Guided snowshoeing from Pla de Beret to the Estanys de Baciver

From the Pla de Beret, the high plateau of Baqueira, a snowshoe climb to the frozen lakes of Baciver, with a qualified Rutes Pirineus guide. Eight kilometres and 525 metres of ascent and descent: it is beginner level technically, but it asks for legs.

The route

The Estanys de Baciver are two lakes of glacial origin, above 2,100 metres, within the Alt Pirineu Natural Park. They lie on the border between the Val d'Aran and the Pallars Sobirà, between the Pla de Beret and the Marimanha massif, surrounded by high-mountain meadows and the peaks that close the valley. In winter the lakes are frozen and covered in snow.

The itinerary is partly circular, so the return does not repeat the whole climb and the landscape keeps changing. Along the way, the guide, who knows Aran well, explains how to read animal tracks in the snow, the flora and geology of the place and how glaciers shaped these valleys. The route may vary depending on the snow and the weather of the day.

What the day is like

You meet at 9:00 at the far right of the Orri car park at Pla de Beret, next to the resort's ticket offices. You get there by the C-142b from Baqueira: the turning on the right is at 6.5 km. It is about five hours of walking and seven in all, with the lunch stop; you return to the car park around 16:00. Groups of four to ten people; if there are fewer than four, the whole amount is refunded. For seven or more, or for a guide just for your group, they ask for a quote.

The season's dates are 6 and 28 December, 7 and 20 February and 14 and 27 March. If less than 40% of the route is expected to have snow, the company proposes a similar outing or cancels it, with at least two days' notice.

What you pay and how to book

The guide costs €47.90 per person with accident insurance. Snowshoes and poles can be hired for €9.90; tell them if you take under a size 35 or over a 47. Book by email, on its website or on 691 772 966, and the place is confirmed on payment.

What to bring

A mountain rucksack with straps to hang the snowshoes, warm breathable clothing, mountain trousers, waterproof mid- or high-top boots, gloves, a hat and a neck gaiter. If it snows, a rain jacket and gaiters; if it is sunny, sunglasses, sun cream and lip balm. Food and at least a litre and a half of water. Outside guided outings, always check the ICGC avalanche danger bulletin before going into the mountains.

For sleeping nearby, Salardú is a few kilometres away: take the chance to see the church of Sant Andrèu. If someone in the group prefers a shorter plan, the Baqueira walking lift pass takes pedestrians up on the lifts, and from the Pla de Beret itself the snowshoe route to Montgarri starts.