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Snowstorms and gale-force winds catch pilgrims off guard on the Way to Santiago

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Spain, along with the pilgrims crossing its lands, is experiencing particularly challenging weather in these days. Galicia stands as the region most severely affected, with heavy snow, powerful gusts of wind, and along the coast, waves exceeding six metres in height.

Pilgrims who arrived on Sunday in the small village of Foncebadón found themselves confronted by a violent snowstorm that prevented them from continuing and crossing the Pass—already closed to vehicles due to extreme danger. In that isolated location, a pilgrim refuge welcomed them: a warm haven that has always sheltered pilgrims even through winter.

The Iron Cross and the surrounding landscape, blanketed under thick snow, offered an incredible and haunting spectacle—all the more evocative for those who have walked the route only in summer months. Snow was less heavy at O'Cebreiro, though it still whitened the roofs of its characteristic pallozas.

Snow also greeted those setting out from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port during these same days. Despite pilgrims having to take the Valley Route rather than the High Route, closed from 1 November to 31 March due to dangerous weather conditions, a light snowfall still caught them by surprise near the Alto de Ibañeta all the way to Roncesvalles. The same weather affected the whole of Navarre, neighbouring La Rioja, and Asturias.

Here in Asturias, pilgrims walking the Primitive Way faced the greatest difficulties. For days, rain fell relentlessly, transforming the trails into muddy pools of water that were nearly impossible to cross without considerable effort and soaked boots. Over the weekend, abundant snow made the journey increasingly challenging, forcing some pilgrims to rest an extra day rather than risk unnecessary dangers.

Heavy snow also blanketed the Way of Saint Salvador, which crosses the Cantabrian Mountains, and the Camino de Lebaniego, situated right in the heart of the Picos de Europa.

Forecasts for today and tomorrow promise sunshine and clear skies, yet plummeting temperatures remain a serious concern—risking ice formations that could make the remaining kilometres to Santiago even steeper and more treacherous. It will be a gruelling test for pilgrims already exhausted by days of harsh weather, a challenge they will undoubtedly overcome with strength and determination.

PHOTO WEB www.facebook.com/FoncebadónLeón
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