SKIING IN CATALAN PYRENEES
Baqueira/Beret (Salardu) – 973 639010 – www.baqueira.es
Baqueria-Beret isSpain’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. Its86 kilometers of slopes (four green, 36 blue, 26 red, and six black) are linked by 26 modern lifts and reach a height of2500 meters altitude. The resort enjoys reliable snow cover with skiing and riding above2000 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 inCatalonia, 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 thePyrenees, reaching up to2751 meters altitude. The resort is known for the natural, untouched surroundings of theBoiValley 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 offers44 kilometers of terrain for all levels with a skiable height of2440 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 inSpain 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 across50 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 than100 kilometersof 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 fromGironaAirport 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 for19 kilometers and features 12 slopes, nine ski lifts, and an impressive585 meters of vertical descent. At2000 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
Guils Fontanera (Guils de Cerdanya) – 972 197047 – www.guils.com
Lles de Cerdanya (Lles de Cerdanya) – 973 293049 – www.lles.net
Bosc Viros (Llavorsí) – 973 622201 – www.yetiemotions.com