-	All photographs of Baqueira Beret

Baqueira Beret was founded in 1964, and is Spain's largest skiing resort. It's located in the Aran Valley ( Val d'Arán ), between France and Spain on the northern side of the Pyrenees . The two small ski villages in the valley are called Baqueira and Beret. The ski stations are referred to as Baqueira 1500, Beret 1850, and Bonaigua 2072.

The resort itself is normally referred to as “Baqueira-Beret”. Here you'll find some of the most challenging terrain in the Pyrenees mountains...

The Val d’Arán area even has it’s own language - “Aranés”, which connects back to Latin. It is spoken in certain parts of Southern France, Switzerland and Italy.

Its southern location means there is an hour more daylight than in the Alps, so skiers can stay on the slopes longer. It is also warmer here.

Baqueira can only be reached by bus or car. The road leading up to it is narrow, winding and quite demanding. The scenery is spectacular; the surrounding peaks are some of the highest in the Pyrenees and the skyscapes can be amazing to look at. There are also massive waterfalls on route.

Along the way, you might pass by one or two of the ancient villages or Roman Churches that are scattered throughout the area. You’re sure to see the odd grazing goat too.

The resort itself has been purpose built for skiing. Having said that, it is very tastefully done. Wood and stone have been used instead of concrete, giving it a much more natural and charming feel.

The restaurants here are some of the best in the whole of Spain, and possibly Europe. Traditional cuisine is a mixture of both French and Spanish.

Baqueira Beret has over 500 snow guns, ensuring consistent snow coverage. It is perfect for everyone, from beginner to expert. You will often find the Spanish Ski team training here. The area is quite large and includes 6 black ski slopes. It also has numerous off-piste areas with excellent powder snow. In total, the resort has more than 70 slopes. The altitudes range from 1,500 metres to 2,5100 metres

The peak periods are: Christmas, Easter, late February and early March. January and late March are the low season and he first week of February is middle season.

Baqueira Beret is a well-designed resort; it has a modern lift infrastructure, and the snow canons ensure widespread coverage.

The resort has a lively and varied après ski scene. Prices in Baqueira are a bargain at any time of the year, compared to other European resorts.

Over the years, Baqueira has become increasingly popular; the Royal family often spend time here during the winter months, along with various Spanish celebrities.

Baqueira-Beret, natural paradise

Talking about skiing in Spain is talking about Baqueira-Beret, which is the biggest ski-resort existing in the Pyrenees. Baqueira counts on more than 100km of skiing slopes with altitudes between 1.600 and 2.500 m.

It is situated in the heart of the D’Arán Valley. The town is divided in three parts: Baqueira, Verte and Bonaigua. Because of it's altitude and geographical situation, the skiing station has lots of snow during the winter. It is sourrounded by a beautiful country-side and by 50 boroughs with roman churches and stone villages.

Baqueira is very well serviced with bars, restaurants, equipment rental services and a wide net of accommodation, from apartment, over hotels to hostels etc... and don't forget the gastronomy of the Arán Valley.

The Arán Valley is a typical Pyrenees feature. Here you can practice skiing, winter sports and adventures, hiking, hunting and fishing...all of these activities inside beautiful forests where you can appreciate the flora and fauna ... you might even see a bear.....