FAQs

Snowshoeing Holiday in the Pyrenees

Travel

  • Flights aren’t included in your trip, but we’ve listed some options that align with the group transfer to make planning easier.

    These aren’t official recommendations — just helpful examples. You can book any flight that fits the schedule, but transfers run on time and can’t be delayed, even if your flight is listed.

    We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers delays, cancellations, and missed connections.

    The only direct flights out of the UK to Zaragoza are with Ryanair from London Stansted.

    We offer a single timed transfer from both Zaragoza airport and Zaragoza train station to accommodate various travel options.

    Outbound (Friday):

    Ryanair Flight FR 2565

    London Stansted (STN) 14:35 → Zaragoza (ZAZ) 17:50

    Return (Tuesday):

    Ryanair Flight FR 2566

    Zaragoza (ZAZ) 21:20 → London Stansted (STN) 22:35

    We also offer collection and drop-off from Zaragoza train station. For full travel information, please see our FAQ.

    Not sure if your flight works? Just ask — we’re happy to help.

  • Think of the transfer like a train: it runs on time and can’t be delayed. 

    You are welcome to get any flight that arrives in time to make the transfer. However, to make planning easier, we’ve listed some flight times that align with the group transfer. These are not official recommendations though, just helpful examples. 

    Please note, if your flight is late or cancelled, you’ll need to make your own way to the start location, but we’ll support you with local transport information on the day.

    We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers delays, cancellations, and missed connections.

  • Yes — a group transfer is included on both the arrival and departure days. This is a shared transfer, running at fixed times to and from a designated location (usually an airport or train station).

    There is one transfer each way, and your flight must match the timing. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to make your own arrangements.

    Train Station:

    • Friday pick-up: 18:35

    • Tuesday drop-off: 19:05

    Airport:

    • Friday pick-up: 18:50 

    • Tuesday drop-off:  19:20

    Arrival day and timings

    We will collect you from Zaragoza airport from the Ryanair flight from Stansted arriving in Zaragoza at 18:50, or from the train station (Zarazoga-Delicias) at 18:35.

    You will then be driven to our hotel for the weekend. This will take about 1 hr 45 minutes.

    Departure day and timings

    You will be transferred to Zaragoza in the morning. The journey will take about 1 hr 45 minutes.

    Drop off at the airport is at 19:20 and at the train station (Zaragoza-Delicias) at 19:05.

  • Missed transfers are rare, but we want to be upfront so you can plan with confidence.

    If your flight is delayed or cancelled, you’ll need to arrange your own transport to meet the group. We’ll support you as best we can — your host will be your main contact on the day and can help coordinate locally. You can also contact our bookings team, available Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm UK time, though replies may be delayed outside of these hours.

    Even if you booked a flight from our Suggested Flights, group transfers run on schedule and cannot wait for late arrivals.

    In some locations, arranging a private transfer is straightforward — but in more remote areas, it can be limited and expensive. That’s why comprehensive travel insurance is essential, not only for delays and cancellations, but also in case you need to cancel your trip before departure.

    Make sure your insurance covers travel delays and missed connections — it could save you a significant amount if things don’t go to plan.

  • There are no other direct flights out of the UK to Zaragoza, however you can fly to either Barcelona or Madrid and take the AVE fast train to Zaragoza train station (Zarazoga-Delicias) where we can pick you up at around 18:35.

    Drop off at the train station on the last day will be at 19:05.

    You may have to fly the day before and after the trip and stay the night in Barcelona/Madrid in order to ensure you can catch trains that fit with our transfer times.

    Train from Madrid to Zaragoza: approximately 1h20

    Train from Barcelona to Zaragoza: approximately 1h40

    The train takes about 1.5 hours and there are trains roughly every hour. You can book your trains on https://www.thetrainline.com and prices are approx €90-100 return from Barcelona and Madrid. Tickets are usually released 2 - 3 months in advance of travel.

    Transfer Schedule from the train station:

    • Friday pick-up: 18:35 

    • Tuesday drop-off: 19:05

    Recommended trains:

    Arrival Day:

    • Depart Barcelona 16:00, arrive Zaragoza 17:42

    • Depart Madrid 16:27, arrive Zaragoza 17:45

    Departure Day:

    • Depart Zaragoza 21:58, arrive Barcelona 23:48

    • Depart Zaragoza 20:26, arrive Madrid 21:52

    Please note we can only do one transfer on arrival and departure. Due to long distances, private transfers are expensive to arrange.

  • Yes you can travel from London to Zaragoza by train.

