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Ski in Spain
By Stephen Maher
Immediately when we think of skiing in Europe our minds turn toward the Swiss Alps and their famous hot chocolate. However, I’m going to let you in on a secret, the skiing in Spain and café con leche make for a fine combination on the Iberian Peninsula. With shorter lift queues and generally lower prices, Spain’s Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada mountains are begging to be added to your repertoire.
The Pyrenees straddle Spain and France in 3 regions great for skiing - Catalonia, Aragon, and one principality, Andorra. In Catalonia, Catalan is most heavily spoken among Spanish and French. The region is greeted by the Mediterranean Sea to the east, Andorra and France to the north, and Aragon to the west. The area of the Baqueira-Beret basin is known to be the most popular with consistent snow, manicured resorts, and fashionable shopping contributing to attract the Spanish Royal Family and tourists alike.
Andorra, which lies between France and Spain is north of Catalonia. The principality also shares governorship with the President of the French Republic, Nicolas Sarkozy, and the Bishop of Urgell, Joan Enric Vives. 80% of Andorra’s GDP is contributed from tourism, and this fact works hand in hand to promote their tax free shopping! Between alpine skiing, snowshoeing and husky sledding, enthusiasts suggest Granvalira, Pal-Arinsal, Ordino-Arcalis and La Massana for the best winter activities.
Heading west to Aragon, once home to the Kingdom of Aragón, the Pyrenees boast the peaks of Astún and Candanchú. Astún and Candanchú share lift passes and are open to skiers and snowboarders. Both peaks have difficult terrain with 27 black runs; the valley lies 385km from Barcelona. Cerler, Formigal, and Panticosa are also found in Aragón and are smaller mountains with similar old world charm.
The southern most region of Spain in Andalucía is home to the Sierra Nevada mountain range. This area of Spain is most diverse because a skier can carve snowy peaks in the morning and be in the sun on a beach by the afternoon.
In 1998 the Sierra Nevada range was designated a National Park. It was declared a Unesco Biosphere Reserve in 1986, in recognition of its exceptionally diverse plant, bird and animal species. By all accounts Pradollano is the most popular resort and destination for skiing in southern Spain.
Spain has 35 ski resorts spread throughout the country with over 900 kilometers of downhill slopes. The friendly demeanour of the Spanish people, the resorts´ diverse terrain, and the fresh snow should all work together to bring you to ski in Spain for your next winter holiday or weekend getaway.
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