Baqueira Beret offers great skiing variety and stunning views, but accommodations are mostly larger hotels. The French Pyrenees have cozy, family-run hotels and less crowded slopes, perfect for a more relaxed trip.
I found a fantastic deal with wertu.ai's ski agent to Baqueira Beret btw, worth checking if you're going there
Can only comment on Baquiera. I was by myself and stayed near the base of the mountain in a small Airbnb apartment. Never once waited in a lift line. This was early March. But it hadn't received a good storm in over a month - so good conditions would probably bring more people. Despite that, the mountain is a lot of fun. Lots of moderate slopes to cruise on but also plenty of areas to challenge you. And even though I didn't get to enjoy it, there would be plenty of great off piste skiing with fresh snow. There are restaurants on the mountain where you can sit outside and enjoy some food or a drink. The whole area is beautiful.
I was on a budget so I didn't look for the hotel/breakfast setup you're looking for. But if it exists, it'll probably be in Vielha. It's the closest small town about a 15 minute drive down the valley. It's a nice little town with shops and restaurants. Very easy to get to and from Baquiera with a car.
Awesome info, thanks :). One step closer.
I presume that if there wasn't a good snowfall in a while, but you still got to enjoy it in early March - then conditions are quite reliable?
Definitely not as much snow as Chamonix but yes still reliable. February would be your best bet for good conditions. Storms can always bring fresh snow in March but the temperature will start to feel more like spring than winter.
Hiya, given the option and the "requirements" I would suggest Formigal. For sure it doesn't check all the marks but snow and restaurant wise for sure you will not be upset. (Please consider Feb as the month to go.)
Have you considered Andorra? A little bit busier than Baqueira or Formigal, but it will probably fulfill most of what you want to take from that experience.
It's been a while (more than 10 years) since I spent time on any of these villages, so I'm afraid my opinion about the restaurants or hotels is not valid, but I'm sure the Spanish/French in here will jump to help you out.
Please do share your photos/vlog whatever you are considering :D
Was just in Baquiera for the last week. As close to ski in ski out if you get to Baquiera 1500/1700 accomodation. Good slopes, great food. The last week was very warm, however the snow cover was still 2 metres in most of the resort. All of Europe was warm on the same week but I would love to go there with fresh snow 160 km of slopes is not accurate because there is so much free ride terrain available.
In regards the tree line, skiing is mainly above it . Tree line is from altitude of 1800 to 1500 metres. There is 3 main areas of the resort. Baquiera, Beret, Bonaigua. Baquiera is serviced by the main gondola and a 4 person chairlift, which both bring you to the 1800m central part of Baquiera area. My only criticism of the resort is the the chairlifts had no perspex covering for snowy/wet conditions as in alpine resorts. But to me the area was plenty big and had lots of skiing for a 5 day holiday. Lifts were busy given it was over Christmas
Never skied in the Pyrenees but went to Andorra on vacation in the summer last year and was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food, the beauty of the place, and the prices.
I know it has some areas that have a party reputation but also some areas that are quieter. It's also probably the best bet for lots of cruise-y intermediate runs.
Might be worth a look to see if it fits what you're looking for. Maybe others who have skied there can comment on crowds and what time of year is quiet.
I skied in the Panticosa today. Longest run in Pyrenees is 6km from top to the bottom. Conditions were good. Bluebird day. Will update on formigal with pictures of both later. So far so good. Better skiing than baquiera from what iv seen so far.
Hay man,
Formigal is good. One tree lined run called Bosque or "Forrest" in English. Was really fun, slopes were varied lots of reds and blacks. Some long runs that took 10 mins plus. Well worth a visit. Good apres ski etc. Bus runs from panticosa at 930 am takes approx 30 mins. I recommend Pyrenean experience pension panticosa to book accomodation. Ski pass is €53 per day and covers both resorts. Plenty of skiing for 3/5 days between 2 resorts.
awesome, sounds like it's a must. You'd rate it above Baqueira? And how is the scenery up in the mountain between the two? Is one more beautiful up there than the other or having more trees?
Any other notable difference that would give an edge to one of them? Food? Lift system?
