Val d’Aran, “Valley of Valleys”, in the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees, boasts a unique climate as the only Atlantic-facing valley in the Spanish mountains.

The valley offers endless possibilities for everyone—from winter sports at the highest level during the ski season, excursions, mountain biking, rafting, and adrenaline-filled activities for adventure seekers, to relaxing in the hot springs, savouring stunning landscapes, and breathing the fresh air of the Catalan Pyrenees for those desiring simplicity.

One of the most popular reasons to visit is to ski at the renowned Baqueira Beret resort.

Skiing at Baqueira Beret

For winter sports lovers, Baqueira Beret has become a reference point. With around 171 km of slopes, 36 ski lifts, and 122 runs, it is considered the best ski resort in the Catalan Pyrenees: a perfect option for both beginners and advanced skiers thanks to its exceptional snow quality.

Every season, the resort welcomes thousands of fans of all types of skiing: alpine, snowboarding, Nordic, and telemark. In addition, ski schools with internationally renowned instructors offer a wide variety of courses in different specialities, languages, and levels.

Gastronomy on the Slopes

Up to 24 establishments, including bars, restaurants, and snack stops, are spread across the main enclaves of the resort, guaranteeing refreshments of all types, from snacks to banquets. Highlights include 5 J’s Restaurant, a gastronomic refuge at 1,800 metres specialising in high-quality dishes from 100% Iberian acorn-fed pigs, as well as The Moët Winter Lounge—a Pyrenean classic. This unique, enlarged, and refurbished space features a dining room and terrace designed for enjoying a glass of Moët & Chandon with select dishes in the sunshine amid the mountains.

Sustainability

Baqueira Beret ski resort remains committed to its sustainability journey, integral to Val d’Aran. In 2023, it received the Biosphere Committed seal, endorsing progress towards sustainability on the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle platform and confirming alignment with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals in Agenda 2030.

The resort has planned and implemented actions to coexist harmoniously with the surrounding nature, preserving the Val d’Aran and Valls d’Àneu ecosystem. Key efforts include hydroseeding and fertilising slopes, partnerships with local farmers for natural pasture maintenance via grazing, investments in electricity and water efficiency, waste reduction, and digitalisation to enhance guest experiences while minimising paper use and queues—balancing mountain tourism with the local environment.

Beyond sustainability, Baqueira Beret engages in Corporate Social Responsibility, such as collaborating with Naut Aran council to promote summer tourism, making Val d’Aran a year-round destination.

Other Activities in Val d’Aran

Skiing isn’t the only way to experience the snow. Cross-country routes, heli-skiing, snowmobiling, dog or horse sledging, and ski mountaineering offer a myriad of winter pursuits, with guide services to uncover the mountain’s secrets.

From spring onwards, waterfalls cascade everywhere amid forests of fir, pine, beech, walnut, birch, oak, and wild cherry trees. This inspires activities for outdoor lovers, from canyoning and rafting to archery, horse riding, fishing, and climbing. Val d’Aran features six via ferratas, all free to access but best tackled with expert guides.

Hiking shines in its purest form, with over 300 km of routes of varying difficulty, suitable for all ages and levels, perfect for family and friends.

Prefer cycling? Val d’Aran offers guided e-bike routes on snow, adrenaline-spiking mountain biking, and relaxed scenic cycles. Boasting over 800 km of approved eMTB/MTB routes and 120 km of cycle touring paths, it caters to all cyclists.

Visit Val d’Aran

Photos credited to Baqueira Beret