Cross-country Skiing
Navarre is a focal point for cross-country skiing, one of the gentlest forms of winter sports, which enables the enthusiast to enjoy the sport safely and at the same time to take pleasure in the scenery.
The highest points in the region are situated in the western Pyrenees , in the northeast, where the climate is favourable for snow all through the winter months. Places of great natural wealth, untouched by human hand, are covered with snow and create an exceptionally beautiful setting.
There are two main areas for cross-country skiing, both with similar characteristics. These are the Larra-Belagua and Abodi ski stations . Both have parking, services and equipment hire. Both have a good level of snow (approximately 2,000 litres of precipitation, half of which falls as snow) due to a combination of their height and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Ski runs are available for all tastes and all difficulties.
- Larra-Belagua ski station (Roncal Valley)
It is made up of four different areas, located at different points and with different access:
- Mata de Haya : On the NA-1370 road 12 kilometres from Isaba, in the Rincón de Belagua.
At an average altitude of 1,000 metres, it has 12 kilometres of skiable routes on two slopes in the easy category.
- Eskilzarra : On the NA-1370 road, 19 kilometres from Isaba next to the mountain refuge.
At an average altitude of 1,400 metres, it has 6 kilometres, divided into two slopes of different categories.
- El Ferial - Zampori ; On the NA-1370 road 23 kilometres from Isaba.
At an average altitude of 1,600 metres, with 20 skiable kilometres, it is divided into three slopes in the easy category, linked with Eskilzarra via Bortuzko.
- La Contienda : On the NA-1370 road 26 kilometres from Isaba.
There are 5 kilometres split between two easy slopes at the foot of the Arlás Mountain, at 1,700 metres, which means that the snow lasts longer through the season.
- Abodi ski station (Salazar Valley)
It is located above the well-known Irati Forest, at an average altitude of 1,400 metres. It boasts 20 skiable kilometres of easy snow, which all leave from the same starting point. Access to the ski station is from Ochagavía, 13.5 kilometres along the NA-211 road, leading to Larrau, and can be found at the location of the former Pikatua customs.
When the snow is heavy, Navarre can offer other options for cross-country skiing, albeit in areas that are not well equipped, such as the Aralar and Urbasa-Andía mountain ranges , where the beauty of the scenery accompanies the skier.
Useful information
