Baqueira Beret

BAQUEIRA BERET SKI RESORT

One of the largest ski resorts in Spain, located in the Catalan Pyrenees, in the Aran Valley region. The resort is divided into three distinct but perfectly connected areas: Baqueira (for the most experienced skiers), Beret (for beginners) and Bonaigua (where there are plenty of off-piste slopes); between the three, there are 108km marked runs. It has 71 pistes (5 green, 34 blue, 26 red and 6 black), 32 ski-lifts and a 7km cross-country ski circuit.

MONTGARRI SANCTUARY

The Montgarri Refuge-Sanctuary is located at the north-east border of the Aran Valley.

To access it from here, there is an easy walking route along a fairly comfortable forest track (around 12km there and back). It starts at one end of the car park at Pla de Beret and is a very pleasant route. Surrounded by great natural beauty, the route passes very near the River Noguera Pallaresa, between black pine forests and pastures.

The Sanctuary dates from 1117, although what you visit today has been totally rebuilt. The entire setting, crossed by the River Noguera Pallaresa, invites rest and contemplation.

ARREU VALLEY

The Arreu Valley is located in the Pallars Sobirá region, in the heart of the Lleida Pyrenees. It is one of the last virgin valleys of the Pyrenees, having been left virtually untouched by people. Part of the Alt Àneu natural area, it is included in the Plan for Areas of Natural Interest of Catalonia. A semi-virgin valley covered in snow during the winter period leads to Pla de Beret; from here, you can reach Port de Salau, Bonabé Forest, Cireres Forest... From Arreu, a walking trail leads to Vall del Rosari with its glacial lakes, and to Muntanyó d'Àrreu, at the foot of which are the Rialba plains.

ARTIES

Arties is the largest town of the Naut Aran, together with Salardú. Located 1143 metres above sea level between the Rivers Valarties and Garonne, Arties is the perfect place to wander through its streets.

It is a very charming and chic town, where the typical wooden, stone and slate houses are mixed with French-style coloured buildings. The large number of restaurants and shops, all of which are high-end, is surprising.

Its historic centre stands out with the Romanesque and Gothic-style Santa María Church, Casa Portolá with its 16^th century tower, and Casa Paulet, also dating from the 16^th century. You can sample traditional dishes at its restaurants, such as truhada (mashed potato), patarnes (potato stew), Bagergue cheeses, and the famous olla aranesa casserole, which you can also try at the hotel.

VIELHA

Vielha is a small town of around 4000 inhabitants located 974 metres above sea level, and the capital of the Aran Valley. It is a modern town where you can find any service that you could need, It has an interesting cultural offering, with essential visits which include Sant Miquèu Church in the town centre, where the medieval Christ of Mijaran is kept, the Aranese Ethnological Museum, the arcades of the Town Hall, the Çò de Rodès stately home, the Wool Museum and the General Martinón Tower dating from the 17^th century.

Routes in Baqueira Beret

Perfect places to go with the family

ARTIGA DE LIN

A natural enclave of great beauty, one of the most stunning in the Aran Valley. This is an accessible route which doesn’t require much exertion and is suitable for all the family. It can be accessed by vehicle from the Uelhs deth Joeu car park, which is the starting point of the trail.

ROUTE.

Leaving the car park, follow the main trail until you reach the waterfall. Cross the metal bridge over the River Joeu to access the path which ascends parallel to the waterfall; the path will disappear and reappear beneath your feet.

This path passes through a forest of spruce and beech trees and leads to the spectacular Artiga de Lin grassland, at the foot of Malh dera Artiga. Here, the path becomes a forest track once again, which leads to the refuge and takes you back to the starting point.

“An ideal place to go walking with family or small children”

BAUSEN AND THE BEECH TREES OF CARLAC

The beech trees of Carlac seem like figures from a story; they are hundreds of years old and are breathtaking. Make sure you visit Teresa’s Cemetery, a civil cemetery where those who were denied burial at Bausen parish church cemetery were laid to rest.

ROUTE

Leaving Bausen, take the track which goes up past the Church and its cemetery, towards San Ròc Chapel, in the direction of Taishoères. Here, you can take a detour to visit the civil cemetery. Ascending the slope of the mountainside, you will arrive at a wonderful forest of beech trees and ferns.

Continue parallel to the River Carlac, which you will cross by log bridge, and little by little, uphill, you will approach the Coret de Pan (1175 metres), the route’s highest point, with some amazing views. There, Mount Maladeta stands tall. From this point, descend towards the barn houses at Sacrotz and Cap des Camps, along the forest track, until you reach Bausen once again.

THE 7 LAKES OF COLOMÈRS

The retreat of the former glacier beneath the Colomèrs cirque led to the erosion of its ice, leaving a series of lakes forming a spectacular landscape.

ROUTE

From Montanheta taxi rank, take the path which ascends to the first of the lakes: Estanh dera Lòssa. From here, following the course of the river without crossing it, take the trail on the right towards Colomèrs refuge. Keep the dam and Estanh Major de Colomèrs on your left until you reach the refuge. Leaving the refuge, ascend on a narrow stretch until you reach Estanh Mòrt, keeping it on your left-hand side. After ascending a small channel (following the yellow markers on the way up), you will arrive at Estanh des Garguilhs de Jos.

You must climb a small hill which leads to Estanh des Cabidornats, which you should keep on your right and follow the yellow markers to reach Estanh Long. Now look for the GR markers (white and red) to reach the Còth de Clòto pass and arrive at Estanh Còth de Baish. From this point, descend until the trail branches, and continue along the right-hand path until you reach the river, and from there, the starting point.

SNOW

Rafaelhoteles by La Pleta is the perfect hotel for practising any mountain or snow sport:

SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING

We have a J. Moga ski school at our facilities. Private and group classes of all type are provided, as well as ski equipment for hire.

SNOWSHOEING

Guided tours adapted to the needs of each user, with the possibility of food, vehicle or helicopter transfers.

SLEIGHING

Pulled by dogs or horses, with a capacity of 3/4 people and the possibility of lunch at a mountain refuge.

SNOWMOBILES

Snowmobiles for one or two people, from where you can discover inaccessible natural spaces. With the possibility of lunch or dinner at a mountain refuge.

HELI-SKI

Transfers by helicopter to make exciting descents. A high ski level is required.

GROUP ACTIVITIES

Tailor-made programmes and workshops in the snow: sled races, snow sculptures, snowball fights, paint balling and igloo building.

ADVENTURE

PANORAMIC FLIGHTS

Discover the Aran Valley from a helicopter, with room for up to 5 people. Flights last between 15 and 25 minutes.

HORSE RIDING

Different routes around the Aran Valley.

TAILORED HIKES

Mountain routes for all levels. Also, mountain biking routes, with the possibility of a helicopter trip.

OTHER TAILOR-MADE ACTIVITIES

Any kind of tailor-made excursion: cultural (Aran Romanesque route), to a fish farm (caviar production) and gastronomic (cheese making).

RELAXATION (GROUPS)

Indoor or outdoor group activities: tai chi, pilates, relaxation or stretching.

GASTRONOMIC TASTINGS (GROUPS)

Cheese, wine, cava or whisky tasting and pairing. Top-quality products and professional advice. Also, truffle and Nacarii caviar tastings.

SUSHI-MAKING (GROUPS)

Learn how to make sushi with our sushi chef. Practical classes to prepare the best dishes of Japanese cuisine.

KIDS’ WORKSHOP

Pizza and cheese workshops. Guaranteed fun for the littlest ones.