    You can find all the details here.

    We offer a single timed transfer from both Zaragoza airport and Zaragoza train station to accommodate various travel options.

    Transfer Schedule from the train station:

    Friday pick-up: 13:15 pm

    Tuesday drop-off: 9:00 am

    Please note we can only do one transfer on arrival and departure. Due to long distances, private transfers are expensive to arrange.

  • We will collect you from Zaragoza airport from the Ryanair flight from Stansted arriving in Zaragoza at 18:50, or from the train station (Zarazoga-Delicias) at 18:35.

    You will then be driven to our hotel for the weekend. This will take about 1 hr 45 minutes.

  • You will be transferred to Zaragoza in the morning. The journey will take about 1 hr 45 minutes.

    Drop off at the airport is at 19:20 and at the train station (Zaragoza-Delicias) at 19:05.

  • You should buy comprehensive travel insurance as soon as you book your trip — not just before you travel. This ensures you’re covered in case you need to cancel before departure, as well as for any unexpected issues while you’re away.

    Your policy should include cover for:

    • Travel delays and missed connections

    • Trip cancellation

    • Medical emergencies and evacuation

    • Baggage and equipment loss

    • All activities included in your itinerary

    Travel insurance is a requirement for joining any Gutsy Girls trip, and it’s your responsibility to check that your policy includes the kind of adventure you've signed up for — especially outdoor or sporting activities.

    Booking your insurance early gives you peace of mind and protects your trip from the very start.

  • We will connect you with others on the trip via WhatsApp, so you may be able to arrange to travel together. 

Accommodation

  • Our hotel is a wonderful stone building set in the winding streets of Sallent de Gállego. María José is your host in this friendly family-run hotel with just 11 rooms. The hotel is fantastically decorated throughout with the bedrooms beautifully converted all with en-suite bathrooms. Many of the bedrooms have mountain views. There is a living room and reading area with sofas and a stone fireplace where you can have a coffee and relax.

  • Yes the hotel supplies bath towels (bring a separate towel for the spa).

    Hairdryers are also available on request.

  • There is a laundrette in the village.

  • Nestled in the high mountains, the village of Sallent de Gállego has a wonderful setting with great views round every corner. The heart of the village is medieval with winding streets lined with stone buildings and a 12th century romanesque church. It’s a tranquil village but big enough to have everything you’ll need with a few shops, a panaderia, restaurants and several cafes and an ATM.

Food

  • All your meals are provided.

    A hearty buffet breakfast is served at the hotel.

    Lunches are picnic lunches eaten on our snowshoeing route, including a bocadillo (French bread sandwich), fruit, cake, chocolate bar or muesli bar, and nut mix.

    Evening meals are taken at a selection of different restaurants. These three course dinners are a real highlight!

    Please bring your own snacks (energy / muesli bars, nuts, raisins etc) if you might need these for snowshoeing during the week - though there is also a shop in the village for extra supplies!

    We can cater for most dietary requirements. Veganism isn't well understood in Spain, so you may need to bring some of your own protein sources for snacks.

    Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements at the time of booking.

  • We can cater for most dietary requirements and we will request information prior to your arrival.

    Veganism isn't well understood in Spain, so you may need to bring some of your own protein sources for snacks.

Activities

  • This snowshoeing holiday is rated moderate to challenging.

    This adventure offers beginners the opportunity to experience the beauty of snow-covered landscapes. While no prior snowshoeing experience is needed, you will need to have good to high fitness levels to tackle mountain climbs!

    What to Expect

    Duration: Expect long, active days in the fresh mountain air. Daily tours will last 6-7 hours, with an actual physical activity time of around 5 hours.

    Intensity: The hikes will include steep ascents and descents, requiring a good level of fitness. Remember, you’ll be climbing mountains, which is hard work!

    Distance: We’ll be covering between 8km - 12km daily. Snowshoeing in mountainous terrain and colder conditions will make these distances more challenging than walking.

    Head for heights: There may be sections with narrow paths and steeper drops either side.

    Consecutive Activity: This trip involves 3 consecutive days of physical activity which can be tiring!

  • Snowshoeing is essentially hiking over snow with the assistance of snowshoes, a device which you attach to your snow boots that features a wide frame to distribute the weight of the person over a larger area, to prevent the foot from sinking into the snow.

    The frame is made of lightweight plastic or metal, deters snow accumulation and displaces your weight across the snow.

