Guided snowshoeing through the Aransa forests

A circular 8 km snowshoe loop through the black pine forests surrounding the Aransa Nordic ski station, in the Cerdanya of Lleida, with a qualified mountain guide from Rutes Pirineus. It is a beginner outing: it asks for fitness to walk four or five hours, but no prior technique.

From the Fornell refuge to the Comabella pool

You set out from the Nordic station, where the Fornell refuge is, and soon enter the forest. The first stretch climbs among black pines, junipers and clearings where animal tracks can be read in the snow; as you gain height, views open over the Cerdanya valley and the north face of the Cadí range, with its snowy gullies. Then comes a descent through snow to the Prat Miró forest refuge, and from there the route loops back passing, if the snow and terrain allow, the bassa de Comabella, a small frozen pond in the middle of the forest. Along the way the guide explains how to walk in snowshoes, what types of snow there are and how the black pine forest works. The itinerary may change depending on the weather.

A full day, with lunch in your rucksack

You meet at 10:00 at the far end of the car park of the Aransa Nordic station, next to the barrier on the access road; the return is expected around 15:45. It is about 5 h 45 in all, with about 3 h 30 of actual walking and 420 m of accumulated ascent. At midday you stop to eat whatever each person has brought: sandwich, fruit, nuts, and at least a litre and a half of water.

What it costs and what is not included

The guiding costs €47.90 per person, VAT included, with route preparation, weather monitoring and accident insurance. Snowshoes and poles can be hired for €9.90 more; if your foot is under a 35 or over a 47, or you weigh more than 120 kg, tell them when you book. The snowshoe pass, €7.50, is paid separately at the station ticket office, and the guide handles it. Getting to Aransa is up to you.

The group is ten people at most and goes ahead with four; if that is not reached, the amount is refunded. Book on the website or by email and it is confirmed on payment. The scheduled dates for this season are 27 December 2026 and 23 January, 14 February and 6 March 2027.

When it does not go ahead

The company only counts it as a snowshoe outing if at least 40% of the route is on snow. If it expects less, it proposes a similar route or cancels with two days' notice. It is not an activity for children under 9: for them, the gondola to the Tosa d'Alp or the walk around Puigcerdà lake are shorter plans. If you enjoy it, the same company runs the climb to the Estany de l'Orri, at the neighbouring Lles station.