The most original ideas to enjoy in the snow
Snowy landscapes attract us, but not all snow lovers enjoy putting skis or a board under their feet. There are those who have a better time sledding down the mountainside, making snowmen or simply having a hot chocolate while contemplating the horizon of peaks from the cafeteria window. But the most active are in luck, because the range of entertainment proposals on the slopes is increasingly expanding. You have to dress warmly and want to have a good time to live intensely these activities that we propose. In addition, they all have quality accommodation nearby that allows you to relax and regain strength after a day of fun among white landscapes.
Dog sledding in Port del Comte
It is surprising that such playful huskies can transform into energetic athletes and drag our sled through winter forests. If you sign up, you will see that there are few experiences as exciting as crossing snowy roads aboard a dog sled. We recommend trying it at the Port del Comte station, between the Solsonès and Alt Urgell regions. The so-called mushing is a comfortable and pleasant activity and allows you to be in direct contact with the landscape and the animals. The dogs, guided by the musher, do not exceed fifteen kilometers per hour and the passenger travels sitting, covered with blankets and enjoying the ride along an idyllic path. http://www.portdelcomte.net/index.php/es/activitats-serveis/trineus-de-gossos.html
In Solsonès, not far from Port del Comte station, there are several fabulous accommodations. Near Sant Llorenç de Morunys, surrounded by forests, is the magnificent Hotel El Monegal, and near Solsona you can sleep in two exceptional farmhouses due to their location, good treatment and gastronomy: La Vella Farga and Casa Albets. In the capital of the region there is a delicious boutique hotel that has recovered a 14th century house in the medieval center of Solsona: La Freixera.
Diving under the ice in Vall de Núria
An example of a ski resort that offers much more than skiing is Vall de Núria, in the north of Ripollès. Here you will find an attractive recreational park with sleighs, balance games, tubbing, a climbing wall, zip line and snow skates for the little ones at home. For those aged 4 to 10, El Cau de la Marmota is a good place: they organize archery, story-telling, makeup or snowman workshops. But adventure lovers can practice diving under the ice. It may sound strange, but if diving underwater is already an amazing activity in the sea, doing it in the mountains, in the center of the frozen lake of Núria, is a memorable adventure. It is enough to have the right material to avoid hypothermia and the advice of expert guides who accompany us at all times. When the lake freezes, the layer of ice that covers it can be between 40 and 60 centimeters, and underneath lies a truly magical world of light and shadow. The immersion lasts between ten and fifteen minutes. An incredible and little-known way to discover this side of the Pyrenees. http://www.valldenuria.cat/es/invierno/activityes/buceo-bajo-el-hielo/
In the center of Ribes de Freser, just two minutes walk from the Cremallera station that takes us to the Vall de Núria, the Hotel Els Caçadors is an ideal option to stay if you want to spend a few days near these Ripollès slopes. .
Snowshoe outing in Vallter 2000
There is always a first time to enjoy a winter route on snowy roads. At the Vallter 2000 station they offer initiation activities with snowshoes. If you haven't tried it, you have to dare. It is not difficult and the guides make you feel safe at all times. There are very attractive itineraries of about three hours that start from the station car park and reach the source of the River Ter, passing through the Ulldeter refuge. The routes are easy and suitable for the whole family and you learn the basic techniques of snowshoeing and some safety notions in this environment. There are even starlit nights out that end with dinner. http://www.vallter2000.cat/es/winter/activity/raquetas-nieve/
Very close to Vallter 2000, at the entrance to the town of Setcases, stands the Hotel La Coma, which offers more than cordial treatment to its guests. It does not lack any comfort: rooms, heated pool, sauna, gym, outdoor playground, games room and a good restaurant. A little further south, in Llanars, is the Hotel Grèvol, an Alpine-inspired refuge that, in addition to offering cozy rooms, attracts couples and wellness lovers who come here for its water area, which can be accessed without need to reserve room. Finally, the Hotel Calitxó, in Molló, is another family-friendly and cozy option not far from the slopes.
Cycling in the snow in Andorra
Have you gone cycling in the snow? The answer is most likely "No." If you want to try it, in the Rabassa mountain, in the south of Andorra, there is a leisure center (Naturlandia) that allows you to book this landscape discovery activity. The ride is done with the so-called fat bikes, bicycles similar to mountain bikes, but with large wheels designed for difficult terrain: snow, mud, sand... Their tires are wide and their tires have patterns with knobs to improve traction on slippery or rocky surfaces. In addition, the vehicles used on this outing are electric, which helps to move forward and saves energy to concentrate on the surroundings. The outing is done in the company of an expert guide who proposes the itinerary that best adapts to the level of each user. https://www.naturlandia.ad/es/activities/electric-bike-sobre-snow/
In Seu d'Urgell, just half an hour from Rabassa, the best accommodation option for lovers of charming hotels is the Hotel Andria, a renovated 1875 mansion with all the comforts.
Motorized along the trails of La Molina
Lovers of speed and motors will find the best way to explore the mountains on a snowmobile or even aboard a snow groomer. They are two options offered at La Molina station, always in the company of guides who will take us along safe paths. The outing on snowmobiles (single or two-seater) lasts between 15 minutes and an hour and a half, and there is the possibility of night outings. The routes with snow groomers are always in the afternoon and include a drink at the end of the journey. To complete the adventure, the La Molina station offers many other services, from a snow park for the little ones with a 'tubbing' area and an adventure park in the trees to cable car rides for those who want to enjoy the view with tranquillity. http://www.lamolina.cat/es/invierno/activityes/motos-de-nieve/; http://www.lamolina.cat/es/invierno/activityes/excursiones-maquinas-pisanieves/
The Hotel Caçadors de Ribes de Freser is located about 40 minutes from La Molina and is an option well connected to other slopes, such as those in Vall de Núria.
