Snowshoeing in Andorra: our experience and tips

Here I am again with a must-do winter activity: a snowshoe hike in Andorra. Even coming in late March, the setting still lends itself to winter activities. That is still a big advantage, because the roads are well cleared and I was able to get around easily. But there are still snowy spots like Grau Roig. It is gorgeous and it lets you go from one landscape to another in very little time, since Andorra is still a small country.

Personally, it was one of my favorite activities that I did during my few-day stay in Andorra. The snow was good, and the scenery was still varied, between pine forests and snow-covered mountains. I will not hide that it was a bit of a workout on the uphill sections, but it was doable. In my eyes, it is one of the things to do in winter in Andorra, and even one of the must-dos in the country.

We were staying about 40 minutes from the activity spot and, as luck would have it, that day there was some traffic. So we arrived right at 10 a.m., the time of the activity. The other participants had already started putting on their snowshoes. We were immediately taken care of by our guide: Stefania. She is super friendly and quickly explains how to adjust the snowshoes and how to walk with them. Basically, you need to walk with the tips of the snowshoes pointing outward, but only slightly, otherwise you can end up waddling like a duck. Honestly, it is not complicated and it lets you walk confidently in the snow without falling. Although it can happen, haha! But do not worry, they also give you a pole to lean on if needed.

We then start the hike in a line, one behind the other. There are quite a lot of us, I would say around 30 people, because there is a corporate group activity. But everyone finds their pace, and we move along well from the start. We begin by weaving through a pine forest; the passage is narrow, but it works out fine. We have plenty of room to walk with our snowshoes while staying in line. I found it immediately immersive and that we were instantly in the hiking vibe. The only detail I find a bit of a shame: there is no more snow on the pines. I think it would have been even more magical. But instead, we got other perks: blue skies and bright sunshine. Suffice it to say we had put on too many layers and we warmed up quickly.

Even the guide, who is used to this activity, told us we had landed on a good day, because in February they had snow up to above the knees or more, depending on each person’s height. For us, it was simple: the snow was good. All the conditions were there for a great time.

In fact, we took a first break pretty quickly, in a more open plain that looks out onto a magnificent panorama with a mountain range. We take the opportunity to snap photos, and the guide also offers to take some of us. It is nice and it leaves us with a keepsake. We calmly get back on our way and pass through wider areas, which lets us walk side by side and chat. Then we follow a small river; it is really beautiful! It is not frozen at all, which is the advantage of the mix of snow and a few areas that are edging toward spring.

What I also like is that thanks to our guide, we do not have to think about our route; we just get to enjoy the scenery and the moment. It is handy for unplugging, especially since we are moving at an easy pace. Little by little, you can still feel that quite a few people in the group are starting to get tired. It is true that the climbs can be a bit cardio, haha. And since we are quite a lot of people, there are different levels too.

So at one point, we split a bit into two groups: those who want to climb a little and those who prefer to keep going straight. We meet up again 10 minutes later. To make it burn less in the calves, we lock the rear platform of our snowshoes so our heels do not lift anymore. It is a good tip for uphill sections and it puts less strain on the calves. Splitting up lets us have a bit more peace and quiet, because it makes quite a bit of noise, 30 pairs of snowshoes following each other. But even during the walk, we felt it less, because we were no longer in a single file. Honestly, even with a big group, it is still a nice, relaxed activity. Plus, I found that the guide adapts well to everyone’s pace.

To be completely honest, it was the first time I had ever snowshoed, and I really liked it. It is easier than skiing, because you just have to walk. In the moment, I told myself it was easy, but we ended up with 8 km in our legs, with a bit of elevation gain. I think it is the kind of outing that stays accessible for beginners and for people who work out from time to time.

Honestly, I did not see the time go by; it was a great moment for me! And since we crossed ski runs, it made me want to try the slopes another day (they are awesome!).

I think you can already guess it: I really loved this snowshoe hike! Everything was smooth and enjoyable; I did not see the two hours go by. It gave us different panoramas over the Grau Roig area, which is part of the large Grandvalira ski resort. You have probably already heard of it! It is truly a lovely spot where there was still quite a bit of snow; it was super pleasant. And it is a valley that I found pretty quiet; you feel like you are in a cocoon.

