What to do · Ripoll
Guided snowshoe introduction in the Vall de Núria
Information
- From
- €32 per person
- Duration
- 2 h
- Season
- Saturdays, Sundays and holidays of the ski season, if there is snow
- Who it's for
- Introduction · From age 7 with the habit of walking
What it is
Núria is a closed valley at 1,964 metres that can only be reached on the Cremallera, and in winter it turns white around the sanctuary and the lake. The resort has marked, free snowshoe circuits for going on your own, hiring equipment there. If you have never put on snowshoes, the simple option is the guided introduction with Oxineu, the mountain company from Ribes de Freser that runs the Núria ski school: two hours on a gentle route, with someone who teaches you to move on snow and to read the landscape and the tracks of wildlife.
What the outing is like
You meet at the Oxineu ski school, in the Volum Nord building in the Vall de Núria. There are two departures, at 10:00 and 12:30; on 1 January, at 10:30 and 13:00. The guide hands out snowshoes and poles, explains the technique and sets out with the group on an introductory route, suitable for all ages with a little fitness: it is two hours walking on mountain terrain. There is one guide for every twelve people at most. On some days there is also a night version, and on the resort's website the full-moon outing and the route to the valley viewpoint appear.
Price and what is included
From €32 in an open group. It includes the mountain sports technician, snowshoes, poles and accident insurance. It does not include the rack railway ticket (€34 return from Ribes for an adult in 2026), lunch or personal equipment. Book on the Oxineu website: you choose the date and number of people and the times appear. Pets are not allowed on the activity.
When
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays of the ski season, when there is snow. Before buying the rack railway ticket, check the outing calendar and the resort's snow report.
What to bring
Mountain boots, gloves, hat, sunglasses or snow goggles and warm clothing in layers. In Núria the sun is strong on the snow: sun cream and lip balm.
To eat without going down, Racó de la Vall, in the hotel building, serves Catalan cooking with local produce.
Tips
- Take the nine o'clock train or earlier The rack railway takes about 40 minutes from Ribes-Enllaç; for the 10:00 departure you need to be up there with time to spare.
- If you already know how, go on your own The resort's marked circuits are free; you only pay for hiring the snowshoes.
Frequently asked questions
From what age can it be done?
From age 7, with the habit of walking: it is two hours on snow.
How much does it cost?
From €32 per person with snowshoes, poles, guide and insurance. The rack railway, separately.
Do I need experience?
No: it is an introductory outing on a gentle route.
Which days is there a departure?
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays of the ski season, if there is snow.
Who runs it
- OxineuSnowshoe taster in the Vall de Núria, open group Visit their website
