Last Updated: November 2017
With winter arriving in Catalonia, it’s finally time to lose the swimwear and bundle up for the cold! Don’t let the cooler days get you down, though, as lucky for us, Barcelona and the rest of Catalonia are two of the best winter vacation destinations in Europe.
A vacation in Barcelona between December and April puts you right in the midst of several popular ski resorts, all of which offer a whole host of winter activities from the typical skiing and snowboarding to the more unique igloo-building and mushing. What’s more, there are many Pyrenees ski apartments available to rent that get you right in the middle of the action, while also offering you stunning views of the Catalan Pyrenees Mountains from the comfort of your temporary winter abode.
Here we give you all the info you need on just a few of the top ski resorts near Barcelona.
La Molina – Girona, Spain
2 Hours from Barcelona- Beginner to Advanced Skiers
Located just a couple of hours outside of Barcelona, La Molina is one of our favorite winter vacation spots. This resort in the Catalan Pyrenees has a total of 52 runs (16 green, 29 blue, 29 red and 12 black) and a skiable area of 61km, making La Molina the place for all winter sports fans, whether beginners or advanced. The resort also offers guests a range of activities such as sledding, tubbing, mushing (riding with Huskies) and a tree adventure ropes course. La Molina is easily accessible by Renfe train, and the Sagales Bus Company offers great deals on transportation. With some of the coolest winter activities around, La Molina is truly a top spot to stay!
Baqueira-Beret – Lleida
4 hours from Barcelona – Beginner to Advanced Skiers
This is one of the most popular places to ski in Spain, as it is the largest winter resort in the Catalan Pyrenees. With three different zones, Baqueira, Beret and Bonaigua, and over 70 slopes, this resort is a hit with advanced skiers, including the Spanish Royal Family. If you’re an intermediate skier, we suggest you try the Blue Safari route, which takes you to all corners of the Baqueira resort with a few coffee stops along the way. For more information visit the Baqueira website.
Vall de Nuria – Ribes de Freser
1.5 Hours from Barcelona – Beginner Skiers
If you’re not an expert skier, or you have children who want to learn how to ski, Vall de Nuria in the Catalan Pyrenees is a great option for you. In addition to the larger stations, Vall de Nuria offers many smaller ski runs for children or less experienced skiers. Less than a 2 hour drive or train ride from Barcelona, Vall de Nuria can be accessed easily by Renfe train and the “Tren-Blanc”. Visit the Vall de Nuria website for more information.
Font-Romeu – France
2 Hours from Barcelona- Beginner to Advanced Skiers
If you’re looking for a change of scenery head across the border, just 2 hours north of Barcelona to the beautiful town of Font-Romeu, France. This resort offers skiing on 40 different runs and is linked to 8 other ski resorts, making it one of the biggest snow making operations in the Pyrenees. Be sure to check out the Font-Romeu website for a schedule of their latest events and activities.
Grandvalira – Andorra
3 Hours from Barcelona- Beginner to Extreme Skiers
Andorra, home to many ski resorts, is a small Catalonian country located a few hours north of Barcelona. Grandvalira is the largest resort in Andorra and the Pyrenees and is connected to six other ski resorts in the area. In all, Grandvalira offers 65 lifts to 110 different runs, 4 freestyle snow parks, and tons of other snow-related activities. What’s more, those visiting the resort can also take part in some cool activities like igloo-building and snow-biking! For more information visit the Grandvalira website.
Don’t forget these super slopes when you plan your snowy getaway this year. If you are coming to Barcelona in search of an exciting winter adventure.
Apartments for your ski trip!
If you plan on hitting the slopes this winter then be sure to take a look at our special deals and check out our ski apartments in the Pyrenees. Apartment Barcelona Offers Unique Ski Holiday Packages for Visitors to Barcelona and the Pyrenees from 36 Euro. Enjoy a spa, Jacuzzi and Roman baths at these fantastic apartments in La Molina resort. They make for the perfect place to relax after an exhilarating day on the pistes.
can hardly wait to “test” the spanish powder 🙂
That’s great! Where are you heading?
i was thinking to go to Pas de la Casa in Andorra:)
Pas de la Casa has some great slopes! You should also check out La Molina, as it’s closer to Barcelona and has some good activities too!