Snowcapped mountains full of ski lifts might not be the first picture that comes to mind when one imagines Spain, but just a few hours north of Barcelona, the Pyrenées provide a skier’s paradise. With peaks of over 3000 meters and accompanying ski resorts with more than one could ask for, a trip to hit the slopes in the Pyrenees is the ideal weekend trip for the thrill-seeking. 

Grandvalira offers the ultimate skiing and snowboarding experience. With more than 100 slopes and 64 lifts, it provides the largest skiable domain in all of the Pyrenees. No two slopes are alike, making each leap off of the ski lift a new adventure. While more experienced skiers make their marks on the black slopes, beginners can give the green slopes a shot, while snowboarders can shred powder in one of the three freestyle areas. Grandvalaria has peaks of over 2600 meters, providing both thrill and tranquility. Although slightly further from Barcelona than other ski resorts, the extra travel is sure to be worth it.

Roughly half the size of Grandvalaria, La Molina is a smaller, equally exciting ski resort outside of Barcelona. Also located amidst the beauty of the Pyrenees, it is the closest ski resort to Barcelona, roughly an hour and a half away. It has 53 slopes, ranging from beginner to expert. Complete with a snowboarding superpipe and a kiddie park, everyone is able to find their place at La Molina. With peaks of nearly 2500 meters and a great location, it is no surprise that La Molina is one of the oldest ski resorts in Spain.

Vall de Nuria is the smallest resort of the bunch, but its’ peaks are the highest. Peaks of over 3000 meters provide amazing scenery to complement the 11 slopes of various levels. With a new, enlarged snowpark and new boarder cross, snowboarders can hit the banks and get air like never before. Located in the Eastern Pyrenees, Vall de Nuria is a quick hour and forty-five minutes from Barcelona.

All three of these ski resorts provide excellent opportunities to hit the slopes, along with breath-taking views of the Pyrenees. With prices ranging from 35€ to 42€ for a day full of fun and adventure, it is sure to be money well spent. Barcelona provides many ways to experience Spain and a short trip up north provides another. Sure, you can take a trip to hike along part of the Pyrenees, but why walk when you can soar?

So visit us at ComeToBarcelona to ensure you’ve got an apartment to relax at when you’re done shredding the slopes!

On this week’s edition of Extraordinary Excursions we are venturing a bit further afield from Barcelona. This day trip will be a long one, but it's a magnificent opportunity to both gain a greater understanding of Catalan culture and to experience the breathtaking natural beauty of the Pyrénées mountains. So strap on your walking shoes and get ready for a trip to the medieval city of Vic and an afternoon of walking amongst the peaks of the Pyrenees!

A visit to the Vall de Nuria is something not to be missed!

Background

Vic is an amazingly well preserved medieval town located approximately 70 kilometers outside of the city of Barcelona. It is located in the Barcelona province and is the capital of its county, Osona. Throughout history, Vic has been an important city of commerce in Catalunya due to its privileged equidistant position between the provincial capitals of Girona and Barcelona. Today, Vic is best known for its exquisite dried meats, sausages and pork products; as well as being the gateway to the majestic Catalan Pyrenees.

What to do

Visit the medieval city's market and sample some of the city's famous pork delicacies. Especially renowned is the fuet, a thin salami-like sausage which is made in the village. Iberian pork products from Vic carry prestige and a premium price in Barcelona and other cities in Spain. Check out the Museu de la Pell (literally the Leather Museum), which is a unique museum which focuses on the history and production of various types of leathers. Of note is the cathedral, which, though it was consecrated in 1803, features many beautiful classical features. Next, spend the afternoon exploring the Catalan Pyrenees with a dayhike in the beautiful Vall de Nuria. The Vall de Nuria, accessible only by rack railway, is a pristine destination for wilderness activities of all types- including horseback riding, archery, and more.

Where and how

Vic can be reached by Renfe's Rodalies commuter train service. Trains leave from Sants station, as well as Plaza Catalunya, and take about 1 hour and a half. To reach the Vall de Nuria continue past Vic on the train until you arrive to Ribes de Freser. Here you will find the terminus of the rack railway which ascends several kilometers into the valley. To reach Ribes de Freser takes about 2 hours by train from Barcelona. Be sure to check the website of Renfe and of the rack railway for timetables, as they vary according to season (in winter Vall de Nuria is a popular ski resort).

The most convenient way to reach Vic and Vall de Nuria is by private vehicle. From Barcelona, the trip takes only about 1 hour by car. Our affiliate, Viator, offers a fully guided small-group excursion at an affordable price. This trip includes in the price round trip transport in a private van, a tour guide, and a ticket for the rack railway in Vall de Nuria. Book your trip today and an apartment in Barcelona to come home to after a long day of adventure and exploration in the mountains of Catalunya!