Enjoying the nature parks and mountains in the Catalan Pyrenees is a huge pleasure, but we cannot forget that conditions in nature are ever-changing in terms of both the weather and the terrain. Nature guides are the safety option to enter the territory. So what about a guided activity? Why make an outing with a nature guide? Albert de Gràcia is a geologist, a qualified mountain guide and the creator of MeteoPirineus Catalans. He clearly understands the benefits of trusting a nature guide: ‘A person from the region can not only provide you with a nature route but also give you the chance to learn much more about the environment’. They can take you on a route that you didn’t know about or you couldn’t do on your own, but ‘they also bring enormous added value’ to your mountain experience. ‘Another reason for doing an outing with a guide is that you are in safe company. It’s a person with the right preparation and knowledge who can make sure nothing happens to you along the way’, De Gràcia says. This makes guided mountain trips and outings an activity for everyone. Regardless of whether you are a family with children, a group of friends or a retired couple or if you consider yourself mountain and sport fans, guides adapt to your needs. They help you interpret the environment, learn more about the flora and fauna and reflect on nature conservation. An alternative to mass tourism There are even more reasons. All the above are joined with the opportunity that a local guide offers to gain access to extraordinary and much less travelled places. Outings with a nature guide can be done practically all year round, and they are a good opportunity to visit the Catalan Pyrenees out of season and avoid crowds. ‘Heading out with a person who is familiar with the territory and knows how to take you to lesser known places will give you the advantage of enjoying nature by yourself’, says De Gràcia. ‘They can take you to places that otherwise you may have never visited’. Initiatives to inform the people One of the main difficulties when organising outings in the Catalan Pyrenees is weather forecasts. The meteorology in this region is complex and difficult to predict. With the goal of spreading it and making it accessible to everyone, De Gràcia created MeteoPirineus Catalans, an informative digital tool that reports on up-to-date weather forecasts along with other local information of interest. It is a great reference tool for outdoors activities in the Pyrenees. SOMPirineu is another initiative that spotlights the importance of guides in the Catalan Pyrenees. It is a news portal promoted by the Institute for the Development and Promotion of the Upper Pyrenees and Aran (IDAPA) that offers an entire series of resources, like videos and a directory of local guides to promote high-altitude guided outings. Activities with a guide, a move in favour of sustainability You’re not the only one who will notice the benefits of making an outing with a guide; so will nature. Guides make sure that outings are environmentally responsible and always respect ecosystems and preserve their biodiversity. The impact of guided outings is lower, and the use of natural resources is more controlled. Of course, guided outings provide an economic return on tourist activity for the local population as well. This encourages conservation and maintenance of the environment and contributes to the socioeconomic development of mountainous regions. Guides show the environment respectfully, convey their passion for nature and help you learn about the territory, its tradition and customs. Book your guided outing and discover the authentic Catalan Pyrenees. You’ll find a wide range of local agencies that will get you in touch with local guides depending on the activity you want to do. And they can even create a custom outing just for you. Agencies and companies with guided activities A Pas d’Isard Phone: +34 628 088 112 Mail: info@apasdisard.com Web: www.aranexperience.com Discover Pyrenees Phone: +34 973 510 965 Mail: info@discoverpyrenees.com Web: www.enrutagirona.cat Guies de Muntanya i Barrancs Ama Dablam Phone: +34 615 233 442 Mail: info@guiesamadablam.com Web: www.kokopeliadventure.com/es NJOY Catalonia Phone: +34 618 177 973 /+34 677 976 200 Mail: hola@njoycatalonia.com Web: www.outdooradventour.com Pedratour Phone: +34 938 215 111 Mail: info@pedratour.com Web: www.pirineuemocio.com Pyrenees Extrem Phone: +34 644 49 50 11 Mail: pyreneesextrem@gmail.com Web: www.rutespirineus.cat Rutes Sílvia Rovira Phone: +34 636 257 282 Mail: silviarovira@rutes.es Web: https://www.traveltec.info/pyrenees/ Trescàlia Phone: +34 657 861 805 Mail: info@trescalia.com Web: verticalemotions.com Xavi Llongueras, Guia d’Alta Muntanya UIAGM Phone: +34 676 510 655 Mail: guia@xavillongueras.com