As I was saying, the level of the outing is really accessible, even though you should expect a few climbs. But if it reassures you, they do not last long, haha. The only small thing I missed was a few explanations from the guide about the area, etc. This is more of a pure snowshoe outing. But maybe in a small group, there are more explanations from the guide. In any case, she was super friendly and welcoming; we felt well looked after. If a few people were lagging behind or fell, she took the time to stop our group; no one was left behind. So no worries!

By the way, I did this outing with the provider RocRoi. It is one of the best known in Grau Roig. They have been established for over 30 years in Andorra and Spain, especially in the Pyrenees. They offer lots of outdoor activities, both in winter and in summer: rafting, canyoning, kayaking, hydrospeed, paragliding, sledding, etc. On my end, I also did snowmobiling and dog sledding with this organization!

You can immediately tell that the company has experience and that you are safe, with good equipment and guides who know the area like the back of their hand. By the way, they also have a sustainable tourism certification. For your information, they also offer activities for groups and events. In any case, in Andorra, I really liked the area where they are located: Grau Roig, because it is a more intimate setting than the classic resorts. In any case, I am sure you will have a great time with them!

In my eyes, the Grandvalira area is one of the best places to go snowshoeing in Andorra. And what is great is that it is huge and spread across several resorts throughout the country: Canillo, Soldeu, El Tarter, Encamp, Pas de la Case, and Grau Roig. That gives you plenty of options to choose the vibe you are looking for.

It is mainly in sectors like Canillo, Soldeu, or El Tarter that you will find marked and maintained snowshoe routes, with several miles of trails and different levels.

As for me, as I mentioned above, I did it in Grau Roig, between the Soldeu and Pas de la Case sectors. And honestly, it was incredible! You can immediately see that it is a wilder area, surrounded by forests and mountains, all in a nature-focused atmosphere. Here too, there are marked routes for all levels. What I remember is the feeling of being far from everything and the calm atmosphere.

Honestly, I recommend this place if you want a more immersive experience, with fewer people than in the busiest areas.

Overall, if you are looking for a calmer, wilder vibe than Grandvalira, it is better to go to the Vallnord – Pal Arinsal ski area. To give you an idea, it is in the northwest of the country, on the La Massana side, a 10-15 minute drive from Andorra la Vella.

Unlike Grandvalira, the atmosphere here is more relaxed, with fewer people. It is perfect if you feel like getting a bit more into nature, away from the bustle of the big resorts. Here, there are also several marked routes for snowshoeing. Basically, these routes cross forests and clearings, with beautiful viewpoints over the surrounding mountains. It reminds me of Grau Roig; I think you will be more at ease here if you like taking your time.

Another place to discover on snowshoes: the Madriu Valley. It is UNESCO-listed. You have to say it is one of the most preserved corners of Andorra. On the other hand, we are far from the developed resorts I mentioned above. Do not expect marked and secured trails. If you are interested, you should know you will be out in the wilderness, a bit like going off-piste. I think you need to be comfortable in the mountains and on snowshoes, or even be accompanied by a guide.

By the way, to access the valley, you have to walk a little under an hour from Escaldes-Engordany. At the same time, that is also part of its charm, but I recommend being prepared. In terms of risks, like everywhere in the mountains in winter, there can be avalanches, especially at higher elevations or on certain slopes. The areas near the entrance are generally more reassuring, but as soon as you climb, you need to be more careful. So yes, it is accessible, but more so if you are comfortable in the mountains, well equipped, and you check the weather conditions before heading out. For a first experience, it is better to start at a resort… and save the Madriu Valley for later.

As always, we answer all the questions that come up most often in this practical section. It should help you get all the info quickly!

I would say it really depends on each person. In my opinion, it is not mandatory, but I think it is better if it is your first time. Honestly, that was my case, and what I appreciated most was not having to ask myself which path to take and mainly enjoying the mountain views. Plus, there is no special technique for snowshoeing; it is truly accessible.

But if you stick to marked resort routes, it is totally possible to do it on your own. It gives you a certain freedom and, in general, the routes to follow are well indicated. On the other hand, if you go outside the marked areas (like the Madriu Valley I mentioned above), I really recommend heading out with a guide. You will be in a wild setting and you will be able to discover spots you might not have found, while being safer. Of course, it is up to you to decide what kind of experience you are looking for!

