Priorat & Beceite guided spring walking holiday in northern Spain

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: 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.

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 & Valle de Aragón

A two-centre winter adventure exploring snowy valleys, frozen lakes and high mountain landscapes in the Spanish and French Pyrenees.

★★★★★ 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.

Overview

Two-centre guided snowshoeing holiday
One walking 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 inaccessible on foot.

French Border
Expansive views near the French border

Frozen mountain landscape in the Valle de Tena

Ibon de Piedrafita
Snowshoeing beneath the Sierra de la Partacua

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.

There is one walking level throughout the week, with the group snowshoeing 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.

You do not need any previous snowshoeing experience. If you are a regular walker, snowshoeing is easy 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

A two-centre itinerary exploring both the Valle de Tena and Valle de Aragon. First, we'll stay in the pretty village of Sallent de Gallego where snowy peaks rise above the stone houses. Our second base will be Canfranc Estación, at the head of the Valle de Aragon, where we'll find the famous train station of Canfranc.

The snowshoeing routes will be on both the French and Spanish sides of the border. One day we'll take a chairlift in the ski resort of Astun for a wonderful high-level snowshoe amongst the peaks.

This is a sample itinerary - the exact routes will depend on snow conditions and weather. Although the Pyrenees often have sunny weather in winter, conditions can be variable, so you need to be prepared for anything weather-wise.

Sunday - arrival in Sallent de Gállego

Arrive in Sallent de Gállego from Zaragoza. We'll pick up at both Zaragoza train station and Zaragoza airport for the Ryanair flight from Stansted. Transfer to Hotel Almud in Sallent, where your guide will give you a briefing about your week ahead and fit your snowshoes (hire of snowshoes, poles and gaiters included). The evening meal is in a village restaurant.

Monday - Portalet and Foratata

Our first day of snowshoeing starts from the French/Spanish border pass of Portalet, from where we snowshoe on the rolling terrain on the Spanish side of the border, heading under the Foratata peak. We'll have great views to the south over the whole of the Valle de Tena and across to the three-thousand-metre peaks of Balaitous and Los Infiernos. If we are lucky, we'll see a few chamois perched on the ridge above us, watching our every move.

Tuesday - Cuyaralet

We'll snowshoe right along the border, crossing from the Spanish side of the range into France. We head up a magical snow-filled valley, following ice-covered streams, beneath the steep peak of Cuyaralet. Lunch is taken with one foot in France and the other in Spain!

Wednesday - Pico de Canal Roya (2231m)

Today we tackle our first summit of the trip - the lovely peak of Canal Roya that sits on the French/Spanish border. A lovely snowshoe in before a final steeper climb to reach the summit, which has spectacular vistas across a vast area of the Pyrenees. The famous Pic du Midi d'Ossau is next to us, and we get great views of this iconic, jagged peak.

Thursday - Rest and transfer day

Today is a well-earned rest day! You'll have a free morning to explore the village of Sallent before your transfer to the Aragón Valley, where you stay in Hotel Villa de Anayet for the second part of your adventure. We'll take a walking tour of the village, learning about the fascinating history of the train station, before an optional visit to the hotel's spa.

Canfranc Train Station in winter — Canfranc Train Station

Friday - Ibón de Escalar

Today we'll start from Astún ski resort, taking the chairlift up to begin our snowshoeing high in the mountains. First, we'll hike to the frozen Ibón de Escalar, the source of the Aragón River (which gave the name to the region), and then head up to the French border.

Saturday - Ibón de Estanés (France)

Today we'll cross over the Somport Pass into France. The views of the north faces of the Aspe peaks, covered in ice and snow, are absolutely fantastic. We'll climb up through beech woods before breaking out into the open valley that leads up to the lake of Ibon de Estanes (which is actually back on the Spanish side of the border!). Covered in snow and ice with high cliffs towering above it, the lake is a beautiful spot in winter.

Sunday - Departure to Zaragoza

Breakfast, and then transfer to Zaragoza for the train or flight from Zaragoza.

Snowshoeing Holiday Dates & Prices

2027 Dates

Sunday 21 - 28 February 2027

Price

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

What's Included

7 nights accommodation: 4 x Hotel Almud, 3 x Hotel Villa de Anayet
Breakfast each morning
Picnic lunches each snowshoeing day
3-course evening meals each night
1 spa circuit at Hotel Villa de Anayet
Transfers to and from either Zaragoza airport or train station
Transport to the routes each day
Snowshoes, poles and gaiters

Not included

Flights
Travel insurance
Drinks with evening meal
Lunch on the rest/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 can catch the AVE fast train to Zaragoza. We pick up at both the train station and the airport.

Please note that the winter flight times are different from the summer flight times listed in our 'Getting Here' pages. For the snowshoeing holidays, the flight times that we meet are:

Departs London Stansted 12:00 midday, arrives Zaragoza 15:15
Departs Zaragoza 15:40, arrives London Stansted 16:50

Pickups from Zaragoza train station will be at 15:00, and the following Sunday, the drop-off at the train station will be at 11:00.

From outside Europe

Most of our guests from outside of Europe fly via Barcelona or Madrid, combining a stay in one of these two excellent cities with their snowshoeing holiday. From either city, there are excellent rail links to Zaragoza.

See more travel options and details on our getting here page.

Hotels

Hotel Almud

The first part of the week, you will stay in the family-run Hotel Almud in Sallent de Gállego – an ideal base from which to reach the higher reaches of the Valle de Tena. A small hotel with just 11 rooms all beautifully converted with en-suite bathrooms.

Three course evening meals are taken at village restaurants. Read more about Hotel Almud.

Hotel Villa de Anayet

On Thursday you will change to Hotel Villa de Anayet, a 4* hotel with spa located in Canfranc station. The hotel has comfortable rooms, a bar, cafe, lounge and games room.

