Friday, September 14, 2012

Ski Spain Snowy Slopes

By Catherine McCulloch


When you think of Spain, snowy peaks and powdery ski slopes are not usually the first aspects that come to mind. But this wildly diverse country is far more than a sunny beach destination or fiesta stop-over, with vast mountain ranges stretching from the Pyrenees in the north to the Sierra Nevada in the south.

When it comes to Spanish ski resorts, the Pyrenees have the widest selection. Baqueira-Beret is the most famous resort in the Catalan Pyrenees, which has a variety of bunny slopes great for beginners in addition to plenty of difficult runs for masters of the slopes, so whatever your abilities, there's something for everyone.

Another ski destination in the Catalan region to go to is La Molina, a short commute on the train from Barcelona. The oldest of Spain's skiing resorts, there are plenty of slopes to choose from for all abilities. Neighbouring resort Masella is great for advanced skiers who want to push their boundaries and slalom through trees on steep black slopes. Though it's a large resort, there is little in the way of evening entertainment, but what it lacks in nightlife it certainly makes up for in sheer natural beauty.

When it comes to winter sports, the village of Formigal in the Aragon Pyrenees takes the cake. Perfect for a family holiday, there's plenty of space for the little ones to learn how to ski. More experienced families should go to the nearby Candanchu, a resort with tricky pistes to test your abilities. Candanchu has a wide range of cross-country trails and boasts the country's oldest skiing school.

If you fancy lying on the beach and traversing the slopes all in the same day, the Sierra Nevada is the ideal destination. Lodged in the Penibetic Mountains, the resort happens to be the continent's southernmost ski area. The resort also offers a flurry of snowy activities such as night skiing, cross-country skiing and dogsledding.




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