The season of disbelief begins: the view to the south of the Núria mountains might lead one to believe that summer is already here, but the reality is that there is still plenty of snow at higher altitudes, and it is perfectly possible to enjoy winter activities such as ski mountaineering, snowshoeing and mountaineering.
Summary of weather data at 2.000 m:
Forecast: (meteomuntanya.cat and @meteocattv)
The weather will remain much the same this Friday. A calm morning with some lingering clouds. In the afternoon, there will be showers and thunderstorms in the Pyrenees, and locally in the Pre-Pyrenees as well. Temperatures will be slightly higher.
Snowpack:
Once again, we find the snowpack completely transformed and quite wet due to the afternoon storms, with snowfall limited to very high elevations—above 2,500 metres. Spring snow dominates in almost all areas. That said, you need to set off early to make the most of it, as conditions on the southern slopes change rapidly.
Remember that spring snow poses risks in the morning due to the risk of slipping on hard snow and ice. However, once the sun hits it during the day, the surface layer melts, making for a pleasant ski. Whatever activity we’re planning – be it ski mountaineering, snowshoeing or mountaineering – we must carry essential equipment such as an ice axe, crampons and a helmet. With such high temperatures, it’s best to set off early to enjoy the snow before it becomes completely saturated and makes skiing difficult, particularly on south-facing slopes and at lower altitudes.
Today, Friday, the risk level is 2/1 out of 5. This is mainly due to basal and snowmelt avalanches on south-facing slopes, particularly during the middle of the day or during showers. Please keep an eye on the information in the Avalanche Bulletin. Don’t forget to bring safety equipment such as a shovel, avalanche transceiver and probe.
At this time of year, there are two main routes available for winter activities. Firstly, the Embut route, where we’ll need to walk for 10–15 minutes before reaching the left bank of the stream, which will then lead us to the Embut pass. From here, we can climb Puigmal and Pic de Segre via different slopes.
The other route is the Noucreus Valley trail, which we can follow from the Sanctuary without ever really having to take our skis off. From here, we can reach Noufonts, Carançà, Font Negra, and so on.
The route up Puigmal via Fontalba can be completed with hardly any snow. Take crampons along for safety’s sake, but the few patches of snow you’ll encounter can be easily avoided. The track is in good condition.
On the Camí Vell, there are a few isolated patches of snow from Pla de Sallent onwards. Unless you set off early in the morning, the only problem you’ll face is having to go round the snowdrift – or trying to navigate it carefully.
You can drive right up to the pass at Fontalba. The path leading to Núria, given its orientation, has several sections that are completely in the shade and still covered in snow. If you set off early, bringing a pair of flexible crampons will prevent any unwanted slips. NOT RECOMMENDED for those without winter experience and the appropriate equipment.
Although there is no snow in sight along the Enginyers trail, it is important to bear in mind that it crosses two deep gorges where there is little sunlight. We will encounter snowdrifts that could make the going very difficult.
You must bring crampons and should not hesitate to put them on, however short the section may be. The steepness of the route leaves no room for error. This route is NOT RECOMMENDED for those without winter experience and the appropriate equipment.
