nineteenth January 2026 | Jane Peel, Baqueira Beret
It’s Spain’s largest ski space, however Baqueira Beret is a resort PlanetSKI has but to find. Time to place that proper. NEW
They name Baqueira Beret the most effective saved secret within the Pyrenees.
So, the place precisely is it?
It’s within the Val d’Aran in Catalonia within the northern Pyrenees.
It’s little greater than two hours’ drive from Toulouse airport.
Two and a half if you must keep away from the newest road-blocking protest by French farmers.
You too can fly to Barcelona however the journey from there’s extra like 4 hours.
The primary resort base of Baqueira, which sits at 1500m, is way from the prettiest village you’ll discover within the mountains.
It’s moderately gray and practical.
Baqueira 1500m. Picture © PlanetSKI
However who cares, if the snowboarding’s good?
The slopes vary from 1500m as much as 2610m.
There are 127 runs, overlaying 173km.
The resort is made up of three foremost areas linked by 36 lifts:
Baqueira at 1500mBeret at 1850mBonaigua at 2072m
The very best snowboarding is at Baciver at 2610m, which is within the Beret sector.
View from Cap de Baciver, providing the best snowboarding in Baqueira Beret. Picture © PlanetSKI
Beret sector, Baqueira Beret. Picture © PlanetSKI
Bonaigua, Baqueira Beret. Picture © PlanetSKI
Every space has its personal character and points of interest for several types of skier or snowboarder.
However all have loads of large blue and crimson runs.
Baqueira Beret. Picture © PlanetSKI
Snowboarding by myself for a lot of my time right here, it was straightforward sufficient to search out my method round.
The indicators and the piste map are straightforward to observe.
Baqueira Beret. Picture © PlanetSKI
Xavi Ubeira, the Industrial Supervisor for Baqueira Beret, advised me extra in regards to the place.
The resort’s foremost customized comes, not surprisingly, from Spain.
Some 80% of its guests are Spanish.
The remaining clientele come from simply over the border in France (10%) with different nationalities making up the remaining.
The resort stories that the variety of guests from each the USA and UK is on the rise.
I met a bunch of British skiers who rave in regards to the place.
Brits in Baqueira. Picture equipped.
Some would moderately I didn’t write this text.
They’re eager to maintain the key of Baqueira to themselves.
Others have been comfortable to clarify why it’s their favorite place to ski.
David Aldous has been right here not less than 10 instances.
“It’s quaint and quirky and the snow is nice,” he advised me.
“Its three distinct areas have one thing for everybody.”
Baqueira Beret. Picture © PlanetSKI
Paul Younger is right here for his third yr in a row.
“The resort is without doubt one of the friendliest I’ve ever been to and it’s the most effective snow on this space.”
Carolyn Wilson is a Baqueira first-timer, having solely beforehand skied within the Alps.
“I will surely come again. Everybody is sweet, comfortable, respectful and cheerful,” she mentioned, “and the slopes are quiet.”
She’s proper. Up to some extent.
On weekdays, on this mid-January week, it’s good and quiet.
Baqueira Beret, Spain. Picture © PlanetSKI
Nonetheless, this can be a fashionable place for weekenders.
Locals, together with quite a few youngsters’s ski golf equipment, in fact, but in addition some who journey from as distant because the capital, Madrid, for his or her snow repair.
And, once I ventured out on a snowy Saturday morning, the runs simply above the resort base have been packed.
Busy on the slopes in Baqueira Beret. Picture © PlanetSKI
Endurance was required within the elevate queues.
Baqueira Beret. Picture © PlanetSKI
Should you get to know the world, you’ll be able to in all probability miss the worst of the queues.
Actually, in the event you space capable of keep away from peak instances, I’d say Baqueira Beret is properly price visiting.
Not only for the snowboarding.
I’ve discovered the foods and drinks – particularly the Spanish wine – to be of top quality.
And cheaper than within the Alps.
Although you’ll be able to all the time discover someplace to splash out in the event you fancy an improve from Cava.
Actual champagne in Baqueira Beret. Picture © PlanetSKI
Cheers! Picture © PlanetSKI
I’ve solely skimmed the floor throughout my journey however I’ve seen sufficient to know that Baqueira Beret is a spot I’d be comfortable to return to.
I’m advised it’s the favorite winter playground of the Spanish royal household.
Absolutely they will’t be fallacious?
So, apologies to those that wished me to maintain shtum.
The key’s out.
Baqueira Beret. Picture © PlanetSKI
Jane was in Baqueira Beret for the primary cease of the 2026 Freeride World Tour.
You could find out extra about Baqueira Beret right here.
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