Guided snowshoeing to the Estany de l'Orri and the Pradell refuge

From the Lles de Cerdanya Nordic ski station, next to the Cap del Rec refuge, a snowshoe climb to the Estany de l'Orri and the Pradell refuge, with a Rutes Pirineus guide. Eight kilometres and 400 m of ascent, over uneven high-mountain terrain but with no technical sections.

The route

The way up climbs through the Lles black pine forests to the Estany de l'Orri, a small, sheltered lake that appears suddenly among the trees, half hidden by the forest. From there you continue to the Pradell refuge, at 2,115 metres, which is the high point of the day and the lunch spot: in front of you is the Cerdanya and the north face of the Cadí range. The return goes down a forest path, with a gentle slope, to Cap del Rec.

The guide is a qualified mountain guide and nature interpreter. Along the way he explains the history and technique of snowshoeing, the types of snow, how to read animal tracks and the life of the Lles pine woods. The route may change a little depending on the weather and the state of the snow.

What the day is like

You meet at 10:00 in the car park of the Lles station. It is about three and a half hours of actual walking, with the lunch stop, and back at the station around 15:45. Groups of ten at most; if there are fewer than four, the outing is cancelled and everything is refunded. For groups of seven or more, or to go with a guide just for yourselves on another date, the company gives a separate quote.

The season's dates are 6 December, 16 January, 7 and 20 February and 14 March.

What you pay and how to book

The guide, €47.90 per person with accident insurance. Snowshoes and poles, €9.90; if you rent them, say so if you take under a size 35 or over a 47. The station charges snowshoe access at its ticket office: €5.25 for adults, €3.75 for ages 6 to 12 and free up to 5. Book by email or on the form on its website, or on 691 772 966, and the place is confirmed on payment. From Puigcerdà it takes about 30 minutes on the N-260 and the Lles road.

What to bring

A mountain rucksack with straps to hang the snowshoes, warm breathable clothing, waterproof mountain boots, gloves, a hat and a neck gaiter. For snow or rain, a rain jacket or poncho and gaiters; for the sun, sunglasses, sun cream and lip balm. Food and at least a litre and a half of water. The company may leave out anyone who does not bring the essential equipment.

If there are children under nine in the group, the gondola to the Tosa d'Alp is a shorter, effortless snow plan. And if you like snowshoeing, there is another guided outing in the region: snowshoeing through the Aransa forests.