Snowshoes: the best places in Spain to enjoy them

For many, the storms that are landing in the country this winter may not be the most pleasant visitors. Leaving home becomes an odyssey and reaching your destination in one piece (and dry) should be considered an Olympic sport. Even so, at Nattule we like to see the good side of things and we want to shed a little light on this situation.

We leave the level of the reservoirs to the news, and we bring you something different that will surely improve your mood. Wrap yourself up, because in this article we suggest you tour 9 autonomous communities on snowshoes. Whether you already have experience or are your first time on rackets, with these destinations you won't want it to stop snowing!

Cantabria

Alto Campoo

It is one of the star places in Spain to have the experience. To begin the adventure of walking with snowshoeing in Alto Campoo in Cantabria You will have to take the exit that begins at the Alto Campoo parking lot, from where you will head, together with your expert guide, towards the Sapo Valley. Nearby is the Hoyo Sacro basin, a spectacular meadow surrounded by the highest peaks of the Herradura de Campoo, are the summits of Tres mares, Cuchillón and Cornón, with the Sierra de Híjar, with the Peñalabra plateau, and the Sierra de Cordel as a backdrop, and even the majestic Picos de Europa.

There is also the option of performing the night snowshoe route On full moon days, it is an experience that will remain engraved in your mind forever 🙂

Asturias

Ubiñas

He Ubiñas Natural Park It is the second highest mountain of the Picos de Europa, located in Asturias. It includes altitudes greater than 2,400 meters and a territory with pronounced reliefs.

It is perfectly designed to travel kilometers on snowshoes and let yourself be carried away by one of the most beautiful and amazing places in Asturias, the Ubiña-La Mesa Natural Park.

Dare with routes of medium difficulty over places as significant as the municipalities of Lena, Quirós and Teverga included in the Somiedo Regional Hunting Reserve.

COVADONGA LAKES

In the Covadonga Lakes, you can get started in the world of rackets without any problem. These three places, Enol, Ercina and Bricial - fed by a spectacular waterfall - form the Covadonga Lakes in Asturias.

Enol Lake

It will be the first one we encounter when entering Covadonga, its poppy-green color stands out in summer and its purity in winter. It is a simple route that everyone can do, even the little ones.

Once a year among its ravines you can hear the sound of bagpipes and drums, it is because under its waters there is an image of the Virgin of Covadonga, in whose honor they celebrate a holy mass every year where, at the end, the image is submerged for another year in a dark cave, hidden among the beautiful waters of the lake.

ERCINA LAKE

It is a small lake located in the north of the mountain just 600 meters from Enol, both related by their glacial origin and their geographical location since they are only separated by the Picota de Enol.

Coots and wild ducks, among other animals, live there. The color of its waters varies and its aquatic vegetation goes from light green to dark green or yellow. Unprecedented phenomenon that you can see in very few places.

BRICIAL

Beautiful place that only spreads its white wings when the coldest winter arrives in Spain. This year has come strong, which has allowed this place to show us its white nature so we can walk on it.

In the past, the entire plain formed a huge lake, but currently, temporary lagoons are formed, fed by the beautiful “Meana” waterfall. However, when the white mantle thaws, it fills with life, not only due to the increase in flow but also because the birds found in Ercina fly to it.

CATALONIA

Malniu lakes route

It is located about 2260 meters high, in the middle of a black pine forest, in the Cerdanya region, Girona. It is a simple and very typical journey among Barcelona tourists.

The most interesting thing is that you will discover lakes and high mountain places with a very low technical difficulty surrounded by pine trees and granite blocks.

To get to it you will have to walk about an hour and a half along a path to the Home Mort mountain range.

If you are left wanting more, you can continue for approximately three hours, along a well-marked path to Lago de Mal, without forgetting to make a stop at the Prat Fondal viewpoint to observe its incredible views and enjoy the nature.

Puigpedrós Peak

At the foot of Malniu, crossing the Engorgs refuge, we find Puigpedrós, being the jewel in the crown, with 2914 meters above Cerdaña. It is a delight for those people who love high mountain ascents and adrenaline.

Well, deep it was in yesteryear since said river is now called the “dry river”. The scarcity of water in Spain has brutally alleviated this river. It has forced the government to take such drastic measures as transferring water from other rivers to this one.

The exceptional views of both Cerdanya and the mountains of Andorra and the rest of the Pyrenees will compensate for the effort of the climb.

NAVARRE

Larra Belagua (Roncalia)

Snowshoes make snow for everyone, and the Nordic ski resort, Larra-Belagua, in Navarra, makes it a reality. It has marked routes along almost 7 kilometers, in the middle of an ideal landscape for all fans, even those who cannot see.

