Baqueira Beret Ski Holidays

Overview

The ski resort of Baqueira Beret is situated between the valleys of the Val d’Aran and Val Àneu in the Catalan Spanish Pyrenees.  One of the largest and most prestigious ski resorts in Spain it has become famous for its association with the Spanish royal family as well as the national ski team.  Over 165 km of pistes from 1500 metres reaching up to 2610 metres the ski area is divided into 3 sectors: Baqueira, Beret and Bon Aigua boasting everything from wide sweeping, treeless runs to the more challenging downhills making it ideal for everybody; from beginners and intermediates through to the seasoned professionals.   

Qualified ski and snowboard instructors ensure that the ski schools are a positive experience for everyone; adults and children alike.  

Good snow reliability means that the resort is normally open from November to April with plenty of assistance, when necessary, from the artificial snow making equipment.  

The surrounding countryside is stunningly picturesque.  Mountains, rivers, lakes and forests make an amazing back-drop for everyone to enjoy.  The main road through the valley is dotted with traditional little villages that host many hotels, apartments and great restaurants and bars that cater for every taste from fine gourmet cuisine to the traditional Pyrenean meats and stews which are incredibly delicious.

The “capital” of the area, Vielha is at just 14 kilometres from Baqueira Beret and has a busy shopping district with some quirky restaurants and bars.  Here, the night-life is a lot livelier.   Public transport is regular and economical, but car-hire is also recommended in order to  freely visit all of those lovely little villages along the way.  There are also plenty of alternative activities for a break from the slopes.

Families      Non-Skiers     Groups      Resort atmosphere 

Apres Ski & Nightlife      Shopping 

Baqueira

Baqueira is a beautiful little village, with absolutely everything you would need for your holiday whether skiing or snowboarding.    Luxurious and refined hotels are all around making the town quite a “chic” destination, where your every need is catered for.  Whilst there are still some more modest hotels and self-catering apartments, the high-end hotels certainly take centre stage for those that prefer being totally pampered.  Families with children are well catered for both at the hotels and the ski station..

The gondola is near the centre of the village with a large public car park at less than 200 metres.  Many hotels offer shuttle buses to the gondola.  

A fabulous choice of eateries, from fine dining restaurants to pizzerias and economic take away snacks.  Àpres ski is centred around the restaurants and hotel bars, and is very laid back.   

Many skiers choose not to stay in Baqueira itself but in one of the nearby villages along the valley,  so here is some information for some of the more popular alternatives that also offer fantastic accommodation, which is often more economical than staying in Baqueira village itself:

Vielha

 Vielha is the capital town of the Aran valley.  At approximately 19 km from Baqueira village, the ski station is about 20 minutes drive away.  Vielha is surrounded by mountain peaks reaching up to 2000 metres.  It is a busy town with plenty of varied shopping, restaurants, bars and even night clubs.  A range of accommodation is available from 4-5* quality hotels, to more affordable 2-3* hotels, hostels and apartments.  Vielha is economically the most budget-friendly town to stay.  It is also the liveliest town when it comes to Âpres Ski. Restaurants are in abundance with every type of cuisine that you could wish for and to suit everyone's pocket. 

Other villages

TREDOS - Tredos is at 3 km from the ski station.  A small village with a few hotels and apartments.  Here the younger ones (and not so young ones) can enjoy a day around the “Camino de las Brujas” (Witches Walk) taking you on a circular excursion around the nearby countryside starting from the village itself.

SALARDU - At approximately 4-5 km from the ski station at Baqueira.  Salurdú is actually the “capital” of the Naut Aran region of the Aran Valley sitting strategically at the convergence of the Garona and Unhola rivers.  The beautiful mediaeval church is worth a visit.  Accommodation here tends to be much more budget-friendly and you will find a host of 2-3* hotels/hostels and apartments as well as plenty of little restaurants and bars, catering for every taste, including traditional, hearty stews and fine meats.

ARTIES - Stunningly quaint and picturesque little village with the river Garona flowing through, Arties is a firm favourite with some great quality hotels, restaurants and bars.  It really is a “must visit” for anyone coming to Baqueira Beret.  The restaurants are renowned around the area.  Just 6-7 km from the ski station. 

Ski Info

Resort height: 1500-1750 m

Snow range: 1500-2610

Ski Area : 165 km

Easy: 77

Intermediate: 68

Difficult: 20

Longest run - 5km

Snowparks - 1

Snow making facilities - 70%

Ski Lifts - 36 -  gondola 2 /chairlifts 18/ draglifts 8/ rope tows 1/ magic carpets 7

Beginners    Intermediate      Advanced      Snowboarding  

Resort Info

There are plenty of “non-ski” activities to enjoy in Baqueira, whether it is horse drawn sleigh rides, “mushing” with huskies or snowmobiles, excursions around the valleys and forests.

Gastronomia is a big part of the ski experience in this area of Spain and restaurants are in abundance.  Quality of meat and game is important as well as the traditional hearty stews and soups.  There are some excellent high-end restaurants dotted all around the valley, especially when you get to Vielha where the abundance and variety of restaurants is eye-opening.    

There are so many, but here is a shortlist of some of the most popular eateries / bars in Baqueira.:

Moet & Chandon Winter Lounge - Situated in the middle of the slopes - an absolute favourite for Àpres ski.

Cinco Jotas Grill - Situated at the ski station.  Enjoy tasty steaks and grilled meats as well as excellent cured ham.

Casa Tana - Arties - Excellent reviews.  Quality Spanish and European cuisine with super friendly service.

Ticolet - Baqueira - Fine dining with excellent reviews and a great selection of good wines.

Tanau Sabor GastroBar - Situated in Tanau (urbanisation outside of Baqueira).  Fantastic, quality food and friendly service with a great atmosphere.  

Weather in Baqueira Beret