Do I need winter hiking or snowshoeing experience?

No previous snowshoeing experience is required. The guides teach the techniques during the holiday, and the first routes are chosen to help guests get used to snowshoeing.

Snowshoeing holiday in the Spanish and French Pyrenees

Guided Snowshoeing Holiday

Snowshoeing in the Pyrenees

Q: Are your trips guaranteed to run?

Yes. All Hike Pyrenees holidays are guaranteed to run. Once you book, your trip is confirmed.

Q: Where do you pick up from, and what time are your transfers?

Transfers are included. Hike Pyrenees picks up from Zaragoza Delicias train station and Zaragoza airport, with return transfers to Zaragoza at the end of the holiday.

Q: Can I arrive by train instead of flying?

Yes. High-speed AVE trains from Madrid and Barcelona arrive at Zaragoza Delicias. Guests should arrive in time for the included transfer.

Q: Where will I stay during the holiday?

The first part of the holiday is based at Hotel Almud in Sallent de Gállego. The second part is based at Hotel Villa de Anayet in Canfranc-Estación.

Q: Which meals are included in the price?

Breakfasts, picnic lunches on snowshoeing days and three-course evening meals are included. Lunch on the rest day is not included.

Q: How difficult is the snowshoeing?

This is a moderate snowshoeing week. The routes are steady rather than technical, but guests should be comfortable with 5 to 6 hours of activity and sustained ascents.

Q: What distances and ascents should I expect?

Typical days are around 6 to 10 kilometres with approximately 500 to 650 metres of ascent. Snowshoeing time is usually around 5 to 6 hours, depending on the route and conditions.

Q: How big are the groups?

Groups are small and friendly, usually around 6 to 8 people, allowing flexibility and a relaxed atmosphere.

Q: Is this holiday suitable for solo travellers?

Yes. Many guests travel alone, and the small-group format makes the holiday sociable.

Guided winter walking holiday in the
Valle de Tena and Valle de Aragón

A two-centre winter adventure exploring snowy valleys, frozen lakes and high mountain landscapes

★★★★★ 6 trusted reviews from our guests

Guided snowhoeing

7 nights

One level

Two centre

Guided snowshoeing holiday in the Pyrenees

Experience the Pyrenees at their most peaceful on a guided snowshoeing holiday through the Valle de Tena and Valle de Aragón. Staying in two comfortable mountain hotels, we explore snowy valleys, quiet forests, frozen lakes and high mountain viewpoints in some of our favourite winter landscapes.

No previous snowshoeing experience is needed. If you are a regular walker, we’ll show you everything you need to know, with snowshoes, poles and gaiters all included. With a maximum group size of just eight guests, this is a relaxed and sociable way to discover a very different side of the Pyrenees.

Read guest reviews of this holiday →

Snowshoeing in the Pyrenees

7-night guided snowshoeing holiday in the Spanish Pyrenees

From €1,999
per person

Single supplement: €249

2027 Dates & availability

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You can book your Snowshoeing holiday online.

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Overview

Two-centre guided snowshoeing holiday
One snowshoeing level throughout the week
Maximum group size of 8 guests
4 nights in the Valle de Tena and 3 nights in the Valle de Aragón
Snowshoes, poles and gaiters included
No previous snowshoeing experience required

Winter transforms the Pyrenees into a completely different landscape. Snow-covered forests, frozen lakes and quiet mountain valleys make this a wonderfully peaceful time to explore the mountains, and snowshoes allow us to reach places that would otherwise be difficult to access on foot.

Snowshoeing in the Pyrenees near the French border

French Border
Expansive winter views near the French border

Snowshoeing near Ibon de Piedrafita beneath the Sierra de la Partacua

Ibon de Piedrafita
Snowshoeing beneath the Sierra de la Partacua

Two valleys, two very different winter landscapes

We begin in the Valle de Tena, surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the Spanish Pyrenees, before moving west to the Valle de Aragón and Canfranc-Estación. Using two bases gives us access to a wider variety of routes and landscapes without long daily transfers.

One level, with a flexible itinerary

There is one snowshoeing level throughout the week, with the group heading out together each day. The itinerary remains flexible, and our guides choose the routes according to the snow, weather and mountain conditions, allowing us to make the most of the best conditions available.

No previous snowshoeing experience needed

You do not need any previous snowshoeing experience. If you are a regular walker, snowshoeing is straightforward to learn, and our guides will help you get comfortable with the equipment at the start of the week. Snowshoes, poles and gaiters are all provided, so you only need to bring your usual winter walking clothing and suitable boots.

