Founded in 1964 by Luis Arias, a former Spanish ski racer, Baqueira-Beret is a relatively young ski resort in Catalonia in the Pyrenees. With 167 km of pistes, it is one of the largest resorts on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees. It is largely geared for the Spanish market which lends itself to a really different experience for skiing holidays. Set in the Val D'Aran, strict planning regulations have resulted in tasteful construction, in keeping with the older villages and hamlets dotted around the valley.
The Ski Area The ski area starts at 1500m and goes to 2500m at the highest point. The total area consists of 167 km and consists of 3 main areas: Baqueira is home to the main beginner area. It has great slopes for newer skiers to progress on and has a great network of blue and red pistes. Beret has great skiing, wonderful views, and is a relaxing spot to catch the sun. Bonaigua tends to be a lot quieter, but has just as many fantastic runs.
The lifts are mainly chairs and queues in Baqueira are as short as you can find. The majority of pistes throughout the resort are blues and reds, but for the more experienced, the resort also offers plenty of challenges. There are some fantastic itinerary runs and off-piste opportunities and freestylers are also catered for, with a terrain park in Beret. Heli-skiing is the the best value in Europe.
Snow record The orientation of the valley ensures good conditions year after year, with lots of the slopes north or north-west facing. There is also excellent snow cannon coverage if required.
Apres-ski The pace and rhythm of the Aran valley is typically Spanish. Apres-ski is low-key. The resort centre is home to several restaurants and tapas bars but to experience a real Pyrenean atmosphere you could explore the villages further down the valley, where the quality of dining is high and there are great bars. Any serious night owls should head to Tiffany's nightclub (formerly Pascha), in the main Baqueira car park, where things get lively from midnight often until the sun comes up.
Non-ski activities Baqueira offers a variety of activities for non-skiers such as dog-sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and thermal baths.
Off-piste and Heliskiing
Extensive off-piste back country skiing and the heliskiing is probably the best value in Europe.
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The Resort
Baqueira has 167 km of pistes and thirty-five lifts, as well as extensive off-piste back country skiing and heli-skiing. More info >
Summer Holidays
In summer you can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities in the beautiful Aran Valley, such as hiking, mountain biking, and rafting.
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