With its thrilling drops, long and wide runs, and perfect snow throughout winter, it's no surprise that Baqueira Berte in Catalonia is Spain's most popular ski resort.

Interested in taking a ski holiday in Spain? Now is the perfect time to strap on your skis and discover this winter wonderland for yourself from the comfort of nearby luxury hotels Parador Vielha and Parador Artíes.

Spain's largest winter resort

Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2014, Baqueira Berte is Spain's largest winter resort, with some 120 kilometres of marked pistes over 1,922 hectares of skiable land. Long the best kept secret in Lérida's AránValley, the resort became famous over the years due to its exceptional terrain and consistently good snow, gradually attracting a great number of world-class skiers as well as jet-set travellers. 

Baqueira Berte is Spain's only resort on the north face of the Pyrenees, which is why the area enjoys considerable snowfall. The resort is divided into three main areas: Baqueira, Beret and Bonaigua, which are interconnected and offer pistes for skiers of all levels, with wide lanes and sections that traverse the forest.

Options for everyone

Barqueira Berte offers a wide variety of activities for non-skiers, including cross-country skiing, snowmobile rentals, horse and mushing sleighs, and shopping. Hiking is also popular, especially to the nearby, semi-abandoned village of Montgarri, whose villagers gradually moved away over the course of the 1970s.

The wider AránValley is in a unique location, bordering France to the north and Aragón to the west. Split by the beautiful Garonne River, the valley - one of the highest within the Pyrenees - used to be cut off from the rest of the country during winter due to the snow. Its isolation over the centuries led to the rise of Aranese, a local language that is experiencing something of a renaissance.

Paradise in the Pyrenees

The world-class ski resort and the rest of the AránValley are at your fingertips at Parador Artíes, a charming mountain retreat just seven kilometres from the slopes. Set in the heart of the scenic Catalan Pyrenees, this superb location treats you to views of snowcapped mountains and lush pine forests.

Relax in the Salón Chimenea, were you can curl up by the fire after a long day in the snow. Later, head to the restaurant, where regional specialties on the menu include olla aranesa (local stew) and freshly caught trucha a la llosa (regional trout).

Another option is Parador Vielha, located within the valley and sheltered by the mighty mountains that surround the area. Another ideal springboard for skiers, this hotel has the additional perk of an in-house hotel spa, where you can fully unwind after a day on the slopes. Its restaurant, set in a grand, circular room with incredible views, offers unforgettable dishes including wild boar and pancakes with cream known as pescajus, the region's most delightful specialty.

Interested in booking a ski holiday in Spain? Contact Paradores today.