With small groups of no more than eight guests, comfortable mountain hotels and some of the Pyrenees’ most beautiful winter scenery, this is a relaxed and sociable way to discover a very different side of the mountains.

Itinerary

This two-centre itinerary explores both the Valle de Tena and Valle de Aragón. We begin in the mountain village of Sallent de Gállego, where snowy peaks rise above the traditional stone houses, before moving west to Canfranc-Estación at the head of the Valle de Aragón.

Our snowshoeing routes take us onto both the Spanish and French sides of the Pyrenees. Later in the week, we'll also use the chairlift at Astún to begin one of our days high in the mountains.

This is a sample itinerary. The exact routes will depend on snow, weather and mountain conditions. Winter in the Pyrenees often brings clear, sunny days, but conditions can change quickly, so we keep the programme flexible throughout the week.

Day 1 – Arrival in Sallent de Gállego

We'll meet you in Zaragoza, with included pick-ups from Zaragoza-Delicias train station and Zaragoza Airport, before transferring to Sallent de Gállego in the Valle de Tena.

After arriving at Hotel Almud, your guide will give you a briefing about the week ahead and help fit your snowshoeing equipment. Snowshoes, poles and gaiters are all included. In the evening, we'll head into the village for dinner together.

Hotel Almud in Sallent de Gállego
Hotel Almud
Sallent de Gállego

Day 2 – Portalet and Foratata

Our first day on snowshoes begins close to the Portalet border pass. From here, we head across rolling snowy terrain on the Spanish side of the border beneath the striking peak of Foratata.

There are wonderful views south across the Valle de Tena towards the high peaks of Balaitous and Los Infiernos. This is also excellent terrain for spotting Pyrenean chamois, which we sometimes see on the ridges above us.

Day 3 – Cuyaralet and the French Border

Today we snowshoe right along the French-Spanish border, moving between the two countries as we explore a beautiful snow-filled valley beneath the steep peak of Cuyaralet.

Ice-covered streams, open snowy slopes and border views make this a wonderful winter route — and, depending on where we stop, we may even have lunch with one foot in France and the other in Spain.

Day 4 – Pico de Canal Roya (2,231 m)

Today we aim for our first summit of the week: Pico de Canal Roya, a beautiful peak sitting directly on the French-Spanish border.

A gradual snowshoe approach leads towards the mountain before a steeper final climb takes us to the summit. From the top, there are spectacular panoramic views across a huge area of the Pyrenees, with the unmistakable profile of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau particularly close by.

Day 5 – Rest Day and Transfer to Canfranc

After three days on snowshoes, today gives us a chance to relax. You'll have a free morning to explore Sallent de Gállego before we leave the Valle de Tena and transfer west to Canfranc-Estación.

After checking into Hotel Villa de Anayet, we'll take a walking tour of the village and learn about the fascinating history of the enormous international railway station. Afterwards, there is time to relax, with the option of using the hotel's spa.

Historic Canfranc International Railway Station in winter
Canfranc International Station
One of the most remarkable buildings in the Pyrenees

Day 6 – Ibón de Escalar

Today we head to Astún ski resort, where we take the chairlift to begin our snowshoeing high in the mountains.

From the top, we make our way towards the frozen Ibón de Escalar, surrounded by snowy peaks and open mountain terrain. From here, we can continue towards the French border, enjoying superb high-level winter scenery throughout the day.

Day 7 – Ibón de Estanés

For our final snowshoeing day, we cross the Somport Pass into France. The views towards the snowy north faces of the Aspe mountains are particularly impressive in winter.

We climb through beech forest before emerging into the open mountain landscape leading towards Ibón de Estanés, which lies back across the border in Spain. Surrounded by snow, ice and high cliffs, the frozen lake makes a beautiful destination for our final day in the mountains.

Snowshoeing near Ibón de Estanés in the winter Pyrenees
Ibón de Estanés
Snowshoeing in a spectacular high-mountain setting

Day 8 – Departure to Zaragoza

After breakfast, we'll leave Canfranc and transfer back to Zaragoza for onward trains and flights.

Snowshoeing Holiday
2027 Dates & Prices

This holiday runs Sunday to Sunday
21 – 28 February 2027

Price

1999 € per person, based on two people sharing a double or twin room.
249 € single room supplement.

