After a family ski trip to Baqueira Beret in the Catalan Pyrenees, here are my honest thoughts on what it’s really like to go skiing in Spain.

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Skiing Trip To Baqueira Beret, Spain

My First Experience Skiing in the Spanish Pyrenees

When most people think of Spain, they imagine winter sun destinations, vibrant festivities, and stunning beaches. However, my personal experience shows that Spain is also an excellent destination for skiing.

Growing up in a ski-loving family, winter holidays in Europe always included skiing getaways, so by the time I moved to Spain, I had already visited many ski resorts across Europe. It still surprises me that the Spanish Pyrenees are rarely highlighted among Europe’s top ski destinations.

While I’ve always loved hiking in the Pyrenees, this family skiing trip to Baqueira Beret ski resort exceeded all my expectations and firmly cemented Spain as one of my favorite ski destinations. Beyond the excellent slopes, Spain stands out from other European ski resorts thanks to its warm and welcoming local culture, delicious cuisine, and great value for money – especially when it comes to hotels in the Pyrenees.

Where to enjoy skiing in Spain

Most Spanish ski resorts are located in the Pyrenees mountains, where the highest peaks reach around 2,500–2,600 meters, with the exception of Sierra Nevada in southern Spain. If you’re traveling with children, check out my other post: Where to Enjoy Snow in Spain with Kids, which covers family-friendly ski resorts across the country and winter activities beyond skiing, such as sledging and snow tubing.

Ski passes for adults in Spain typically range from €30 to €50 per day, with Baqueira Beret and Sierra Nevada being among the priciest options.

Best Spanish Ski Resorts

Spain is home to several top-tier ski resorts, with Baqueira Beret and Sierra Nevada being the most famous. Here’s the ultimate checklist of Spanish ski resorts for your next winter getaway.

• Baqueira Beret (Pyrenees): A luxurious and well-established resort favored by Spanish royalty and celebrities – check the webcam updates here
• Sierra Nevada (Andalusia): Located near Granada, it’s one of Europe’s highest resorts and boasts fantastic snow conditions with plenty of sunshine. It’s possible to ski in the morning and walk along the beach in the afternoon – check the webcam updates here
• La Molina (Pyrenees): Spain’s oldest ski resort, known for its family-friendly atmosphere – check the webcam updates here
• Formigal – Panticosa (Pyrenees) – check the webcam updates here
• Astun – Candanchu (Pyrenees) – check the webcam updates here

There are also many smaller, more local Spanish ski resorts, such as Cerler, Vall de Núria, Port del Comte, and Valdelinares-Javalambre, among others.

Skiing in the Pyrenees

So far, I’ve skied at several destinations in the Pyrenees, including Baqueira and Andorra, and both were amazing. However, I found Baqueira to be a bit less touristy, which made it a more enjoyable experience for me.

Andorra, though, is known as one of the smallest countries in Europe and is home to one of the largest spas, making it a charming winter destination beyond skiing. You can check out all my articles on Andorra here.

What I loved about Baqueira Beret

• Skiing Experience: The resort boasts over 160 km of slopes, catering to all skill levels. As an intermediate skier myself, I found the variety of slopes to be an excellent match, offering just the right amount of challenge and enjoyment. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, Baqueira Beret has something for everyone.
• Nature: Nestled in the Val d’Aran region, Baqueira Beret is a popular weekend trip from Barcelona. The area is surrounded by breathtaking snow-covered peaks and is set far from the hustle and bustle of big cities. You can check out my summer visit to the area in this post to see how stunning it is year-round.
• Food in the Pyrenees: The Pyrenees region is renowned for its comforting homemade dishes, perfect for refueling after a day on the slopes. From hearty stews to local cheeses, the food here is a must-try. If you’re a foodie, read more about the culinary delights of the Pyrenees in this post.
• Non-Ski Activities: If skiing isn’t your thing, or you’re traveling with someone who prefers not to hit the slopes (like my husband, who joined our ski group), the Pyrenees offer plenty of other adventurous activities. You can go snowshoeing, take snowmobile tours, or even try dog sledding for an unforgettable winter experience in Spain.

Where to stay in Baqueira Beret

Some of the most unique hotels to stay in Baqueira, offering direct access to the slopes and beautiful interiors perfect for enjoying après-ski, include the Hotel AC Baqueira Ski Resort, Hotel MIM Baqueira Luxury, Eurostars Royal Tanau, and Hotel Chalet Bassibe. For this trip, we rented an apartment, as we knew we wouldn’t be spending all our time skiing. However, for avid skiers, it makes sense to pay more for hotels with slope access.

How to get to Baqueira Beret

Baqueira Beret ski resort is located in the Catalan Pyrenees, in the picturesque Val d’Aran region. The nearest airports to Baqueira Beret are in Toulouse, Barcelona, and Zaragoza, with many travelers choosing to visit during a Barcelona weekend getaway.

The resort spans over 4,700 acres of skiable terrain, offering slopes for all skill levels and preferences. Typically, the resort is open from mid-December to mid-April. However, it’s worth noting that last year, snowfall was scarce, and artificial snow was used to cover the slopes even in February. The resort is made up of three main valleys – Baqueira, Beret, and Bonaigua – each interconnected by 167 km of slopes and served by 29 ski lifts.

Is Skiing in Spain Worth It?

Spain may not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of skiing, but it should definitely be on your radar – especially when it comes to visiting the Pyrenees in winter and enjoying the charm of local towns and breathtaking scenery.

Is Baqueira Beret worth visiting?

I absolutely loved Baqueira Beret as a skiing destination in Spain. Before this trip, all I knew was that the Spanish Royal Family used to ski there, which made me curious to see how it compared to other European resorts I’ve visited. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the slopes and can’t wait to return.

Map of skiing destinations in Spain

Spanish Pyrenees Travel Guide: Ultimate FAQs & Planning Tips

Wondering where to stay in the Spanish Pyrenees or whether you really need a car? In the video below, I answer these and many other questions I frequently receive from At Lifestyle Crossroads readers. If there’s anything else you’d like to know, leave me a comment.

Read more about the Spanish Pyrenees:

• Top Adventurous Things to Do in the Pyrenees (read it)
• Beautiful Small Towns in the Spanish Pyrenees (read it)
• Exploring The Pre-Pyrenees of Spain: A weekend in Sierra de Guara (read it)
• Cogost de Montrebei: The Most Adventurous Hike in Spain (read it)
• Epic 7 Days in the Pyrenees of Spain (read it)
• 10-Day Pyrenees Itinerary: An Ultimate Road Trip from Madrid (read it)
• Hiking Trails in The Pyrenees You Can Not Miss (read it)
• Top Beautiful Places to Visit in the Spanish Pyrenees (read it)
• Exploring the Pyrenees of Catalonia (read it)
• 5 Epic Reasons to Visit the Pyrenees with Kids (read it)
• Top Romantic Things to do in Andorra (read it)
• The Spanish Pyrenees Road Trip 4-Day Itinerary (read it)
• Top Things to Do in Andorra (read it)
• Best Foods in the Pyrenees of Spain (read it)
• 3 days in the Pyrenees of Aragon with Seniors & Kids (read it)
• One Day in Andorra: Why You Should Really Visit Andorra in Winter (read it)

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For more Spain travel tips check out my Pinterest board Spain Travel Collection and Flipboard Travel to Spain.

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