Obviously, winter is the best time to go snowshoeing in Andorra. In general: from December to March to be sure you have snow, even though there can be some from November to May in certain places.

In any case, you can be sure to have it during January and February, but that is when there are the most people and lodging prices are the highest. I also recommend booking accommodations with the option to cancel a few days before, free of charge. You are not immune to roads being closed if there is too much snow.

Personally, I enjoyed going in late March, because weather-wise I got very lucky. I had sunshine and blue skies for the 5 days I spent there, without exception. There was no snow on the roads I took, and there was still snow at the resorts. To make your choice, I invite you to take a look at our complete guide: when to go to Andorra.

The advantage of snowshoes is that it is an activity accessible to almost everyone. No need to be a serious athlete to do it. If you are a beginner, you can absolutely do it on easy, marked routes. I think it is a great activity to calmly discover the landscapes, at your own pace. Plus, it is nice to do as a couple, with friends, or with family.

The big difference is simply… the snow. Snowshoes keep you from sinking into the snow thanks to their wider surface and their traction points. I can tell you that without them, it would have been much more tiring to walk for a full two hours. You do walk a bit more slowly with snowshoes, but it goes fine. It also takes a bit more effort! But at least you do not have to be afraid of slipping; even though it can happen, there is still a much lower chance.

The price mainly depends on whether you choose to do it independently or with a guide. But it is still a fairly affordable activity. To give you an idea, here are a few rough ranges:

For a guided hike, expect between 30 and 40 euros for a 2-hour outing. For a half-day, prices are more around 50 to 80 euros, and it can go up to 150 euros or more for a full day.

If you prefer hiking on your own, it is immediately cheaper. A full-day snowshoe rental is between 15 and 20 euros, with free access to marked routes. I think snowshoeing remains an activity with great value for money, whether with a guide or on your own.

So even if it is cold, during the effort you tend to warm up quickly. Rather than piling on layers, I wore three. It was sunny, so there were moments when we were really warm. Basically, we just had to take off the first layer. I wore a ski jacket, but I think a windbreaker would have been enough. Underneath, I recommend a T-shirt and a fleece. Quite a few people in the group were in a T-shirt at certain moments of the hike. Personally, I did not have to go that far, haha.

For the bottom, ski pants or winter hiking pants are enough. Also think about gloves, a beanie, and a neck gaiter, especially if it is windy. I had not thought of it, and that is really what I missed.

Finally, shoes are the most important. You absolutely need waterproof hiking boots. It is better if they are high-top, but it is not mandatory. On the other hand, avoid everyday sneakers. You risk damaging them and not being comfortable during the hike. I did not see many, but some people came with regular sneakers…

I am repeating myself a bit, but I assure you that snowshoes are suitable for beginners. I had often heard that people who do not know how to ski go snowshoeing. That is not totally true, I think, but I understand better why.

Unlike skiing, there is no special technique needed. You simply walk, like on a classic hike, but on snow. We got the hang of it quickly. As I was saying, in Andorra, it is even easier to start, because there are many marked and secured routes, especially in the Grandvalira or Vallnord – Pal Arinsal areas. In other words, you can start calmly on easy routes, at your own pace. And if you want to feel even more comfortable, you can head out with a guide! That is what I did, and I do not regret it at all. It was more reassuring for a first time. It made me want to do it again, but on my own this time, for a change!

That is it, I have reached the end of this article about my snowshoe hike in Andorra. I hope I made you want to try this activity. Even during a ski trip, I think it is a great way to break up a day by snowshoeing, slowing down, and focusing on the scenery. It is still a workout depending on the trails you take and the length of your hike. As for me, I fully plan to do it again next winter!

If you want to do other winter activities in Andorra, I recommend snowmobiling and a dog sledding outing. That is what I did, and I have great memories of it!

See you soon for new adventures in Andorra.

Written by Laura CALLES

Thanks to Mélanie and Sylvain, I had the chance to stay in Andorra, a small country in the heart of the Pyrenees, in order to share with you the best things to see and do there. In any case, it’s a destination full of surprises and well worth the visit!

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