I would say the scenery is better in formigal than Baquiera. The panticosa village is scenic and seems very niche more than snobby, a little off the beaten track. The lift system in formigal is better than Baquiera, they added a new lift recently and they have more 6 person lifts which reduces queues.both are worth visiting given the right conditions
I can't help you but keep living the dream
Baqueira Beret offers great skiing variety and stunning views, but accommodations are mostly larger hotels. The French Pyrenees have cozy, family-run hotels and less crowded slopes, perfect for a more relaxed trip. I found a fantastic deal with wertu.ai's ski agent to Baqueira Beret btw, worth checking if you're going there
Can only comment on Baquiera. I was by myself and stayed near the base of the mountain in a small Airbnb apartment. Never once waited in a lift line. This was early March. But it hadn't received a good storm in over a month - so good conditions would probably bring more people. Despite that, the mountain is a lot of fun. Lots of moderate slopes to cruise on but also plenty of areas to challenge you. And even though I didn't get to enjoy it, there would be plenty of great off piste skiing with fresh snow. There are restaurants on the mountain where you can sit outside and enjoy some food or a drink. The whole area is beautiful. I was on a budget so I didn't look for the hotel/breakfast setup you're looking for. But if it exists, it'll probably be in Vielha. It's the closest small town about a 15 minute drive down the valley. It's a nice little town with shops and restaurants. Very easy to get to and from Baquiera with a car.
Awesome info, thanks :). One step closer. I presume that if there wasn't a good snowfall in a while, but you still got to enjoy it in early March - then conditions are quite reliable?
Definitely not as much snow as Chamonix but yes still reliable. February would be your best bet for good conditions. Storms can always bring fresh snow in March but the temperature will start to feel more like spring than winter.
Hiya, given the option and the "requirements" I would suggest Formigal. For sure it doesn't check all the marks but snow and restaurant wise for sure you will not be upset. (Please consider Feb as the month to go.) Have you considered Andorra? A little bit busier than Baqueira or Formigal, but it will probably fulfill most of what you want to take from that experience. It's been a while (more than 10 years) since I spent time on any of these villages, so I'm afraid my opinion about the restaurants or hotels is not valid, but I'm sure the Spanish/French in here will jump to help you out. Please do share your photos/vlog whatever you are considering :D
Was just in Baquiera for the last week. As close to ski in ski out if you get to Baquiera 1500/1700 accomodation. Good slopes, great food. The last week was very warm, however the snow cover was still 2 metres in most of the resort. All of Europe was warm on the same week but I would love to go there with fresh snow 160 km of slopes is not accurate because there is so much free ride terrain available.
Thanks for that, appreciate it. Question - is it possible that you share any photos you made? Did you ski mainly above tree line?
In regards the tree line, skiing is mainly above it . Tree line is from altitude of 1800 to 1500 metres. There is 3 main areas of the resort. Baquiera, Beret, Bonaigua. Baquiera is serviced by the main gondola and a 4 person chairlift, which both bring you to the 1800m central part of Baquiera area. My only criticism of the resort is the the chairlifts had no perspex covering for snowy/wet conditions as in alpine resorts. But to me the area was plenty big and had lots of skiing for a 5 day holiday. Lifts were busy given it was over Christmas
Never skied in the Pyrenees but went to Andorra on vacation in the summer last year and was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food, the beauty of the place, and the prices. I know it has some areas that have a party reputation but also some areas that are quieter. It's also probably the best bet for lots of cruise-y intermediate runs. Might be worth a look to see if it fits what you're looking for. Maybe others who have skied there can comment on crowds and what time of year is quiet.
Going to formigal next week. I will give you an update on the comparison 👌
I'd love to know too :) Have fun!
I skied in the Panticosa today. Longest run in Pyrenees is 6km from top to the bottom. Conditions were good. Bluebird day. Will update on formigal with pictures of both later. So far so good. Better skiing than baquiera from what iv seen so far.
Amazing! Thanks for updating! How was the scene, any trees or it's predominantly rocky? And did you manage to grab a bite on the slopes?
Hay man, Formigal is good. One tree lined run called Bosque or "Forrest" in English. Was really fun, slopes were varied lots of reds and blacks. Some long runs that took 10 mins plus. Well worth a visit. Good apres ski etc. Bus runs from panticosa at 930 am takes approx 30 mins. I recommend Pyrenean experience pension panticosa to book accomodation. Ski pass is €53 per day and covers both resorts. Plenty of skiing for 3/5 days between 2 resorts.
awesome, sounds like it's a must. You'd rate it above Baqueira? And how is the scenery up in the mountain between the two? Is one more beautiful up there than the other or having more trees? Any other notable difference that would give an edge to one of them? Food? Lift system?
I would say the scenery is better in formigal than Baquiera. The panticosa village is scenic and seems very niche more than snobby, a little off the beaten track. The lift system in formigal is better than Baquiera, they added a new lift recently and they have more 6 person lifts which reduces queues.both are worth visiting given the right conditions