2-Day Snowshoe Trek Aigüestortes | Challenging Winter Hike

Experience a challenging 2-day snowshoe trek through Aigüestortes National Park. 20km across alpine terrain with glacier lakes and mountain passes.

2-Day Snowshoe Trek Aigüestortes | Challenging Winter Hike - guided hiking tour in spain-pyrenees-aigestortesiestanydesantmaurici

Tour Details

Description

The experience Discover the secrets of Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park on a spectacular weekend snowshoe adventure along sections of the famous Carros de Foc multi-day trekking route. Starting at the iconic Sant Maurici Lake, we’ll leave the valley behind and enter a winter landscape of snow-covered trails, frozen alpine lakes and ancient black pine forests. The route gradually gains altitude as we make our way towards Refugi d’Amitges, a welcoming mountain refuge perched at 2,385 metres, where we’ll spend the night surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Pyrenees. On the second day, the adventure continues towards Coll d’Amitges at 2,760 metres. As we climb higher, the views become increasingly spectacular, with panoramic vistas stretching across the snow-covered valleys and rugged peaks of the Aigüestortes National Park. After taking in the scenery from the pass, we’ll begin our descent, following snowy mountain trails back towards Sant Maurici Lake. A perfect combination of winter adventure, mountain landscapes and the unique atmosphere of the Pyrenees, this two-day experience offers a chance to discover one of Catalonia’s most spectacular national parks from a completely different perspective. Who It's For? This adventure is designed for people with a good level of fitness who are comfortable hiking for 4–6 hours a day in winter mountain conditions. Physical difficulty: Moderate. You should be in good physical shape and able to sustain several hours of walking, including uphill sections and changes in altitude. Technical difficulty: Moderate. The first day follows relatively straightforward snowshoe terrain, while the second day is more demanding, with steeper and more exposed sections as we ascend towards Coll d’Amitges (2,760 m). Previous snowshoeing experience is not essential, but you should feel confident walking in snowy mountain terrain and be prepared for changing winter conditions.

Tour Highlights

Itinerary

  1. Snowshoe to High Mountain Refuge -

    We will meet at early morning on the meeting point, the 4x4 Parking in Espot village. After a short briefing and a final check of our equipment, we take a 4x4 taxi from Espot to the place we will begin the adventure : Sant Maurici Lake (1,900 m), the starting point of our snowshoe route into Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park.

    The route takes us gradually uphill through snow-covered black pine forests and open mountain terrain, following sections of the legendary Carros de Foc route. Along the way, we’ll pass some of the park’s iconic alpine lakes, including the beautiful Estany de Ratera and his incredible waterfall, where we’ll stop for a picnic lunch and take some time to enjoy the winter landscape.

    From there, we continue our ascent towards Refugi d’Amitges (2,385 m). As we gain elevation, the views become increasingly spectacular, with rugged peaks and snow-covered valleys surrounding us. We’ll arrive at the refuge in the late afternoon, giving us time to settle in, relax and enjoy the atmosphere of the mountains before sharing a warm dinner together at the refuge.

    Distance: 8 km | Elevation gain: +760 m / -40 m | Effective hiking time: 4e

  2. High Pass Traverse and Descent -

    After breakfast at the refuge, we set off for the most demanding day of the adventure. The route climbs towards the high mountain area around Coll d’Amitges and the Saboredo area, reaching approximately 2,760 metres above sea level.

    As we ascend, the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic, with expansive views across the surrounding peaks and the high-altitude lakes of the park. The combination of altitude, snow and rugged alpine terrain makes this a rewarding challenge and the highlight of the weekend.

    After a picnic lunch near Estany d’Amitges, we begin our long descent towards Estany de Sant Maurici, passing through changing landscapes as we gradually lose elevation. The final section brings us back towards the valley and our waiting 4x4 taxi, which will take us back to Espot.

    We’ll arrive in the afternoon, where we’ll officially close the weekend adventure before beginning the journey home — tired, happy and with two days of Pyrenean winter landscapes to remember.

What's Included

Not Included

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Frequently Asked Questions

What fitness level do I need for this snowshoeing trek?

This is a challenging two-day trek covering 20 kilometers with 1,000 meters of elevation gain through alpine terrain and high mountain passes. You should be comfortable with long days of hiking and have good cardiovascular fitness.

What happens if weather conditions deteriorate during the trek?

Your certified mountain guide constantly monitors weather and snow conditions. If conditions become unsafe, the guide will modify the route or postpone the trek to ensure your safety.

Where do we sleep during this two-day trek?

The overnight accommodation is typically at a mountain refuge within or near Aigüestortes National Park. You can find more information from the refugee on his website https://amitges.com/en/

Do I need previous snowshoeing experience?

While prior snowshoeing experience is helpful, it's not required. However, you should have solid hiking experience and be prepared for the physical demands of challenging alpine terrain in winter conditions.

What equipment do I need to bring?

You'll need winter hiking boots, warm layered clothing, waterproof jacket and pants, gloves, hat, sunglasses, and personal items for an overnight stay. Snowshoes and poles are typically provided or can be arranged through your guide.

When is the best time to do this snowshoeing trek?

The trek runs during winter months when there's sufficient snow cover, typically from December through April. Conditions vary by season, with deeper snow and shorter days in winter, and longer daylight in spring.

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This tour is led by a certified mountain guide verified through Made to Hike. All guides on the platform hold recognised certifications such as IFMGA, IML, or equivalent local qualifications. Bookings include secure payment processing, a money-back guarantee, and direct communication with your guide before the trip.

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