    Snow shoeing is a great way to explore the snowy landscape. It is also a high energy activity and a full body workout– not only will you burn much more energy than the equivalent walking distance, but snowshoe exercise puts your entire body to work. And because your body will be relying on proprioception whilst you’re out in the snow, you can improve your balance and condition those muscles to work even harder. 

    No prior experience or training is required, which makes it a really inclusive activity.

  • No previous experience of snowshoeing is needed but a good to high level of fitness is required.

  • You need a good level of fitness for these trips. Depending on the depth of the snow, our speed can be slow and walking can be strenuous. We always include a good lunch break and plenty of snack stops and breaks. We are likely to be out for about 5 - 6 hours each day.

  • We drive between 10 minutes to around an hour - most of our routes are at the shorter end of the scale, but we don't rule out driving further to get to a really fantastic route! The routes we take and therefore distances we drive will always be dependent on conditions on the day.

  • You will need to bring a towel, swimming cap and sandals / flip flops for the spa sessions (these are mandatory).

    We will have approx an hour long "spa circuit" in the local spa centre. This includes:

    • A central pool with hydromassage and swan neck fountains

    • Contrast pools.

    • Finnish sauna

    • Heated lounger area with views to the mountains.

    • Footbath

    • Ice fountain

    • Steam room

Packing & Clothing

  • Yes!


    You will need to bring your own warm and waterproof hiking boots with ankle support which your snow shoes will attach to.

    Boots should have enough space for a couple of pairs of socks. You don’t need stiff winter mountaineering boots but a warmish boot is needed – very light summer fabric boots don’t keep your feet warm enough.

    We will provide gaiters which will keep snow out of your boots and the bottom of your trousers dry.

    Snow boots that are a bit like soft wellies with fluffy liners aren't supportive enough.

    The trip price includes the hire of snow shoes and poles.

  • We will provide:

    • Snowshoes

    • Hiking poles

    • Gaiters

    Whilst you are snowshoeing, the body generates enough heat to keep your body warm but during the breaks you’ll get cold quickly. Therefore it is important to have a warm, insulated coat to put on when you stop.

    Ski jackets and trousers are too warm for snowshoeing and not required.

    Wear a number of thin layers rather than a few thick ones. The outer garment should be a windproof shell, and you should take care to protect your feet, fingers and face.

    We recommend a variety of wool or synthetic base layers, a mid layer if cold, topped by a lightweight, windproof, breathable waterproof hiking jacket (shell) with a hood, with a warm, insulated jacket in a backpack to put on at rest stops. On your legs, we recommend windproof, water repellent, breathable soft shell type fitted trousers or leggings; winter hiking trousers, with a base layer underneath if needed.

    We recommend avoiding cotton clothing as it gets wet and cold and doesn't dry fast.

    Baselayers - a selection of synthetic, wool or silk baselayers.

    Mid-layers – a fleece or wool jumper and trousers/leggings. Mid-layer clothing makes it possible to adjust thermal insulation according to the weather and rate of physical activity.

    Outer layers – Windproof coat and trousers (these do not have to be waterproof or made of Gore-tex, water resistant is enough!)

    Head – Windproof hat which protects the ears as well. Remember to protect your face too, especially if it’s windy. A buff, balaclava or a scarf are useful.

    Hands – Windproof mittens protect your fingers better than gloves.

    Feet – Socks made of wool mixtures are the best choice. Cotton socks are not good for the cold weather!

    You will need to bring your own warm and waterproof hiking boots with ankle support which your snow shoes will attach to. You will be provided with a pair of gaiters which will help to keep the snow out of your boots and the bottom of your trousers dry.

    Other vital items are sunglasses and sunscreen.

    Please see our full packing list.

  • Yes! You can find it here.

  • Yes! Ensure you bring a daypack with you that has plenty of space for layers that you need to peel off and put away. We recommend a backpack of about 20 litres.

    It is a good idea to carry a warm, insulated jacket in your bag that you can put on at rest stops to stop you from getting cold, and a spare pair of gloves because wet gloves are the worst! Make sure there is some space in your bag before you begin as you are likely to need to put layers away as you warm up.

    It is a really good idea to carry a couple of smaller, lightweight dry bags to keep the clothes in your backpack from getting wet.

Other

  • Temperatures can vary hugely in the Pyrenees and it is hard to predict!

    The weather can be cold and cloudy or sunny and relatively warm and we can also see wind and snowfalls.

    The best thing to do is to check the forecast before you travel here.

  • The tour price includes full board but you will need some Euros for drinks and snacks. Many places take cards but there is sometimes a minimum spend, so some cash is advisable! There are ATMs in the village.