Nature and 5 adventures in the winter paradise of the Aragonese Pyrenees

Like the mouth, which speaks as well as kisses, the mountain also has a double function depending on the season in which you travel through it. In summer it is ideal for hiking. And in winter for everything else. Those who believe that when the snow arrives the reason for visiting is reduced to downhill skiing are wrong. Nothing is further from reality. The mountain, and especially the Aragonese Pyrenees, it is the perfect setting to enjoy diverse Adventure activities in the winter.

Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park © Georgina Vich

The Pyrenees mountain range, natural dam between Spain and France, hides some of the most impressive landscapes in the country. But, in addition to its pretty face, it offers emotion.

So wrap up warmly before carrying out the five proposals we present to you:

1. Cross-country and touring skis

Skiing, in any of its forms, is the king of winter sports. Hundreds of thousands of skiers fill the resorts of the Aragonese Pyrenees every year, which are among the best in Spain.

If you don't have the skill needed to tackle the giant slalom, the Nordic or cross-country skiing It is an alternative that requires less technique and is perfect for getting to know the wonderful landscapes of these mountains.

Cross country ski

In the heart of the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park, you will find the Llanos del Hospital de Benasque ski resort, a center that prides itself on not closing a single day during the season.

In this wonderful place, with more than 70% of surface above 1,800 meters of altitude, you can slide between pines and fir trees under the watchful eye of the Aneto glacier, one of the few that still remain in the Pyrenees. The space that is not occupied by skiers is inhabited by marmots, wild boars and chamois.

Group of chamois © Dani Martín

The station has a total of 30 kilometers of tracks that are divided into 3 circuits. The easiest is the Llano del Hospital, which runs through the valley of the Ésera river. You can travel 7 kilometers with your skis almost without slope. There are two other circuits, the Llano de l'Estany and the Besurta, for which a little more physical demand is required.

If ski touring is your thing, from the Llano de la Besurta you can follow the indications that lead to the Forau de Aigualluts, one of the most emblematic places in the entire Pyrenees. It is a waterfall coming from the waters of the Aneto that disappear into the earth to reappear kilometers later in the Aran Valley. You will make the entire journey surrounded by high peaks of more than 3,000 meters above sea level and you will end up with impressive views of the glacier. This is one of the best-known routes in Benasque, but for those who are not familiar with the terrain, it is best to be accompanied by a mountain guide.

ski touring

On the other hand, if you prefer to escape the crowds and look for more hidden corners, the Western Valleys Natural Park, which includes the Hecho, Ansó and Aragüés del Puerto valleys, has smaller but worthwhile Nordic ski slopes. know. One of them is Linza, in the Ansó Valley. It is only 10 kilometers long, but the walk through its meadows and beech forests will amaze you.  

If you want to get started in this sport, don't miss the opportunity to discover the Sierra de la Demanda with touring skis, since Rioja also offers wonderful places to visit in winter. 

2. Snowshoeing

For years, snowshoes have become a fun way to bring all types of audiences, including children, to the mountains when the snow prevails. Snowshoes allow any hiking enthusiast to dare to enjoy a walk through the snow in almost all the mountain ranges of the Iberian Peninsula.

Snowshoe crossing

The Tena valley offers you one of the most beautiful corners of the Aragonese Pyrenees: the Piedrafita lake, easy to navigate and with spectacular views. Between the towns of Sallent de Gállego and Biescas is the Lacuniacha fauna park and the journey up to this lake begins right from its parking area.

Piedrafita Lake © Ester Salazar

On this route located in the heart of Sierra Tendeñera, you will reach a torrent known as Barranco del Boj, about 1,500 meters above sea level. This torrent is located halfway and from it the path continues up to the lake itself. A few minutes away you should find the Las Planas refuge, also known as Telera, which will give way to the enclave where the lake is located. The imposing belt of rock masses covered by snow that surrounds Piedrafita is another of the attractions of the ascent.

Another of the journeys that you should not miss in this part of the Pyrenees is the route to the Cola de Caballo waterfall, one of the mythical enclaves of the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, whose interior is accessed from the town of Torla.

Horsetail Waterfall

For this route, which is more physically demanding, it is more than advisable to get up early, be well equipped and bring food, water and a light headlamp, as it consists of more than 15 kilometers to the waterfall site. During the journey, which lasts around 9 hours, it is possible that you will not meet anyone the entire day on these winter dates.

From the Ordesa meadow begins a climb in which you will cross the Arripas waterfall to reach the beech forest. Just after you will reach the Soaso steps: a succession of 5 small stepped waterfalls that form a spectacular staircase with the crystalline waters of the Arazas River.

Soaso stands © Paula Ortega

After leaving the wooded areas behind, you will begin to enter the moors of the Soaso cirque, from which you will see the steep walls of Monte Perdido, Cilindro and Marboré. Right at the bottom, about 2 kilometers away, is the long-awaited and majestic waterfall, crowned by one of the most emblematic refuges in Ordesa: Goriz. There it is possible to replenish energy with a hot dinner and spend the night.

