Guided Snowshoeing to the Estany de Sant Maurici

Espot is the eastern gateway to the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park. With Rutes Pirineus you ride in the park's 4x4 taxi up to the estany de Sant Maurici and, from there, walk on snowshoes with a qualified guide towards the Ratera lakes and the Amitges area, with views of the Agulles d'Amitges, two granite needles.

Meeting at 8:45 by the Espot taxis

The meeting point is the Espot car park next to the park taxi office. The 4x4s take about half an hour to the lake and the taxi is paid separately, to the driver: €11.50 for adults, €10.10 for retired people and €7.50 for children. The listing does not make clear whether this is each way or return; ask when you book. At around 16:45 you are back in Espot.

Ratera, the waterfall and the Agulles d'Amitges

The route begins by going round the estany de Sant Maurici and climbs to the Ratera waterfall. It continues to the estany and the estanyola de Ratera and reaches the Amitges area. At some point on the way you stop for lunch; the listing does not say where. The return passes the estany de les Obagues de Ratera and drops back down to Sant Maurici to catch the taxi. The guide adjusts the route to the weather and the state of the snow.

It is 12 km with 400 m of climbing and the same of descent: about four hours and three quarters of actual walking, eight hours with stops and taxis. Technically it is introductory, but the physical demand is medium and you walk over uneven high-mountain terrain. You need to be able to walk for about five hours, and the minimum age is 9 years. It has more climbing than its sister outing from Boí to the estany Llong, which stays at 275 m.

Guide, hired snowshoes and your own lunch

The guide costs €47.90 per person including VAT, and includes planning, monitoring of weather and snow and accident insurance. Snowshoes with poles are hired for €9.90. Groups are four to ten; if four are not reached, they refund everything paid. For seven or more, or for a private outing on another date, they ask for a quote.

You bring your own lunch and at least a litre and a half of water, waterproof mid- or high-ankle mountain boots, breathable warm clothing, gloves, hat, neck gaiter, sunglasses, sun cream and a rucksack with straps for hanging the snowshoes. Without the essential equipment they may leave you out.

Ten outings from December to April

5 and 27 December 2026; 3 and 17 January, 6, 14 and 27 February, 13 and 26 March and 3 April 2027. On 13 November the two December dates had only last places left. Booking is confirmed on payment, by transfer or card, on their website, at [email protected] or on 691 772 966 (from 9:00 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 18:00).