When thinking of the Mediterranean hotspot of Barcelona, a place of sun, sea, sand and sangria, the word ‘skiing’ often slips the mind – and definitely not ski resorts near Barcelona!
However, the Pyrenees Mountains are just a stone’s throw away, located on the French-Spanish border. Offering some of the best skiing conditions in Europe, and with some resorts within just 2 hours’ reach of the Catalan capital, you’d be crazy not venture up to the mountains for a short trip!
No matter your ability, whether you’re searching for powder or are a complete beginner, we guarantee our guide to ski resorts near Barcelona will equip you with all you need to know for the best day trip or short break. These are also some of the best ski resorts in Spain!
Top Five Ski Resorts near Barcelona
Masella
Only 2 hours away from Barcelona, Masella is renowned for being the best place on the pensinsula for night-time skiing, made possible by its powerful lighting system. In total, the mountain has 65 slopes and nine black runs for experienced skiers looking for a challenge. An adult day ticket ranges from €39 during low season to €43 in high season. Season passes for adults are sometimes offered so keep on the lookout for these, as well as discounts for large groups and students. Masella resort is also home to many bars and restaurants where you can enjoy delicious crêpes, raclettes and fondue after a long day on the slopes– what are you waiting for?!
La Molina
La Molina is the perfect spot to enjoy a ski trip without breaking the bank. Joined with Masella, it is also only 2 hours away from Barcelona and easily accessible by car or public transport, here you can find 63 slopes to practice your skills, with runs for every type of skier. Moreover, La Molina is the perfect place for a family day trip or short break, and for those who aren’t exactly drawn towards skiing there are many other snow activities to sink your teeth into! In the snow park, you can find snowshoeing, snow segways and the biggest super-pipe in the Pyrenees! For only €34, you can enjoy 4 hours of skiing on this idealistic mountain.
Grandvalira – Andorra
Although slightly further away than the other skiing locations, Andorra’s famous Grandvalira Ski resort is definitely worth visiting for its unbeatable terrain. Both Pas de la Casa/Grau Roig and Soldeu/El Tarter/Canillo combined in 2003 to create the largest skiable area in the Pyrenees and Southern Europe with a total of 210km across 112 slopes. When bought online, full day passes for adults are only €48 and half-day ones only €37. Known as ‘the heart of Andorra’, this is a great ski area for both avid skiers and beginners…and with top après-ski bars, on and off the slopes, this is a resort you won’t want to miss out on!
Vall de Núria
Although a lot more modest in size compared to the rest, Vall de Núria mountain in the province of Girona is a perfect skiing hotspot for all, with a lot going on despite its size. The resort offers special family packages including a railway ticket, ski pass, and access to the Leisure Park for each person. The Leisure Park itself is enough to entertain for hours, with different sized sledging slopes, tubing, zip lines and rock climbing!
As well as this, there is a ski school, equipment rental shop, group and private lessons, and a snowboarding park, making it the perfect place for beginners and families. The mountain is easily accessible via train from Barcelona-Sants station or from Plaça de Catalunya to Ribes de Freser, then a short journey on the mountain rack railway up to the resort. The whole journey only takes about 2 hours in total and the view from the mountain railway is breathtaking.
Port del Comte
Port del Comte is the closest ski resort to Barcelona, making it a very popular choice amongst skiers. With 37 slopes and 16 lifts, the resort offers a variety of runs tailored to everybody’s ability and is open every day from 9am-5pm. Plus, when the temperatures aren’t as warm, this resort is prepared with 256 snow cannons to ensure the slopes look like a winter wonderland all season! Similar to the other resorts, plenty of activities are available at Port del Comte such as tubing, sledging and snowshoeing. During high season, adult day passes come at €35 and are €28 during low season, and with such a close proximity to Barcelona, there’s no excuse not to go!
Ski resorts in Catalonia are aplenty and offer great opportunities for some winter fun. Whether you’re interested in skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snowshoeing, or simply getting out to enjoy the fresh mountain air, these resorts are perfect for a day trip or short break from Barcelona! Use the Catalan capital as your base camp and hit the slopes for a day or two…there’s no excuse not to.
There’s more than enough ski resorts near Barcelona!
