A Day Building Igloos at Port Ainé

A whole day in the snow learning to build an igloo from blocks, with a Rutes Pirineus guide. It is the Pallars activity for small children who do not ski: little effort, lots of snow and a shelter they have made themselves at the end.

What you do

The guide begins by teaching the technique: how to cut the blocks, how to close the dome gradually and the tricks to make the igloo last. Then, in small groups, each team builds its own with his help, using shovels and snow saws. While you work there is time to talk about the history of the Inuit and how they built, the types of snow and the state of the snowpack, animal tracks and the shapes glaciers left in the landscape. The day ends inside the finished igloo.

No experience of snow or mountains is needed. The physical effort and technical difficulty are low, which is why they recommend it from age 4; for children, cutting blocks and watching the dome grow is the game of the day.

What the day is like

You meet at 10:00 in the car park at the last bend before the Port Ainé pistes. In a quarter of an hour's walk at most, you reach the building area. You stop to eat whatever each person has brought and return to the car park at about 16:00. The exact place may change depending on the snow and the weather.

At Port Ainé the dates are Saturday 23 January, Sunday 28 February and Sunday 21 March 2027.

What you pay

€49.90 from age 13 and €39.90 up to 12. It includes a qualified guide, poles and rubber gloves for each person, shared shovels and saws and accident insurance. Open groups are 5 to 15; if five are not reached, the money is refunded. For groups of ten or more, or for a private day on another date, they ask for a quote. Book by email, on their website or on 691 772 966, and your place is confirmed on payment.

What to bring

Rucksack, waterproof warm clothing, mountain trousers, waterproof boots, hat and neck gaiter, and a second pair of thin gloves to wear under the rubber ones: it is what you will be most grateful for after hours of touching snow. For the sun, sunglasses, sun cream and a cap. Food and a litre and a half of water per person. The company may leave out anyone without the essential equipment.

Afterwards, Sort is a few minutes away by car: the heated pool at the Hotel Pessets opens in the afternoon, except on Sundays and Mondays. If someone in the group would rather go up to see the pistes, the gondola pedestrian ticket costs €9.50.