ALFREDO MERINO
Updated Sunday, February 11, 2024-20:45
Guide Which ski resort to choose this season: the cheapest, the most expensive and all the news
Snow The most irresistible hotels for skiing in the Alps this winter
As usual, the beginning of the season has been marked by a lack of snow. The latest snowfalls have given us a respite. It is time to enjoy the slopes of our country, France and Andorra.
ARAGONESE PYRENEES
Formigal-Panticosa.
The two resorts in the Tena valley, belonging to the Aramón group, keep the 182 kilometers of their slopes together with a free bus service for skiers with a ski pass. Its new features are the delay of some descents, such as Sarrios and Garmet, and the renovation of the snowpark. More notable is the increase in the gastronomic offer, which includes a Michelin star menu in the Anayet sector. The igloos offer a unique distinction from Formigal.
Outdoor terrace atmosphere next to the slopes of Formigal.
Cerler.
The Benasque valley station has as a novelty something foreign to the ski area: the conclusion of the widening of the Congosto de Ventamillo, a singularly delicate section that is the only access to the place. Already at the resort, the new features focus on the increase in the number of snow cannons, the renewal of slope signage and the new ski storage and equipment rental area.
Candanchú-Astún.
Pending the union of both ski areas, under the 100K brand, the two resorts in the Aragón valley are connected with a bus shuttle and a single ski pass, like previous seasons. The opening of a cafeteria in the Sarrios area of Astún is the main novelty of the winter.
CATALAN PYRENEES
Baqueira Beret.
The
must
of Spanish snow ensures 60% of its slopes covered by artificial snow. The most extensive domain of our mountains reinforces its privileged position this year with the opening of three new slopes: the return to Orri from the Beret area; the Forest, which connects the access cable car with Esquirós and the Barqueta, which leads from the upper part of the Baqueira area to the Argülls valley. The layout of other tracks has also been changed. The one performed in Tamarro stands out, which, they say, will be the sensation of the season.
The Aranese resort has once again hosted the Freeride World Tour this year, an extreme ski competition that consists of descending vertical slopes, while performing tricks and pirouettes.
Two young people take a break at Cap de Baqueira.
La Molina-Masella.
Without leaving the Catalan snow, the resorts of the Pyrenees together offer 145 kilometers of slopes. The longest of the Iberian mountains stands out, with 4,750 meters of development. The work for this season has focused on improving slopes and facilities, increasing the artificial snowmaking network and new signage for the descents.
Boí Taüll.
He has installed two new debutante ribbons and opened a new slope and snow park.
Port Aine.
It has renovated the freestyle area and the snowpark.
Vallter 2000.
It has covered the 2,600 meters of its longest track with artificial snow.
Vall de Núria.
Its 11 kilometers ensure that 90% of the slopes are covered by artificial snow.
SIERRA NEVADA
The premiere of the Ál Andalus chairlift marks its season. This is access to the Borreguiles area, the epicenter of the slopes, from Pradollano, the base and main nucleus of the station, which is accessed by road. Its 77 cable cars replace the old ones that had been in operation for three decades. It is not the only lift that skiers go to see. There are two others that join the Dílar hill and the Río.
Several little ones enjoy a children's ski class.
FRANCE
In the vast French Pyrenean territory, 38 ski resorts extend their domains. They are associated with 16 thermal and wellness centers and an endless battery of recreational and leisure possibilities. Among its strategies, the
4 seasons
project stands out
, which seeks to extend the attractions of snow centers beyond the winter period; convert ski resorts into mountain resorts.
The idea, which claims to be unique in the neighboring country, works on diversifying leisure possibilities. The
Natura Piau project,
in the station near the Spanish territory of
Piau-Engaly
, which will conclude in 2036, promises increases and improvements in accommodation, access to nature and new activity areas. The most notable novelty is in
Formiguères
, in the Pyrenees-Orientales, which inaugurates the chain's first teleport. It is a lift that combines the alternative transportation of chairs and cabins in the same cable. It replaces the veteran Calmazeille chairlift and connects the base of the station with the Camporells area.
In
Porté-Puymorens,
a chairlift has also been inaugurated in the Mina sector.
Font Romey-Pyrénées 200
also opens a cable car in the Airelles sector.
Cauterets
, star of the French Hautes Pyrenees, has also started with changes in search of seasonality. A new chairlift will allow access to the recommended Cirque du Lys area not only for skiers, but also for hikers and summer cyclists who use the
bike park
located here.
Also notable is the new
Crémaillère Express
, a unique sustainable initiative inaugurated in Superbagnères, which aims to be an alternative to the road traffic that accesses the station. With a transport capacity of up to 2,000 passengers per hour, this gondola lift overcomes the 1,200 meter drop from Luchon to the ski area in eight minutes. Very notable is the strategy of
Artouste
, at the foot of the Midi d'Ossau peak, which has decided to do without artificial snow.
Together, the French resorts promote multi-station
ski passes
, which can be recharged depending on the use of lifts and with discounts, offering a range of possibilities that not only include lift passes, but also accommodation, equipment rental and ski and snowboard lessons.
Nordic dogs for mushing or sled racing.
ANDORRA
The season that
Arinsal celebrates its 50th anniversary
,
Ordino Arcalís, 40 and Grandvalira, 20,
the resorts of the Principality celebrate it with events among which the Alpine Ski World Cup and the launched kilometer and one of the tests of the spectacular Freeride World stand out. Tour. This season, Andorran centers are making a decisive commitment to the manufacture of artificial snow. Its large domains have 110 new snow traps to guarantee that 66% of the slopes are skiable.
The three mentioned stations thus show their commitment to optimizing their customers' experience. In addition to the battery of artificial snow cannons, the main investments, which reach 34.5 million euros, have focused on the installation of new infrastructure and the renovation of existing ones.
You can follow
El Mundo Viajes
on
,
and