Best snowshoeing routes in the Aragonese Pyrenees to enjoy with children

Huesca. That word automatically conjures images of snow, white landscapes, winter, and the truth is the amount of activities offered by these mountains in winter is astonishing. One of them is, of course, snowshoeing, a great alternative to classic sports like skiing or snowboarding that's gaining more and more enthusiasts. Here's a video of the ascent to Piedrafita's mountain lake (Ibón de Piedrafita), one of the routes we'll discuss later in this article. 


If you're planning to travel with children, they can enjoy it too - we're proposing easy routes you can do together. Connecting with nature, discovering unusual areas, or undertaking great walks through forests are just some of the many attractions of this winter activity that's become so fashionable in recent years. Before we begin, here's a list of 5 essential snowshoeing routes in the Pyrenees of Huesca. 
1. Gabardito Snowshoe Circuit

An easy route for beginners in this sport, located in the heart of the Hecho Valley. Important to note that due to its altitude (1400m) there might not always be snow, so it's advisable to check beforehand. When snow is present, this child-friendly route is a perfect 3km circular trail.

Very close to the village of "Hecho", the route starts from the Gabardito refuge where you can also rent snowshoes for both adults and children. The route has an elevation gain of about 110 metres. Highly recommended! 

2. Linza Circuit

In the Ansó Valley, this approximately 7km circular route (slightly longer than the previous one) is also perfect for the little ones. The route begins at the Linza Refuge, where we'll park the car and rent all necessary equipment for the adventure (if you don't have your own).



You'll pass through the Petrechema ravine while enjoying more than spectacular panoramic views of the entire valley. A slightly more challenging option than the previous one but equally recommended for a morning outing. Duration is approximately 2h30m.

3. Candanchu Circuit

At Le Somport ski station (1590m altitude) you can enjoy this excellent circular route perfectly prepared for snowshoeing. About 200 metres after starting the path behind the station, it forks and you can choose either direction as this is where the circuit begins. 



You'll step on both French and Spanish soil during this route where the Astún peak will witness practically your entire journey. With about 140 metres of elevation gain, you'll finish by descending to Candanchu to continue through the valley and return to Somport. Duration: 1h30m. 

4. Piedrafita Mountain Lake (Ibón de Piedrafita)

As our final option (previously mentioned in the video), we present an easy route suitable for the whole family in the heart of the Tena Valley. The mountain lake (Ibón) is located just before Peña Telera. This route begins on a forest track from Lacuniacha. You'll enjoy magnificent views of the Tena Valley while crossing streams like the Boj ravine.



After about 3km trek you'll reach the Piedrafita Mountain Lake - spectacular.
Now you've no excuse not to take your children to enjoy the snow in a different way.