Hiking and Skiing in Spain: The Pyrenees Mountains
Did you know that after Switzerland, Spain is Europe’s most mountainous country? Skiing in Spain and the Pyrenees seems a good trip idea? Let´s hike a bit about it.
DISCOVERING THE PYRENEES IN SPAIN
The Pyrenees Mountains act as a natural border between Spain and the rest of Europe and extends for more than 400 km between Navarre, Aragon and Catalonia. It counts on an abundance of vegetation, numerous rivers and many, many villages nestling in the foothills. All these offer you a multitude of ways to discover a unique way of life. Are you ready to discover it?
Every year a lot of people visit Barcelona and Costa Brava. But fewer people visit the Spanish Pyrenees of Catalonia. What these tourists don’t know is that this region of Spain is a perfect place to escape from the crowded coast, whether you visit it along with more popular spots or you dedicate it an entire trip.
Let us tell you that in the Spanish Pyrenees you will find many ski resorts, aside from a network of hiking trails and some cycling paths. Besides, here you can taste healthy Catalan food in medieval towns, and encounter many rich cultural attractions.
The Spanish Pyrenees from the region of Catalonia are a great spot if you seek for exploring nature, if you like to hideout in the mountains or if you are keen on a peaceful rural countryside. Besides, it offers many outdoor activities, museums, hot air balloon rides, and a lot of Romanesque churches.
Besides, if hiking the national park in the Basque Pyrenees sounds good, you came to the right place!
SKIING IN SPAIN
Spain is very popular for its sun, sea and sand, but on the other hand ski resorts here are also a great idea. Many winter sports enthusiasts take the chance to visit one of Spain’s ski resorts in a winter holiday.
The most important skiing regions in Spain are: Aragon, the Catalonian Pyrenees, the Iberian, the Cantabrian, the Central mountains and also the Penibetico mountain range placed in the South of the country.
The Aragonese and Catalonian Pyrenees hold most of the leading ski resorts, although the Sierra Nevada from the heart of Andalucia ranks amongst the best.
Besides, you can find good ski resorts near Madrid, Galicia, Leon and Cantabria in the northwest of the country or La Rioja and Teruel in the mid-north. Choosing among all the offers can be very difficult.
Where can you go skiing in Spain?
The majority of skiing locations are to be found in the Spanish Pyrenees. There are almost 20 skiing areas in the Pyrenees, so you can pick from those.
There are many places in Spain that you can go skiing. Some of these are the Cantabrian Mountains, Sistema Central, the Iberian Mountains, and the Sierra Nevada, which is Europe’s most Southernmost ski resort.
Why choose to ski in the Spanish Pyrenees?
The Spanish Pyrenees has a wide range of ski resorts that can suit every taste. Although they are not perhaps as well-known as other mountains from Europe, they have great snow, offer amazing value, and are easy to get to.
The resorts in the Catalonia region are picturesque and handful because most of them are within a two-hour drive from Barcelona. You will taste some fantastic Spanish food, prices are good, and they aren’t too busy! Make your next ski holidays here with us!
Best time for you to visit the Spanish Pyrenees
We know it can be hard to decide which is the best season to visit the Pyrenees, skiing or hiking, but if we had to choose, we would say autumn or spring are best. In these periods of the year temperatures are pleasant, the area is less crowded, so it is perfect for hiking and cycling. Moreover, most of the attractions will be open.
On the other hand, summer brings warmer temperatures, more festivals and attractions, but it brings more crowds and higher prices as well. Furthermore, in summer can be very hot.
Considering all of the above, if you are looking for snow holidays, it is better for you to visit the area in winter. Winter is best if you enjoy skiing and winter sports or if you are a keen fan of holidays.
One more reason to come here is that the Spanish Pyreness are not as crowded as other ski mountain locations from France or from Switzerland may be.
