Nighttime Snowshoeing in the Sierra de Guadarrama

Context The Sierra de Guadarrama, located in the Madrid region, is home to a National Park featuring pine forests and glacial lakes. From November to April, snow blankets the trails, enabling nighttime snowshoeing adventures. The summit of Siete Picos at 2,138 meters is a key destination for these moonlit hikes, where cold winds carry the scent of pine and fresh snow.

The experience You’ll begin at Puerto de Navacerrada, equipped with snowshoes and trekking poles. The hike starts at dusk, ascending snowy trails toward Siete Picos, where the full moon illuminates sweeping alpine views. You’ll descend along the Camino Schmidt through silent snow-covered pines, beneath a starry sky ideal for stargazing. The crunch of snow underfoot accompanies each step, while your guide shares practical tips on technique and safety.

For whom This activity suits individuals with low to moderate fitness levels, including families with children aged 7 and above on adapted routes. No prior snowshoeing experience is required, but participants must be able to walk 10–11 km with moderate elevation gain. Not recommended for those with limited mobility or sensitivity to cold.

Local context The Sierra de Guadarrama is a protected mountain area with a strong tradition of mountaineering and environmental conservation. Local guides are familiar with the region’s flora and fauna and share insights on preserving this fragile alpine environment during the night hikes.