Three-course evening meals will be taken at the hotel's excellent restaurant.

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?

Transfers for all of our guided trips are included in the cost of your trip. We pick up from Zaragoza Delicias train station at 12:00 (midday) and from Zaragoza airport to meet the Ryanair flight from Stansted. Return drop‑off is at 11:45am at the train station or at airport timed for the London Stansted flight. See our getting here page for more details.

Can I arrive by train instead of flying?

Yes. High‑speed AVE trains from Madrid and Barcelona arrive at Zaragoza Delicias. Please ensure you arrive in Zaragoza Delicias for the midday transfer.

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

Yes — you’re welcome to drive or arrange your own transport. We’ll confirm check‑in times and parking options, there is free, safe parking at both hotels.

Accommodation

Where will I stay during the holiday?

The first part of the week, you will stay in the charming family-run Hotel Almud in Sallent de Gállego – an ideal base from which to reach the higher reaches of the Valle de Tena. It is a small hotel with just 11 rooms all beautifully converted with en-suite bathrooms. For the second half of the week, you'll stay in Hotel Villa de Anayet in Canfranc Estacion, which is a modern and comfortable 4★ spa hotel with a bar, cafe, lunge and games room. Shops, banks, bars and restaurants are all within a short walk of both hotels.

Can I book a single room in both hotels?

Yes. Single rooms are available for a supplement.

Is there Wi‑Fi at the hotel?

Yes — free Wi‑Fi is available throughout both hotels.

Meals & Dietary Requirements

Which meals are included in the price?

Breakfasts, picnic lunches on walking days, and three course evening meals are included. The only meal not included is lunch on the rest day.

Can you cater for dietary requirements?

Yes — vegetarian, vegan, gluten‑free and other dietary needs can be catered for with advance notice.

What are the evening meals like?

In Sallent de Gállego, you will take three course evening dinners in carefully picked restaurants in the village. In Canfranc-Estacion, you will take three course evening meals in the hotel's excellent restaurant.

Snowshoeing Levels & Fitness

How difficult is the snowshoeing?

This is a moderate week. Snowshoeing is steady rather than technical, but you should be comfortable with 5–6 hours of activity and gentle but sustained ascents.

How fit do I need to be?

You should be a regular walker with a reasonable level of fitness. Snowshoeing is slightly more effort than summer hiking, but the pace is relaxed and there are plenty of breaks.

Do I need winter hiking or snowshoeing experience?

No, you don't need to have done snowshoeing before to enjoy this holiday. We'll teach you all of the techniques during the week and the routes on the first day will be on rolling terrain to give you time to get used to snowshoeing on easy ground.

What distances and ascents should I expect?

Typically 6-10km of distance and 500–650 m ascent. Snowshoeing time ranges from 5–6 hours depending on the route.

Group & Guiding

How big are the groups?

Groups are small and friendly, usually around 6-8 people, which allows flexibility and a relaxed atmosphere.

Who leads the snowshoeing?

All snowshoeing trips are led by one of Hike Pyrenees small guiding team. They are experienced, fully-qualified English speaking guides who know the Pyrenees, their wildlife, legends and history.

Is this holiday suitable for solo travellers?

Yes — many guests come alone, and the small‑group format makes it very sociable.

Packing & Snowshoeing Equipment

What should I bring?

Waterproof jacket and trousers. Ski jackets and trousers are too warm for snowshoeing and not required. However, we are out in the mountains in winter so a lightweight insulated jacket(down or synthetic filled), winter walking trousers, good gloves, thermal top and bottoms are all needed. Gaiters are highly recommended to keep snow out of your boots and the bottom of your trousers dry. You don't need stiff winter boots but a warmish boot is needed - very light summer fabric boots tend to leak after a while in the snow and don't keep your feet warm enough.

Are snowshoes and trekking poles provided?

Absolutely. hire of snowshoes, poles and gaiters is included. If you do have your own snowshoes, feel free to bring them.

Do I need avalanche equipment?

No — our routes are chosen to avoid avalanche terrain. Your guide monitors conditions daily.

Booking & Practicalities

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes - insurance to cover accidents in the mountains and illness is compulsory. The insurance must cover mountainous terrain and hiking. We also recommend general travel insurance to cover flight delays, lost luggage and for cover if you need to cancel your trip due to injury/illness before you travel.

What is your cancellation policy?

If you need to cancel your trip, the deposit of 125€ per person is non-refundable. If you have paid your balance and cancel with 7 weeks notice or more, we will refund 50%. If you cancel with less than 7 weeks notice, no refund will be made. Remember, most travel insurances will cover this cost if you need to cancel due to injury.

Can I extend my stay?

Yes — let us know when booking and we can help arrange extra nights either in Canfranc-Estacion or in Zaragoza, which is a lovely city to visit with lots to see and a fascinating history.

Trip-Specific Questions

What makes this snowshoeing holiday special?

This holiday offers a peaceful, magical way to explore the Pyrenees in winter. Snowshoeing allows you to reach quiet valleys, frozen lakes and snowy forests far from the crowds, with stunning views and a real sense of adventure — all while staying in a warm, comfortable hotel.

What kind of terrain should I expect?

Expect a mix of:

- snowy forest trails

- open meadows

- gentle ridges

- frozen lakes and high‑valley basins

- occasional steeper sections, depending on conditions

Will we see wildlife?

Yes — winter is a great time for spotting chamois, griffon vultures, bearded vultures, fox tracks and alpine birds

Private Group Bookings

Can you run this itinerary for a private group?

Yes, we can run this itinerary for as a bespoke trip for private groups with dates to suit the group. Drop us an email with approx. numbers and dates if you are interested in a private group trip.