What happens when two seasoned travel writers and specialists, a wild winter landscape in the Catalan Pyrenees, and a slower way of traveling come together?
A snow-covered, deeply immersive Adventure through Solsonès ensues!—where time stretches, fires glow and crackle, and the hush of the forest is broken only by the crunch of frost underfoot.
🚗🔌 Hitting the road armed with an magnificent Electric Car from local company MEC Electric Car Sharing, travel journalist Rebecca Miles and travel specialist Nadine Carle swapped the usual fast-paced ski holiday, for something richer, wilder, and infinitely more magical.
Their goal? To experience winter at nature’s pace—where every glowing ember, every frozen branch, and every star overhead, has a story to tell.
A Winter Sanctuary in the Woods
Their journey began deep in the forests of Solsonès, at Forest Days, a cosy glamping retreat that embraces the raw beauty of nature. Their white cotton tent—heated by a wood-burning stove—became their winter haven, a space where slowing down wasn’t just a choice but an inevitability.
Before settling in, they had to do things the old-fashioned way and embrace their inner explorers: they had to learn about foraging for ‘teia’, the special resin-rich type of wood hidden in the undergrowth of the woods, perfect for kindling and ideal to get their stove crackling in no time. It wasn’t just about lighting a fire—it was about reviving a satisfying ritual, about reconnecting with something ancient and timeless that’s part of the Great Adventure of Winter Camping. With an endless stack of firewood at the ready and the softest, cosiest fleecy bed in the world to keep them warm, they were set for three nights of quiet wilderness, off-grid living.
A Feast by Fire & Table
If winter days in Solsonès are about slowing down, then meals are no exception.
The first feast was a simple yet delicious one: organic meat from local farmers and butchers Cal Monegal, grilled over an open fire under a sky full of stars. They sizzled thick cuts of meat, paired them with seasonal ‘calçots’ onions, the most simple yet utterly delicious Catalan vegan delicacy, charred over the fire as tradition dictates, and toasted the moment with a glass of local red wine..
But the adventure didn’t stop at the campfire. Over the next few days, they followed the flavors of Solsonès, indulging in:
🍷 A journey through the senses at Mare de la Font Restaurant, where a wine-tasting session turned into an extravaganza of Catalan flavors—bold reds and crisp whites from the breadth of Catalonia were paired with exquisite dishes that elevated each bite into a story of the region’s rich culinary heritage.
🍴 Traditional Catalan mountain dishes and utter rural bliss at Fonda Casanova high in the mountains of Solsonès, where time-honored recipes meet rustic charm.
🍷A warm, hearty, evening meal at Hostal Crisami, a favorite stop in Solsona Town.🍽️
🍴 Centuries-old flavors at Hostal Restaurant de Pinós, the oldest Catalan inn, standing for over 500 years at the exact geographical center of Catalonia in Pinós del Solsonès.
Playing in the Snow, the Slow Way
This was a winter trip about connection—not rushing, but gliding, exploring, and feeling every step of the landscape.
🌄 Hiking through remote hills with Relleus, guided by experts who know the land like the back of their hands.
🐺 Mushing with a pack of the happiest huskies at Caudellops Mushing, where the silence of the forest is broken only by the sound of paws on fresh snow.
🎿 Skiing in the heart of the Pyrenees, whether cross-country through the stunning terrain of Tuixent-La Vansa or ski mountaineering in Port del Comte.
Each experience was about relishing the contact with the raw beauty of nature, with the serene landscape, and with the simple joy of winter itself.
Stories Etched in Stone & Forest
Beyond its forests and peaks, Solsonès is a land steeped in stories, about tales whispered through ancient stones. Guided by the experts at Solsona Experience, Rebecca and Nadine wandered through cobbled medieval streets, uncovered ancient legends, and even discovered the region’s hidden culinary treasures—like truffle hunting in the countryside.
For those who prefer a quieter kind of adventure, birdwatching with PhotoLogistics offers a glimpse into the region’s diverse wildlife, while Que Fer a Solsona offers a wide range of experiences and ideas to extend the journey.
A Journey to Remember
For three days, Rebecca and Nadine lived by the rhythm of the forest—waking with the first light, gathering wood, feeling the warmth of a fire they built themselves. No rush, no schedules, just the simple joy of winter in its purest form.
And soon, they’ll be sharing their story in The Independent UK, bringing the magic of #SlowTravel to a world that rarely slows down.
Inspired to embrace your own slow winter adventure?
📍 Discover Solsonès with Visit Pirineus and Catalunya Experience.
🔥 Or experience it for yourself—book your next adventure at Forest Days.
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