Guided snowshoeing in Ordesa and around

When snow covers the valley, Guías de Torla Ordesa puts the rafting aside and brings out the snowshoes. The outings last about three hours and cover snowy forests, valleys and viewpoints in Ordesa National Park and its surroundings, with a qualified guide and at most six people per guide. You do not need to have set foot on snow before.

Three hours with the guide, step by step

You meet the company, which has its office on Calle A Ruata in Torla; when you book they tell you the time and the meeting point. The guide hands out snowshoes and poles, explains how to walk with them (the company sums it up: if you can walk, you can snowshoe) and sets off. The route is adapted to the group: there are family beginner routes and others at a higher level, and the guide chooses which according to age, fitness and the state of the snow.

Before each outing the guide assesses the risk. They only go out with a favourable forecast, and the company confirms the activity 48 hours ahead; if the weather does not cooperate, it does not go ahead.

What the company provides and what you bring

Included are the snowshoes, the poles, the guide's safety equipment, accident and mountain rescue insurance and the guide, qualified by the FEDA and with ongoing training in rescue.

You provide the clothing: waterproof mountain boots, warm layered clothing, gloves, a hat and sunglasses. If there is a lot of snow, gaiters.

With children: six years on the page, seven or eight in practice

The page advertises the activity from age 6, but in its frequently asked questions the company speaks of family routes from 7 or 8 years old. Tell them your children's age and how used they are to walking when you book and let them tell you which route is right.

When yes and when no

The good season runs from December to March. In November and April it depends on the snow that has fallen, and from May to October there are no snowshoes: the company offers hiking. The website does not publish the price; ask when you book, by phone on 974 486 422 or at the office.

On your own, without a guide, winter in Ordesa is another matter: before setting out, check the AEMET avalanche danger bulletin for the Aragonese Pyrenees.

To sleep near the departure point, Casa Frauca is in Sarvisé, about ten minutes from Torla, and in summer the same valley can be walked up to the Cola de Caballo. The company's page is Guías de Torla Ordesa.