1 route proposal and 10 tips to start snowshoeing with children

Do you want to make snowshoes with children? Don't you know which route to start?

Route and tips to start snowshoeing with children.

I'd like to introduce you to a circular route with minimal elevation gain, only 3,3 km long , to Puig de les Morreres in Port del Comte . It's a perfect trail for beginners trying snowshoeing with children and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. We went with our two little ones, aged 3 and 6, plus our grandparents, who had never ridden a chairlift or snowshoeed before. It was definitely a great choice.

Map of the Port del Comte ski slopes

The route leaves from the ski resort of Port del Comte, where there is an excellent ample parking at the foot of the slopes, which also if you go with a van or motorhome has 25 reserved spaces just in front of the station.

Puig de les Morreres is the easiest snowshoeing trail in the entire Port del Comte resort, which is why it's a popular choice for beginners and families with children. You'll see on the ski resort map that there are more snowshoeing routes starting from the Estivella sector. While this is true, they are much more challenging due to the significant elevation gain . However, there's no chairlift required, so you don't need a lift pass, and access is free.

To make the route that we propose to start snowshoeing with children, you have to take the Querol chairlift, the maximum complication of the route, if you have never climbed one. But don't panic, if you need to, they will stop you and help you with everything you need. And you can climb well with little ones, as long as they are old enough to sit in the chair (they cannot go in our arms). Then the route is to sew and sing, very grateful and easy.

Ten Tips.

First tip

Before leaving, remember to prepare a backpack with water and lunch / food, you will enjoy making a stop with wonderful views halfway.

Second Tip

Dress well and wear shoes. You don't need Gore-Tex hiking boots for this route, it's not that hard, so with a few warm breaks in the snow you'll be fine and comfortable. Be careful not to bring normal sneakers, they'll get wet for sure, there are times when you sink in virgin snow... As for clothing, it's better to bring ski clothes if you have them, especially for the little ones who will surely end up covered in snow. If you don't have ski clothes, some waterproof mountain pants and waterproof shoe covers will be fine.

Third tip

Protect yourselves from the sun. Eyes should be protected with sunglasses , for both adults and children. And the face, with sunscreen.

Once you are ready to go on the snowshoe route with children, the first step will be to buy the snowshoe pass and take the chairlift.

Fourth tip

Do not take children under 2 years old on the chairlift and never hold them in your arms.

To take the chairlift you must first buy the snowshoe pass for €7, at the ticket offices of the ski resort.

On the other hand, if you don't have snowshoes, you can rent them at the resort for €9,5. They also have snowshoes for children. If it's been very warm, there might not be much snow up top, and you might not need snowshoes. Check the snow conditions at the resort ticket office before renting snowshoes!

Fifth tip

Do not take ski poles (the ones that are usually carried with the snowshoes for this trail. The route is simple and both for the chairlift and not to fall and hurt yourself more, if you are a novice, as much to control the kids you will be better have your hands free.

Sixth council

Do not take sleds or mountain chairs to take the little ones on this route, be minimalist, you will appreciate it. The route is short, at least they will do half walking with snowshoes (ours, who is three years old, has done so… and it is not that she is given to walking…). The other half do it in arms better. Both the mountain chairs and the sledges on the chairlift will complicate your life if you have to watch the little ones, carry backpacks, snowshoes ...

A sled attached to a climbing harness is great for little ones on flat slopes where you don't have to take chairlifts , so you can pull them along when they get tired. But in this case, you have to take a chairlift, and it's also a high mountain route, so even though there isn't much elevation change, there are quite a few ups and downs, as well as areas with a lot of loose rocks that will damage the sled.

Seventh council

Get on the chairlift without putting on your snowshoes , this is important! They could fall off and you could get stuck on the way down, falling. Oh, and don't even try walking backwards with your snowshoes on the trail, haha, unless you want an adventure or to take a tumble, haha.

Eighth tip: If it's your first time riding a chairlift, let the station staff know. If necessary, they'll stop the chairlift completely and help you lower the safety barrier.

The rutIt starts and ends great, since there is a bar just above hehehe when you get the chair lift. Behind the bar you have the gazebo spectacular on the Vall de Lord and the Cadí.

Just behind the bar, the route also begins, very well signposted and marked at all times by yellow and green posts with a person in painted snowshoes. You will see that there is no loss.

The outward snowshoeing route with children runs alongside a blue ski slope, making it entertaining to watch the skiers and the spectacular snow-covered Cadí in the background.

The route is perfectly signposted, with the signs in the photograph, you can't get lost, so don't worry, you don't need a guide.

Halfway there, just before the turning point, you'll see Puig de les Morreres on your right. If you're up for it, you can climb to the top and see the breathtaking views from this 2120-meter peak.

The return journey takes place to the left of the outward journey, at a higher altitude and with views at all times of the Vall de Lord, Pantà de la Llosa del Cavall.

Also to the beautiful village of St Llorenç de Morunys , until arriving back at the bar and chairlift after an hour and a half / two hours with multiple stops for photos and managing discoveries (especially animal tracks in the snow) and frustrations (parents, you know what I mean hehehe) of the little ones.

Ninth tip

Remember that in the mountains, the weather can change quickly even on sunny days, especially after midday . If you see clouds approaching in the distance, don't delay your return from your snowshoeing route with children.

Tenth tip

In the mountains, always plan your routes for snowshoeing with children. Check the weather ahead and wear chains in the car if there is a minimal chance of snow. The days are unpredictable and you have to be prepared in winter 🙂

And above all, above all, enjoy this wonderful experience that nature offers us as a family!!!

Have a nice trip!

If you want a super trick for snowshoeing with kids on routes without chairlifts, check out this post, it will be useful: http://www.kucavana.es/un-trineo-un-arnes-un-super-papa-o-mama-ruta-de-raquetas-de-nieve-con-peques-a-modo-de-supertrail-de-pirena/

And if you'd like to try other snow sports, here's a suggestion for getting started with Nordic skiing as a family: http://www.kucavana.es/10-razones-para-probar-el-esqui-de-fondo-en-familia/