Guided Snowshoeing to the Miradors del Pallars, at Port Ainé

A snowshoe outing that needs neither taxi nor lift pass: you set out on foot from the Port Ainé road and climb through the forest and the hills of the Orri to the viewpoints over the Pallars, with a Rutes Pirineus guide. The whole route is on the north face of the Orri massif, inside the Alt Pirineu Natural Park.

The route

From the car park you enter the Coma del Forn forest and climb the Serrat de la Coma del Forn to the summit of the Torreta de l'Orri, at 2,438 metres. It is the high point of the day and a viewpoint open in every direction over the Pallars Sobirà. The descent goes down the north-west side to the Rasos de l'Orri, high meadows that lie under snow in winter, and returns through the forest to the starting point.

On the way you pass through mountain pine woods, home of the capercaillie, the pine marten, the black woodpecker and the Tengmalm's owl. The easiest thing is not to see them, but you will see their tracks: the guide shows you how to read in the snow those of the chamois and the fox. The route may vary depending on the snow and the weather on the day.

What the day is like

You meet at 9:00 in the car park at the last bend before the resort buildings. It is 8 km with 470 m of climbing and descent, about four hours of walking not counting stops, and six in all with the lunch stop; you are back at the car at around 15:00. Groups of four to ten; if four are not reached, the whole amount is refunded. If you are seven or more, or want a guide just for yourselves, they ask for a separate quote.

Technically it is introductory, but the terrain is uneven high-mountain: you need to be fit and used to walking four hours. The minimum age is 9 years.

The dates for the season are 20 December 2026 and 30 January, 27 February and 28 March 2027. 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 what you bring

Qualified guide with accident insurance, €47.90; snowshoes and poles, €9.90. If you hire, say if your shoe size is smaller than 35 or larger than 47. Book on their website, by email or on 691 772 966, and your place is confirmed on payment.

Bring a rucksack with straps for the snowshoes, breathable warm clothing, waterproof mountain boots, gloves, hat and neck gaiter, a waterproof jacket and gaiters if it snows, and sunglasses and sun cream. Your own lunch and at least a litre and a half of water.

To sleep nearby, Sort is a few minutes away by car: the Hotel Pessets also has a spa for the afternoon. If the group includes small children, the igloo-building day leaves from the same car park.