Included

7 nights' accommodation: 4 nights at Hotel Almud and 3 nights at Hotel Villa de Anayet
Breakfast each morning
Picnic lunches on each snowshoeing day
3-course evening meals each night
1 spa circuit at Hotel Villa de Anayet
Arrival and departure transfers from Zaragoza Airport or Zaragoza-Delicias train station
Transport to and from the snowshoeing routes each day
Snowshoes, poles and gaiters

Not included

Flights, travel insurance, drinks with evening meals, and lunch on the rest and transfer day.

Getting to the Pyrenees

From the UK

There are direct flights from London Stansted to Zaragoza. You can also fly to Barcelona or Madrid and take a high-speed train to Zaragoza. We pick up from both Zaragoza Airport and Zaragoza-Delicias train station.

Please note that the winter flight times are different from the summer flight times listed on our main Getting Here pages. For the snowshoeing holiday, the flights we meet are:

London Stansted to Zaragoza: departs 12:00, arrives 15:15
Zaragoza to London Stansted: departs 15:40, arrives 16:50

Pick-up from Zaragoza-Delicias train station is at 15:00 on the arrival day. On the final Sunday, the drop-off at the train station is at 11:00.

From outside Europe

Most of our guests travelling from outside Europe fly via Barcelona or Madrid, often combining a stay in one of these cities with their snowshoeing holiday. Both cities have excellent high-speed rail connections to Zaragoza.

See more travel options and details on our Getting to the Pyrenees page.

Hotels

Hotel Almud – Sallent de Gállego

For the first four nights, we stay at Hotel Almud, a small, family-run hotel in Sallent de Gállego. With just 11 rooms, it has a friendly, intimate atmosphere and makes an excellent base for reaching the higher parts of the Valle de Tena.

All rooms are comfortably furnished and en-suite. Evening meals are taken in a selection of village restaurants, giving us the chance to enjoy different local dishes during our stay.

Hotel Villa de Anayet – Canfranc-Estación

For the final three nights, we stay at Hotel Villa de Anayet, a 4-star hotel in Canfranc-Estación. The hotel has comfortable rooms, a bar, café, lounge and games room, as well as a spa where you can relax after a day in the snow.

Three-course evening meals are served in the hotel's restaurant, and one spa circuit is included during the stay.

Hotel Villa de Anayet in Canfranc-Estación

Interior lounge area at Hotel Villa de Anayet

Hotel Villa de Anayet facilities in Canfranc

Hotel Villa de Anayet in the winter Pyrenees

Frequently Asked Questions

Hike Pyrenees Trip Guarantee

Are your trips guaranteed to run?

Yes — all Hike Pyrenees holidays are guaranteed to run. Once you book, your trip is confirmed.

Travel & Transfers to the Pyrenees

Where do you pick up from, and what time are your transfers?

Arrival and departure transfers are included in the cost of your holiday. For the snowshoeing week, we pick up from Zaragoza-Delicias train station at 15:00 and from Zaragoza Airport to meet the Ryanair flight from London Stansted, scheduled to arrive at 15:15. On the final Sunday, we drop off at Zaragoza-Delicias at around 11:00, with the airport drop-off timed for the return Stansted flight departing at 15:40.

Can I arrive by train instead of flying?

Yes. High-speed trains connect Zaragoza-Delicias with both Barcelona and Madrid. Please make sure you arrive in time for our 15:00 transfer on the arrival day.

Can I make my own way to Sallent de Gállego and Canfranc-Estación?

Yes — you are welcome to drive or arrange your own transport. Let us know when booking and we will confirm the meeting arrangements. Free parking is available at both hotels.

Accommodation

Where will I stay during the holiday?

For the first four nights, we stay at the family-run Hotel Almud in Sallent de Gállego, a small and characterful hotel with just 11 en-suite rooms. For the final three nights, we stay at Hotel Villa de Anayet in Canfranc-Estación, a comfortable 4-star hotel with a bar, café, lounge, games room and spa. Both hotels make excellent bases for exploring their respective valleys.

Can I book a single room in both hotels?

Yes. Single rooms are available for a supplement of €249.

Is there Wi-Fi at the hotels?

Yes — free Wi-Fi is available at both hotels.

Meals & Dietary Requirements

Which meals are included in the price?

Breakfast is included each morning, along with picnic lunches on the snowshoeing days and three-course evening meals throughout the week. The only meal not included is lunch on the rest and transfer day.