TOP 10 SKI RESORTS IN THE SPANISH PYRENEES
Skiing in the great Pyrenees snow
Well, we know it is difficult to choose because every single resort has something very special to offer. But look at it this way: consider the Pyrenees as a different winter holiday destination and not only like a flight-bus-skiing experience type. Be ready to embrace the pretty surroundings while you get to enjoy great slopes too!
Good weather, softer winter, excellent ski resorts, good food and wine… Can you think of a better way to spend your vacation?
SKIING IN THE SPANISH PYRENEES FEELS BETTER IN BAQUEIRA BERET SKI RESORT
This extensive ski resort is developing a reputation as a top-class resort because the skiing is great, the slopes are snow sure and the food is a highlight.
Based on that there are three bases to choose from beneath the 160km of linked slopes, we’d recommended Baqueira Beret. It is the largest, has the best choice of bars and restaurants and is located right in the heart of the ski area.
The slopes mainly suit intermediates, but there are some good beginner zones, most notably on the Bosque plateau above Baqueira and on the edge of Beret. More advanced skiers and boarders should consider the upper bowls of the resort that offer terrain to rival the big hitters in the Alps.
ESCAPE FROM BARCELONA AND THE COAST
You may have thought about a vacation in Barcelona and Costa Brava, but planning it is a great way to get off the tourist path. We personally love Barcelona, Girona, and the Costa Brava areas because all of them are wonderful places if you are looking for culture, food, coastal hikes or beaches. These wonderful destinations became very popular and they may be very crowded, especially if you are traveling in the summer season.
The Spanish Pyrenees are the perfect place if you want to escape and breathe in the Northern Spain and it is a great tourist destination. This region is popular among Catalan, Spanish, and French travelers. Besides, many of the people living in Barcelona and Girona come out to this area if they want a city break to hike, ski, cycle, attend festivals or maybe stay in second homes.
THE PYRENEES’ HIKING SHOULD BE YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE
Hiking in the Pyrenees can be the perfect way to escape the city and improve your mind and spirit. Besides, any sort of activity holiday is a great way to improve your fitness levels. A hiking holiday in the Pyrenees is a great introduction to high altitude climbing.
Hiking, running and climbing in the mountain environment takes a unique combination of stability, mobility, coordination, strength and endurance.
There are numerous nature parks in the Spanish Pyrenees, suitable for walks from a few hours to a few days. You can go on your own, but an organized walking tour is of course also a possibility.
Explore Spain’s Pyrenees on a walking holiday
Being a natural border between Spain and France, the Pyrenees region offers magnificent scenery and outstanding trails for hiking and cycling.
Through rocky scenery, past blue lakes and through Medieval villages you get the chance to hike through the Central Pyrenees. While crossing the main crest, you get to know the Atlantic North side as well as the Mediterranean South side of the mountain chain. There is hardly an area in Europe featuring such an array of high-contrast landscapes, such as the ‘Gran Bucle‘. During your hiking holiday you not only come across unusual natural beauty, but also get to know the culture and history of the local people.
With idyllic pastures, and deep forested valleys that are framed by jagged snowcapped peaks, with the incredible alpine scenery elevated by the medieval castles, historic villages and hill monasteries that dot the landscape. Can you think of something more beautiful?
Let our team of guides show you how spectacular and special the Pyrenees are and we’re sure you’ll fall in love with these mountains like we did!
PYRENEES GUIDED TOURS: ENJOY THE WALKING TOUR
Activities in the Pyrenees in Spain
Wander through Medieval cities, have a lot of fun in the snow, hit the ski slopes, visit museums and other cultural attractions, attend local festivals and fairs, eat tasty Catalan food, explore volcanoes… these are just some of the activities you may find among visiting the Pyrenees in Spain.
Guided vacations in the snow
Our guided holidays show you the best the region has to offer. At Carameltrail we organize routes, accommodation, meals and transport leaving you free to relax and enjoy your holiday.
We are passionate about the Pyrenees
We’re passionate about what we do and the area and love showing people the best there is to see. In fact, our enthusiasm for the Pyrenees is clear to all our guests! We know the region’s history, its stories, wildlife and of course all the best walks.