For the latter there are two circuits of two hours each, of low difficulty and although they have some slopes that will require a little more movement in the legs, there is no danger. The two routes are:

• El Ferial Circuit: The 5 kilometer route, circular and specific for snowshoes. They will descend slopes and ascend slopes that will test their endurance and adventurous spirit.
• La Contienda slopes: the second option is in the La Contienda slopes area, just before the border with France. It is also a circular route, but this time it will be along the edge of the Nordic ski slopes. It has sections of great ups and downs, but calmly, what it is about is exercising your legs and feeling a little closer to the natural ecosystem.

If rackets are made for everyone, they are also made for you. If you still don't dare, there are many others sustainable activities in Navarra with which to enjoy this incredible nature.

Castilla – León

Urbión Peak

The Picos de Urbión, with its 2229 meters high, divides the Ebro River from the Duero, Soria from La Rioja, proclaiming itself the highest peak in Soria.

It stands out for its large Scots pine forests, but its greatest peculiarity is that it stands on a small glacial cirque. For naturalists this is worthy of curiosity and attention.

You will gain altitude quickly, but before reaching the peak, many adventures await us along the way. Cross a wooden bridge while you feel the water slide over the rocks of a channel that can be seen in the distance. The place invites us to know, learn and contemplate an esplanade of Landmarks perfectly aligned on a gentle slope.

To reach this spectacular landscape and have spectacular panoramic views. We recommend that you start from the following places, ordered from longest to shortest duration (2, 3 and 5 hours respectively):

• The Black Lagoon “the bottomless lake”
• Duruelo de la Sierra
• The Valley of the Urbión River

When you look up at the horizon, you will want to explore Urbión from its south to its north and from east to west. To do this you will need to stay a few days in this beautiful place. And what better place to finish appreciating the entirety of its nature than waking up in a rural house.

Sierra de Neila

Neila is not a mountain range like any other, inside it houses the largest glacial cirque in the Iberian system and a set of wonderful lagoons. Places of sandstone, marl, clay and siliceous conglomerates are a delicacy for those who love nature.

When observing it, it is as if you removed four pieces from a gigantic hill to reveal its soft relief. From the edge of the lagoons to the valley, everything is covered with a lush and extensive forest with a great ecosystem that biosphere geeks cannot miss.

It will make you feel like you are walking among the clouds, but be careful with the north wind, it can leave you cold!

Andalusia

Sierra Nevada

This massif, halfway between Granada and Almería, belongs to the group of the Betic Mountains, specifically to the Penibetic System, in Andalusia.

Considered the second highest peak in all of Europe with an altitude of 3,482 meters above sea level. You will be able to feel very rapid changes in temperature, everything will depend on the altitude you are at and how prepared you are for these experiences. Circumstances that test everyone who decides to know her.

The weather situation in this Natural Park does not go unnoticed either, the sun is rarely seen and in winter it does not stop snowing, conditions due to which, without the help of snowshoes, we would not be able to appreciate the spectacular places that the place offers us.

Try to see it from a unique perspective in this night racket, You'll love it!

Port of Ragua

It is one of the corners of the Sierra Nevada that not everyone knows, but nevertheless it is the only cross-country ski track in Andalusia. Not only that, but, for being the only track, it is of high quality and the option as a training ground for many professionals and specialists.

From there you can see the beaches of Almería; the best image and demonstration of the incredible natural contrast and immense biodiversity. It is as simple as looking at the horizon, and contemplating how it is shown, as simple and natural as the process of photosynthesis.

You can't miss the opportunity to know the Port of Ragua and the magnificent track in its entirety. If you want to spend a little more time, we recommend that you stay and taste a delicious coffee at the Albergue-Refugio located at the same station.

Aragon

Tena Valley

In the heart of the Aragonese Pyrenees, we find the Tena Valley, with an innate beauty that lies in its rocks, forests and lakes.

Converted into a tourist destination, because it houses the Aramón Formigal-Panticosa ski resort. The infrastructures make it an ideal and essential place for fans of winter hiking, mountaineering and ski mountaineering. They become irresistible, traveling for kilometers and kilometers over its snow, colors and lights in autumn.

For all those who always want more, there are routes with low, medium or high difficulty so you won't leave there without feeling like the leader of the slopes.

Aramon Formigal

The Aramón Formigal-Panticosa ski resort is located in the Pyrenean municipality of Sallent de Gállego, Huesca.

In winter you can discover spectacular snowy landscapes, mountain huts and frozen lakes. You will have an immense desire to climb on them and imagine how ideal it would be to be able to skate on that frozen water. Anyone who dares to travel 137 kilometers can participate in the routes and enjoy!

