Snowshoeing in Andorra: guided or on your own in Grau Roig

Snowshoeing in Andorra suits almost every traveller: from easy walks for families with children or less experienced walkers to routes that call for more technique. In Grau Roig you can head out by day or by night, get a close look at Pyrenean flora and fauna in winter and relax to the sounds of the forest. This page helps you decide: guided outing or on your own, what level you need and how to book. If you are looking for specific routes, they are in our guide to snowshoe routes in Andorra.

Guided outing or on your own?

With a guide

This is the simplest choice if you don’t know the area or it is your first time. In Grau Roig, RocRoi lists a 3-hour guided excursion, a 5-hour half-day outing and a 2-hour night walk with dinner in the mountains. The operator states that its guided outings include equipment. Activity portals such as Picuco also describe walks of around 2 hours in Grandvalira, of low to medium difficulty.

On your own

If you already have experience, you can hire snowshoes: RocRoi offers 2-hour and 5-hour rental in Grau Roig. Picuco cites up to 23 km of marked routes in Grandvalira, with elevation gains of up to 850 m, in areas such as Comellar Llarg or Estany de les Abelletes. Going without a guide means knowing how to read the terrain and the forecast, so choose a route within your ability.

As part of an activity day

According to Visit Andorra, Grandvalira’s Gold and Premium day passes include marked snowshoe trails among other activities. It is a good option if you would like to try several snow activities.

What level and age you need

There are routes of varying difficulty, with options for all levels of ability and fitness. Walking in snowshoes is quick to learn, but more demanding than it looks, so choose by elevation gain and time, not just kilometres.

Picuco recommends this type of walk for families with children aged 6 and over. It is not advised for people with reduced mobility or without suitable snow clothing. If you have younger children, ask when you book.

Season and safety

Snowshoeing is possible while there is enough snow, and the winter season in Andorra usually runs from November to April. Specific dates and the route of each outing depend on the weather and the operator, so book in advance, especially for Christmas, Easter and weekends.

Before you set off

• Check the forecast at meteo.ad and the avalanche bulletin from Andorra’s weather service, especially if you are on your own. The risk can vary widely with altitude and slope.
• Don’t set out in bad weather. If the forecast worsens, change your route or your day.
• Tell someone your route and when you expect to be back.
• If you don’t know the area, go with a guide. Finding your way on a snow-covered mountain is very different from doing so in summer.

What to bring

Warm snow clothing, waterproof walking boots or après-ski boots, gloves and sunglasses or goggles. Add water and sunscreen. At night, wear extra layers: the cold is very noticeable when you stop.

A way to walk the old paths

Snowshoes let you move as the inhabitants of these mountains once did in winter, at your own pace and with no engine noise. If you enjoy it, you can go further with a route to the Pessons lakes, which you can reach from the same sector, or a night of stargazing.

How to book

Book your snowshoe outing for the days of your stay at Hotel Grau Roig, listed in the MICHELIN Guide. Speak to our team, who will advise you on available times and options, on +376 75 55 56 or at info@hotelgrauroig.com. Tell us your level and whether you are bringing children.

If you prefer other snow activities, you can choose dog sledding and snowmobiling, and all the options are on our snow activities page. If you are coming by car, check the road conditions first.