km with 490 metres of positive elevation gain.

Although it is not particularly long, the elevation gain, altitude and snow conditions lead us to classify it as a moderate-level route.

Key information

Distance: approx. 7 km.
Elevation gain: approx. 490 m.
Maximum altitude: approx. 2,440 m.
Duration: approx. 4 hours.
Type: circular.
Level: moderate.

Recommended for: people in good physical condition who want an introduction to winter ascents with a summit as the objective.

See the Port Ainé – Pic de l’Orri snowshoeing route

5. Pic de la Coma del Forn from Pleta del Prat: the most demanding route

Best snowshoeing routes in the Pyrenees: a hiker with poles looks towards snowy peaks from a high-mountain trail.

We finish our selection with the most athletic option: the ascent to Pic de la Coma del Forn from Pleta del Prat, in Tavascan.

This is a genuine winter mountain day. The route covers approximately 9.5 km with around 960–970 metres of positive elevation gain.

From Pleta del Prat we steadily gain altitude, leaving the forest behind and entering an increasingly alpine landscape.

One of the highlights is Estany de Mascarida. From there we continue towards the upper slopes until reaching Pic de la Coma del Forn, at around 2,680 metres.

In good conditions it is not necessarily a technically difficult route, but the elevation gain, altitude and physical effort required place it clearly above the other four options.

Key information

Distance: approx. 9.5 km.
Elevation gain: approx. 960–970 m.
Maximum altitude: approx. 2,680 m.
Duration: approx. 6 hours.
Type: circular.
Level: moderate to demanding.

Recommended for: fit hikers and people looking for a more athletic winter mountain day.

See the snowshoeing route to Pic de la Coma del Forn

Comparison of the 5 best snowshoeing routes in the Pyrenees

Route	Distance	Elevation gain	Duration	Level
Comes de Rubió	8.1 km	285 m	3–4 h	Easy
Estany de Sant Maurici	10.7 km	390 m	4–5 h	Easy – moderate
Pla de la Font	7.5 km	480 m	3–4 h	Easy – moderate
Port Ainé – Pic de l’Orri	7 km	490 m	4 h	Moderate
Pic de la Coma del Forn	9.5 km	960–970 m	6 h	Moderate – demanding

Which snowshoeing route should you choose?

There is no single best route: it depends on the kind of experience you are looking for.

If it is your first time snowshoeing, Comes de Rubió is probably the most comfortable option of the five.

If your priority is scenery and photography, Sant Maurici is difficult to beat thanks to the lake, forests and Els Encantats.

For a balanced route with some elevation gain but without an excessively long day, we recommend Pla de la Font.

If you want to reach a summit, Pic de l’Orri provides an excellent introduction to this type of excursion.

And if you are in good physical condition and looking for a genuine winter challenge, Coma del Forn is clearly the most demanding option in the Top 5.

What should you bring for a snowshoeing route?

Although equipment may vary depending on the itinerary and conditions, for a winter excursion we recommend bringing:

Waterproof hiking boots.
Technical clothing in layers.
Waterproof and windproof jacket.
Gloves and hat.
Sunglasses.
Sun protection.
Water.
Food or snacks.
Backpack.

Snowshoes and poles are the basic specialist equipment for the activity. Waterproof footwear, breathable and waterproof clothing and, depending on conditions, gaiters are particularly recommended for this type of excursion.

See all our snowshoeing excursions in Catalonia.

Do you need previous experience?

For the easiest routes, no.

Snowshoes are relatively easy to use and normally only take a few minutes to learn. The real difficulty is much more closely related to the terrain, distance, elevation gain and mountain conditions.

Routes such as Pic de l’Orri or Coma del Forn, however, require a better level of fitness and more careful assessment of snow conditions.

What is the best time for snowshoeing in the Pyrenees?

There is no fixed date. The season depends each year on snowfall and altitude.

The best conditions are usually found during the core winter months, although some higher areas can retain snow well into spring.

The amount of snow is not the only important factor. Its condition, weather, wind, visibility and, on mountain routes, snowpack conditions also need to be assessed.

Guided snowshoeing routes in the Pyrenees

At MundoCanyon we organize guided snowshoeing routes in the Pyrenees adapted to the level and experience of each group.

We can organize anything from a first easy forest excursion to routes with greater elevation gain and mountain ascents. Our regular activities are concentrated especially in the Parc Natural de l’Alt Pirineu and the Parc Nacional d’Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici.

The final itinerary is always adapted to the actual snow and mountain conditions.

Would you like to go snowshoeing in the Pyrenees?

Tell us about your experience, fitness level, group size and the type of route you are looking for. We will help you choose between Comes de Rubió, Sant Maurici, Pla de la Font, Pic de l’Orri, Coma del Forn or other routes better suited to current conditions.

Discover our snowshoeing routes