Baqueira Beret
The essence of the Pyrenees
Baqueira Beret is Spain's largest ski resort whose lifts can carry up to 57,983 skiers / hour. It has an area of 2,166 skiable hectares, 146 km of marked slopes, 7 km of trails, 7 km for cross-country skiing and 1,000 metres of skiable descent.
Baqueira Beret, opened on 6 December 1964, is located in Val d'Aran, in the province of Lleida, and since 2003 some of its slopes run through the neighbouring valley, Vall d'Àneu, on the other side of Port de la Bonaigua. This is the only Spanish ski station on the northern side of the Pyrenees.
From the ski station, peaks such as Maladeta and Aneto can be seen, rising to over 3,000 metres. Alternatives to skiing include rides in sleighs pulled by horses or dogs, excursions to Montgarri, a semi-abandoned village, cross-country skiing and excursions with snowshoes or snowmobiles.
Vall d'Aran is exceptionally beautiful and has an Alpine landscape where traditional architectural styles featuring stone and wooden houses with slate roofs have been preserved, even in new buildings. Romanesque churches can be found in many of the small villages. There is no shortage of hotel accommodation and a wide range of après ski activities are available, including spas, the Palacio de Hielo sports complex, museums, cultural visits, cinema, horse riding, visits to the local caviar factory, bars and discothèques.
A wide range of fine food is available. Over 200 restaurants offer high quality cuisine. The predominant influence is French (the valley borders France) but Basque and Catalan food is served as well as local favourites, with Olla Aranesa as the signature dish.