Above the Formigal ski resort there are some hallmarks of the Valley: La Peña Foratata. At its feet is where you can start your snowshoe route. Live adventures after crossing Formigal, hide among the black pines and stone blocks, especially calcareous and andesite, as reviews of the volcanic activity that occurred in the past.
It is an experience that will undoubtedly transport you.

The Rioja

Inns – Cima Parlacia

The Parlacia summit is located in Sierra de la Demanda, The Rioja. Solitary summit, smaller than the peaks of the San Lorenzo circus. This does not prevent it from being a demanding climb.

Clear days, although they don't last long. The cold predominates especially in the highest areas. Provide yourself with some snowshoes and begin the walk through the different altitudes you will have to overcome, but before arriving, you will be able to enjoy the inn.

Be careful, the deer are elusive and the stones are very treacherous. Don't hesitate to look to your sides as you walk. Observe between the large pine trees as the sun sets and the moon opens its path.

Valdezcaray

Ski resort located on the slopes of Mount San Lorenzo, in the Rioja Alta region.

Landscape beauty, unique sensations is what the Sierra de La Demanda, Valdezcaray, offers us, covered in a white mantle and rackets, will allow you to walk lightly, feeling step by step how the snow caresses your feet.

You will remember visits to the town of Ezcaray, an authentic paradise of nature, its lush forests and springs rising from the Oja River. Without forgetting the magnificent ski school that, year after year, teaches many people to enjoy natural spaces.

Madrid

Port of Somosierra

Puerto de Somosierra, a crossing point between the northern subplateau and the southern subplateau, a very pleasant small trail located in the Central System of the Iberian Peninsula, exactly in the municipality of Madrid.

Descending the Duratón ravine or the Chorreras Waterfall is a very good option for those who are just starting out. It is an easy route, in which you can run the engine until you reach La Cima del Pico- Tres Provincias.

You will love this place. You will pass through horizontal sections in which beautiful views are captured. After them you will want to see more and with the last effort you will contemplate the beautiful Peña Cebollera (summit).

Sierra de Guadarrama

Winter mountains and unique landscapes are the pine forests of the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park. Mountainous alignment that presents a silhouette in the shape of a dragon's back, a peculiarity for which in the Middle Ages it was called "Dragon Mountain".

This mountain range is an older mountain system than others such as, for example, the Pyrenees, the Alps, the Andes or the Himalayas. The most abundant rocks are granite and gneiss. The flora of this mountain range is characterized by the abundance of Scots pine forests, some patches of rebollo oak groves, holm oaks, grasslands and shrubs.

In these ecosystems there are many mammals such as deer, wild boar, roe deer, fallow deer, badgers, various mustelids, wild cats, foxes and hares, as well as a large number of species of aquatic birds such as the imperial eagle or the black vulture, among others.

Between so many animals and their silhouette, it could well seem like a fauna reserve, where the animals are truly free and nature can be shown pure and authentic. If you want to get their most photogenic profile, we leave you some tips to become a “beastly” animal photographer.

Valencian Community

chodos

On a rock that raises the town towards the sky, the Chodos. It is located in the region of Alcalatén, with an agricultural tradition, in the province of Castellón.

Due to its location, in winter the snow mounds can reach 1 meter in height, leaving less than 100 inhabitants unable to leave their homes. This incredible accumulation of snow makes the town an ideal destination for snowshoeing.

Striking and peculiar region full of pine forests and oaks so that you can get lost among its green, gray and brown colors.

As a result of these latest snowfalls, the place is spectacular. The structure of the castle, church and snow-covered pine forests leave an impressive and exciting image of the beautiful town of Los Chodos, priceless.

Penyagolosa Peak

It is, nothing more and nothing less, than the highest peak in Castellón, a mountain center of 1813 meters that belongs to the Iberian System, from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the region of Castellón and Aragón.

The snow giant of extensive pine forests. Destination not only for lovers of winter activities but also for fans of pilgrimages and celebrations. It is divided into two very different parts: south wall, a vertical precipice of which it has become the meeting point for climbers. And the northern slope shows a softer and more pleasant relief where tourists prefer to stay after a day in Nature.

The province of Castellón boasts kilometers of coast and mountains. Its good climate, even in winter, turns the snowy landscape into an unusual place. Since we don't want you to miss it, we give you the opportunity to know, investigate and experience new sensations, and we encourage you to do sustainable tourism activities in Castellón.

Given all this, it is clear that snowshoeing is the perfect opportunity to enjoy nature no matter what the weather is like. In the middle of a winter landscape, and with the mountains as a backdrop, you will have the perfect opportunity to embark on the trip and start writing your own story. And you? Have you started?