The Pyrenees mountain range stretches an impressive 430 km from the Mediterranean Sea to the Bay of Biscay: it effectively marks the natural border between France and Spain, with at least 50 peaks exceeding 3,000 m. of height, including Dill Peak, which is close to 3404 m. height and located on Spanish soil. Speaking of Spain, in this fascinating and varied land the Pyrenees occupy the regions of Navarre, Aragon and especially Catalonia, where there are many resorts where you can spend a real ski week, moreover not far from the sea.
If in summer or spring the Pyrenees show all their lush beauty that entices bicycle rides, canyoning and rafting, in winter the atmosphere changes. Everything is cloaked in the white blanket that makes every village fairy-tale-like, while the ski slopes attract lovers of skiing, snowboarding or even simple sledding.
Ski week in the Catalan Pyrenees
Catalonia’s Pyrenees are probably the one that offers the most opportunities to have fun during a ski holiday, in light of its no less than 16 thoroughly modern ski resorts, which take advantage of at least 330 km of alpine ski slopes, not counting others dedicated to snowboarding and freeriding. What makes an attractive skiing week in the Catalan Pyrenees is also the naturalistic offerings of this corner of Spain: indeed, do not forget that this mountain range also extends into spectacular areas such as the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, which winter colors with a new light thanks to the snow that cloaks beech, birch and pine forests, freezing lakes and thundering waterfalls.
Also adding to the appeal of a ski holiday in the Pyrenees of Catalonia is the cuisine, with tasty and energetic local dishes to be enjoyed at the many mountain lodges: not to be missed are the meats with potatoes grown at more than 1,700 m. height, the spiced dry sausages and especially the botifarra amb mongetes made of pork sausage, spices and beans.
Among the most popular ski resorts in the Catalan Pyrenees are. La Masella, with 80% of the trails winding through dense forests, Port del Compte, Espot, Port Ainé, e Walter 2000, which rises in the heart of the glacial circle of the Morens Ull de Ter where slopes allow skiers to whiz across the snow with spectacular views of the Bay of Roses and even the not far away Costa Brava. In the Vall de Nùria lies Ribes de Freser, part of the Vall de Núria ski area with just over 7 km of slopes for skiing and snowboarding touching 2260 m. height. Those who decide to stay in Ribes de Freser for their ski week in the Catalan Pyrenees will also have the opportunity to relax in the beneficial thermal springs of the place, as well as being able to board the 1931 rack railway in order to reach the Sanctuary of Nùria.
The oldest ski resort in the Catalan Pyrenees is La Molina, located at 1,700 m. height, in Catalan Cerdanya: the first hotel dedicated to welcoming skiers opened in 1925, and the first artificial snowmaking techniques were also developed in La Molina. There are 171 kilometers of slopes, suitable for experts or beginners, with the possibility also to organize snowshoeing, snowmobile rides or dog or horse-drawn sleigh rides. La Molina is the perfect ski resort for families, thanks in part to the kids frienfly environments that provide play areas and easy slopes for the little ones.
By cable car, you can reach the Niu de l’Àliga Refuge at 2500 m. height, located at the foot of La Tosa Peak-the view is truly unmissable for those who choose La Molina for their ski vacation.
Other resorts to spend a ski week in the Catalan Pyrenees include Aransa, popular with cross-country skiers, Tavascan perfect for snowboarders and Nordic skiers, and even Beget. The latter village is especially worth visiting during the Advent season, with the little lights and Christmas decorations that make this village a real nativity scene.
The most exclusive locations for a ski week in the Catalan Pyrenees
There are those who seek a warmer and more intimate setting for a ski vacation, while others like more exclusive and glamorous places.To the latter, we cannot but recommend Baqueira-Beret, a ski resort located in the heart of Val d’Aran. This valley is one of the most authentic places in the Catalan Pyrenees, having preserved its most intimate essence thanks in part to its inaccessibility, which lasted until 1948: it is a place that has maintained intact its traditions, its naturalistic landscapes and its language, speaking here Aranese, a dialect of clear Occitan origin.
Baqueira-Beret is part of the Baqueira-Beret-Bonaigua ski area, with as many as 156 km of slopes that run between 1,500 m. and the 2510 m. of height. Baqueira-Beret is a favorite ski-week destination for the Spanish jet-set, beloved by politicians and prominent figures in Spanish society. This ski resort offers guests black and white slopes, playgrounds for children, ski schools, and 2 snowparks, Blanhilbar and Marmotes. There is also no shortage of opportunities to take part in enjoyable nature excursions, on horse-drawn sleighs or by dogs, as well as through snow bicycles. There is no shortage of gourmet restaurants in Baqueira-Beret, where you can sample gastronomic excellence accompanied by a glass of Cava, very similar to the Italian Prosecco.
A viable alternative to Baqueira-Beret, also in the Aran Valley, is Vielha, a ski resort nestled among peaks touching 2,000 m. height, on the banks of the Garona River. Choosing this location for a ski vacation in the Catalan Pyrenees means devoting days to an exclusive setting that is very reminiscent of Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Those who stay in Viehla, after reaching the slopes of the Baqueira-Beret-Bonaigua ski area, can enjoy the beauty of this mountain village, visiting artisans’ stores where one can buy a bottle of Cava, but also discovering local treasures. In this regard, the Ethnological Museum located in the Renaissance Martinòn Tower, the Çò de Rodès house and the Church of Sant Miquèu are worth a visit: the house of worship, flanked by two bell towers, preserves valuable paintings and the 12th-century Mijaran Christ inside.