Soaso Circus © Lavinia

If you decide not to spend the night in Góriz, the way back is along the same ascent route but in the opposite direction. It is more than likely that you will have to travel the last kilometers after dark, with the help of the headlamp, which is undoubtedly an exciting way to conclude your journey in the Aragonese Pyrenees.

Is the Aragonese Pyrenees too small for you? You can get to know the Catalan part with this snowshoe route in the Aigüestortes National Park, another wonder of nature.

3. Ice climbing

Climbers know that there is nothing like climbing a wall helped by the strength of your arms to release adrenaline. If you also add ice to the matter, the danger increases, but so does the emotion.

It may seem like a reckless action, but ice climbing, if you have the proper knowledge and the appropriate equipment (ice ax and metal block for your shoes), is a source of sensations. However, due to its difficulty, this activity is only recommended for experienced climbers who are in good physical condition.

Ice climbing © Martín Elorza Alday

If you are one of them, Nattule suggests you take a walk around the municipality of Bielsa, where you will find a good handful of very attractive frozen waterfalls to climb.

In the vicinity of what is known as the Bielsa tunnel, which connects with the French commune of Aragnouet, there are some of the best-known waterfalls, but also, consequently, the most popular.

If the proximity to the road does not suit you, you can visit the Barrosa Valley, where you will find a set of small waterfalls of great beauty. On the northern slope of the Barrosa cirque, surrounded by peaks of more than 3,000 meters, the narrow waterfalls of Espluca or Bacheta follow one another, as well as the spectacular Pacific Ocean.

This natural treasure is a wide 150 meter waterfall high that is increasingly frequented. The best time to climb it is between December and February. Of course, you must be alert to snowfall due to the risk of avalanches from the upper part of the mountain.

Challenge to gravity © Martín Elorza Alday

To get to the Barrosa valley you must head in the direction of the Bielsa tunnel and, just before facing the last curves before the tunnel, leave the car in a small parking lot on the left of the road.

Before facing the waterfalls of the Pyrenees, you can start in the exciting world of winter climbing with this mountaineering initiation activity in the Sierra de Gredos, in Ávila. 

4. Mushing, pulka and skijoring

One of the most original activities that you will be able to do in the Aragonese Pyrenees is undoubtedly the guided trip in dog sledding. Whether in the individual or skijor mode, or in multi-seater sleds, this type of activity makes you feel for hours like a member of the historical expeditions that ventured to conquer the Arctic.

Another incentive is that many of these journeys offer the possibility of learning to build an igloo and spend the night in the heart of nature. An adventure that every mountain fan dreams of. In these mountains it is possible to discover unique corners where you can escape the crowds of the main ski resorts and get to know the authentic Pyrenees.

Mushing

The area of the Huesca Pyrenees with the most tradition in dog sledding is Tena valley, between Panticosa and Formigal, located in the Alto Gállego region. Specifically, the Partacua mountain range, which was home to the most famous sleigh competition drawn by Nordic breeds from the Iberian Peninsula. Near the Búbal reservoir is the town of Tramacastilla de Tena, which is accessed via the A-136 highway that connects Biescas with the Portalet border crossing.

Here you can get started in skijoring, a variant in which the skier uses his legs and arms to help the dogs. In this modality you will learn for yourself the role of runner and driving; or in the Pulka mode, which requires a pair of dogs and a small individual sled that is placed between them and the skier. This modality was originally used for transporting utensils.

Skijoring © Marty Samis | www.mwsphotography.ca

Finally you will be able to try sledding itself, in which even 6 pairs of dogs They transport 3 adults, including the driver, through this magnificent valley overnight. It is the best known modality. An unforgettable adventure that is carried out with the invaluable help of the instinct of these animals and the clarity offered by the full moon.

Dog sledding or Mushing

5. Snowboarding

Snowboarding, one of the most recent winter sports, has more and more followers and a great variety of modalities that combine spectacular jumps, acrobatics and landings.

Snowboard © Godin

Even if you are not an expert in this discipline, in the Aragonese Pyrenees you have many options where learn and practice. It is a sport that does not require excessive preparation, although it is always important to know the basic techniques to enjoy it to the fullest and avoid injuries.

The Astún station, although small, is one of the most recognized for practicing this sport. It is located in the municipality of Jaca, 33 kilometers from the city of the same name. Its 31 kilometers of slopes always have good quality snow. In addition, the obstacles that form in it are perfect for freestyle lovers.

Tracks in Astún © Godin

Very close to there, about 6 kilometers, is the train station. Candanchú, the oldest in Spain. It is also larger than the previous one and has more difficult slopes.

If you want to take a break from sports, in Candanchú you can take the Tobazo chairlift, which takes you to the top of the same mountain, at an altitude of 2,020, where you will enjoy impressive views of the mountains that surround you.

Off-piste snowboarding © Godin

[hr type=»line»]

The walrus is a saber-toothed tiger that fell in love with the sea. The adventurer is a sedentary man who fell in love with risk. In front of the brazier, the sofa and the TV, the Aragonese Pyrenees contrasts the climbing, the sledding and the views. It is true that the ski suit is not as soft as the pajamas, but when you are immersed in the adventure you do not miss the first dream.

[hr type=»line»]