Can you cater for dietary requirements?

Yes — vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other dietary requirements can normally be catered for with advance notice. Please let us know when booking.

What are the evening meals like?

In Sallent de Gállego, we eat in a selection of carefully chosen restaurants in the village. In Canfranc-Estación, three-course evening meals are served in the restaurant at Hotel Villa de Anayet.

Snowshoeing Level & Fitness

How difficult is the snowshoeing?

This is a moderate snowshoeing holiday. The routes are steady rather than technical, but you should be comfortable with around 5–6 hours of activity and sustained uphill and downhill sections in winter conditions.

How fit do I need to be?

You should be a regular walker with a reasonable level of fitness. Snowshoeing generally takes a little more effort than summer walking, but the pace is relaxed and there are plenty of breaks along the way.

Do I need previous winter walking or snowshoeing experience?

No. You do not need any previous snowshoeing experience to enjoy this holiday. Our guides will show you how to use the equipment, and the first day's route is normally chosen to give everyone time to get used to snowshoeing on easier, rolling terrain.

What distances and ascents should I expect?

Typical days are around 6–10 km (4–6 miles), with approximately 500–650 metres (1,640–2,130 ft) of ascent. Snowshoeing days are generally around 5–6 hours, depending on the route and conditions.

Group & Guiding

How big are the groups?

The maximum group size is 8 guests, with groups often around 6–8 people. Keeping the group small allows plenty of flexibility and creates a relaxed, sociable atmosphere.

Who leads the snowshoeing?

All snowshoeing days are led by one of the Hike Pyrenees guiding team. Our guides are experienced, fully qualified and English-speaking, with excellent knowledge of the Pyrenees, its wildlife, history and mountain environment.

Is this holiday suitable for solo travellers?

Yes — many of our guests travel alone, and the small-group format makes this a particularly sociable holiday.

Packing & Snowshoeing Equipment

What should I bring?

You will need a waterproof jacket and trousers, warm walking layers, a lightweight insulated jacket, winter walking trousers, good gloves, thermal base layers and suitable walking boots. Ski jackets and ski trousers are generally too warm for snowshoeing. Very lightweight summer fabric boots are also not ideal, as they can become wet and cold after spending several hours in the snow. We will send you a detailed winter kit list before your holiday.

Are snowshoes, poles and gaiters provided?

Yes. Snowshoes, trekking poles and gaiters are all included at no extra cost. If you have your own snowshoes and prefer to use them, you are welcome to bring them.

Do I need avalanche equipment?

You do not need to bring avalanche equipment. Our guides assess the snow, weather and mountain conditions each day and select suitable routes accordingly.

Booking & Practicalities

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes. Insurance covering accidents and illness while walking in mountainous winter terrain is compulsory. We also recommend general travel insurance covering circumstances such as flight disruption, lost luggage and cancellation due to illness or injury before your holiday.

What is your cancellation policy?

The €125 per person deposit is non-refundable. If you have paid your balance and cancel seven weeks or more before departure, we will refund 50% of the amount paid. If you cancel less than seven weeks before departure, no refund will be made. We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance that includes suitable cancellation cover.

Can I extend my stay?

Yes — let us know when booking and we can help arrange extra nights in Canfranc-Estación or Zaragoza. Zaragoza is well worth visiting, with a fascinating history, excellent restaurants and plenty to see.

Trip-Specific Questions

What makes this snowshoeing holiday special?

This holiday offers a peaceful and adventurous way to discover the Pyrenees in winter. Snowshoes allow us to explore snowy forests, frozen lakes, quiet valleys and high mountain landscapes away from the ski pistes, while staying in two comfortable mountain hotels.

What kind of terrain should I expect?

The terrain varies throughout the week and can include snowy forest trails, open mountain slopes, rolling ridges, frozen lakes and high-valley basins. There may also be steeper sections depending on the route and snow conditions.

Will we see wildlife?

Winter is an excellent time for wildlife spotting. We often see Pyrenean chamois, and there is also the possibility of seeing griffon vultures, bearded vultures and other mountain birds, as well as tracks left in the snow by foxes and other animals.

Private Group Bookings

Can you run this itinerary for a private group?

Yes. We can run the snowshoeing itinerary as a private trip for groups of friends, walking clubs or other small groups, with dates arranged to suit you. Drop us an email with your approximate group size and preferred dates and we can discuss the options.