Who said that winter was for hibernating at home until the warmth of summer returns? There are an increasing number of sports that take place solely at this time of year, so if you like a bit of adventure, don’t stay at home! Make the most of the cold weather and the snow and enjoy a tasty hot chocolate afterwards! Still don’t know where to go? We suggest an incomparable setting: the National Park of Ordesa.

The National Park of Ordesa spans a quite unique region in Spain where winter sports are hugely popular. Located in the area of Sobrarbe, half-way between the Sierra de Guara and the Park of Posets-Maladeta, this is a spot that attract thousands of visitors each year who are looking for a little peace, natural landscapes and new experiences.

For some years now this region has served as the best destination for the pursuit of mountaineering activities, given that some of the most outstanding peaks on the Iberian Peninsula are located nearby, including El Aneto (3,404 metres), El Posets (3,371 metres), El Perdiguero (3,222 metres) and, of course, the famous Monte Perdido (3,355 metres), which is considered to be the highest karst mountain in Europe. If we are not elite professional mountain-climbers but we still wish to enjoy these natural marvels, we can always turn to the large range of specialist companies available that can guide us or point us towards the safest and most recommendable spots.

For those who are looking for a more high-octane activity, canyoning could be an interesting option. This growing sport consists of following the water-courses of rivers and canyons whilst negotiating rocks, forests and cliffs. In Monte Perdido, following the course of the Rivers Yaga, Cinca, Yesa or that of the Rivers Consuras, Fornos and Escuain constitute classic itineraries amongst veterans and a highly enjoyable experience for those new to the sport. In short, the permanent watercourses of our Pyrenean rivers offer a day’s guaranteed fun from beginning to end.

However, if there is one sport that emerges as the true star of the winter season, that is skiing. In the National Park of Ordesa, skiers will find both alpine pistes and areas for cross-country skiing, so if you love the snow, make the most of these marvellous opportunities. At Fanlo and Pineta we will find some extensive snowy expanses to ski across whilst admiring the beautiful scenery. Meanwhile, the ski stations of Piau-Engaly, Saint Lay Soulan (on the French side of the Pyrenees) and Cerler (in the Valley of Benasque) are a veritable must for the quality of the snow and the safety of their pistes.

And there’s much, much more too! Snowshoe trails, trekking along eco-routes, ice-climbing for those who love extreme challenges and even white-water activities for those who like to get wet … In short, a whole range of opportunities awaits to get you out of the house, even when it’s snowing!

Recommended Camping: Gavín

Address: Ctra N-260. km 503 22639 Gavín Location: Huesca (Aragón) Surface: 72.000 m2 Category: 1ª Phone: (+34)974 485090 Web: www.campinggavin.com