SKIING IN CATALAN PYRENEES

January 31, 2011

For those who have joined us this year we would like to show you the endless possibilities that Catalan Pyrenees destination offers for skiing. Besides enjoying a benign climate, the Pyrenees have over 300 alpine ski slopes and 300 kilometers of cross-country ski paths, offering an endless range of ways to discover the snow-caps of Catalonia. The Catalonian Pyrenees in northeast Spain is home to over 10 ski resorts opened normally from December till April.

Baqueira/Beret (Salardu) – 973 639010 – www.baqueira.es

Baqueria-Beret is Spain’s single largest resort and the most popular. Skiers and snowboarders of all levels are attracted to its sunny slopes, varied terrain, and lively après ski. Its 86 kilometers of slopes (four green, 36 blue, 26 red, and six black) are linked by 26 modern lifts and reach a height of 2500 meters altitude. The resort enjoys reliable snow cover with skiing and riding above 2000 meters. Baqueira-Beret also features seven kilometers of cross-country trails. Beginners will find the large ski school welcoming with its 200 instructors who are fluent in French, English, and Spanish. Snowboarders are also well catered for with a fun park and a permanent half pipe. The après ski in Baqueira-Beret is amongst the best in Catalonia, with plenty of lively bars, pubs, and a disco.

Boi Taull Resort (Vall de Boi) – 902 406640 – www.boitaullresort.es

Boi-Taull boasts the highest ski slopes in the Pyrenees, reaching up to 2751 meters altitude. The resort is known for the natural, untouched surroundings of the Boi Valley and excellent snow cover. The village offers plenty of traditional charm with its traditional wooden chalets. Boi-Taull’s 41 slopes appeal to all levels (eight green runs, seven blue, 19 red, and seven black). The town centre is well equipped with bars, restaurants, shops, a nightclub, spas, ski schools, and a snow park for children.

Espot Esqui (Espot) – 973 624058 – www.espotesqui.es

The resort of Espot Esqui is a firm favorite for families because of the children’s nursery, playground, and gentle beginners’ slopes. Port-Aine offers 44 kilometers of terrain for all levels with a skiable height of 2440 meters altitude. Non-skiers can enjoy dog sledging, snow biking, and snowshoeing.

La Molina (Molina, la) – 972 892031 – www.lamolina.com

La Molina is the oldest ski resort in Spain and continues to draw the crowds for its pretty pine tree-lined slopes, modern lift facilities, and extensive terrain. The resort’s local ski area has 40 slopes stretched across 50 kilometers. All levels of skiers and snowboarders are well catered for with seven green runs, 12 blue, 15 red, and six black.

The modern lifts transport 16,000 skiers per hour. There is also four kilometers of cross-country trails through the forests. The larger resort of Masella sits next door and between them they offer more than 100 kilometers of runs. Non-skiers can enjoy husky-drawn sleigh rides, snow-shoe hiking, and hot air balloons rides.

La Masella (Alp) – 972 144000 – www.masella.com

Port del Comte, S.A. (Coma, la) – 973 492301- www.portdelcomte.net

Port del Comte is surrounded by a beautiful scenery of thick pine forests. Its wide slopes are well suited for all levels, particularly families. The area is also home to the smaller, quieter resorts of Tavascan, with five slopes, and Vall de Nuria, with 10 slopes. The Catalan Pyrenees ski resorts are a 40 minutes drive from Girona Airport and railway station.

Vallter 2000 (Setcases) – 972 136057 – www.vallter2000.com

Vallter 2000 is set above the Ter River valley and offers stunning views. The ski area stretches for 19 kilometers and features 12 slopes, nine ski lifts, and an impressive 585 meters of vertical descent. At 2000 meters above altitude, Vallter benefits from reliable snowfall. It is a favorite for intermediate skiers and also offers a terrain park for snowboarders.

Port-Aine (Rialp) – 973 620325 – www.port-aine.com

Aransa (Aranser) -973 293051 – http://www.aransaski.com

Rasos de Peguera, S.A. (Berga) – 93 8211748 – www.rasos.net

Lles de Cerdanya (Lles de Cerdanya) – 973 293049 – www.lles.net

Sant Joan de l`Erm. (Castellbo) – 973 298015 – www.santjoandelerm.com

Tavascan-Pleta del Prat (Tavascan) – 973 623079 – www.tavascan.net

Tuixent-La Vansa. (Tuixen) – 973 370030 – www.tuixent-lavansa.com

Vall de Nuria (Queralbs) – 972 732020 – www.valldenuria.com