Ski mountaineering or skimo is one of those sports disciplines that, if they did not exist, would have to be invented. Bringing together the best of both worlds, mountaineering and freeride, ski mountaineering is a specialty that uses equipment very similar to “piste skiing”, but with some small differences. The first is found in the bindings, much more dynamic than conventional ones to allow greater mobility and comfort when walking on skis. Furthermore, another difference is found in the boots, with the particularity of being able to regulate their flexibility, adapting them to the skier's taste, depending on whether we want to ski down a slope or go up it.
But, of course, the main element that differentiates ski touring from other disciplines is riding in sealskins. These synthetic bindings that are attached to the sole of the skis allow the skier to walk on the snow, avoiding sliding backwards. In short, a new way of enjoying skiing and the mountains that today is awakening the interest of many fans. And what better place to enjoy this sport than in Andorra?
Mountain skiing, a growing sporting discipline
It is possible that it is because of the freedom that it offers the skier to be able to walk through incredible landscapes or to ski with virgin snow of the highest quality, but the truth is that skimo is currently very fashionable. Although it is true that randonnée requires mastery of both off-piste skiing (freeride) and mountaineering techniques, this sport can be practiced by people who have no previous experience in this discipline, since there is a great variety of itineraries.
Thus, in places like Andorra you can find mountain ski routes for different levels of preparation. In this way, whether you are a beginner or an experienced skier, in the Principality we are sure that you will enjoy skiing and contact with nature like never before, with a high dose of adrenaline that you can only feel practicing ski touring.
Get to know the virgin and natural Andorra with 5 of the most outstanding itineraries to practice randonnée
On a long weekend, on vacation or just want to take advantage of your weekend getaway in Andorra to spend a great day of skimo? If so and you don't know where to start, we show you a selection of 5 fantastic routes that you can practice in Andorra depending on your experience. Furthermore, if you stay at our hotel in Encamp, you will be very close to the itineraries that we present below.
Pic de la Cabaneta
Without a doubt, from the top of Pic de la Cabaneta you can get one of the best views of the valleys of Andorra. The itinerary, especially suitable for skiers who are starting out in this modality, covers a distance of 15.84 kilometers and 2040 meters of total gradient (990 m positive and 1050 m negative). An easy route to practice skimo that can be done throughout the ski season, thanks to the good weather and snow conditions enjoyed by this region of the eastern Pyrenees.
Pic dels Pedrons
Of medium difficulty, the skimo route that reaches Pic de Pedrons begins on the Franco-Andorran border, near the town of Pas de la Casa. The itinerary stands out for traveling through very open areas, where the skier will enjoy wonderful views, especially from the ridge that ascends to Pic de Pedrons. With a distance of just over 5 kilometers, the route has excellent conditions for practicing mountain skiing, even in years when there is little snow. The slope of the route adds up to a total of 1240 meters.
Pic de Montmalús
With a distance of 5 kilometers and a total gradient of just over 1,300 meters, the Pic de Montmalús route is one of the best-known skimo routes in Andorra. Leaving from the Grau Roig sector, at the Grandvalira station, skiers will enjoy its fantastic landscapes as they ascend to the top. Once there, the descent can be done along the shovel, towards the Pessons lakes, until reaching the beginning of the itinerary again.
Pic of the Font Blanca
The Font Blanca itinerary is one of the most demanding routes in the Principality of Andorra. Categorized as a difficult route with a distance of 4.25 kilometers, this skimo route has a total gradient of more than 2000 meters, between ascents and descents. However, its main difficulty lies in the state of the snow, which during some winter months is completely frozen. A real test for those who want to challenge the mountains of Andorra practicing ski touring.