A Snowy Escape: Barcelona’s Best Weekend Ski Trips

Barcelona is practically synonymous with sunshine, but many guests are surprised to learn that this Catalonia hub is perfectly situated for a snowy escape. A typical winter day in Barcelona can average 14º Celsius, or 57º Fahrenheit, but with quick trip outside the city, guests will find far more frosty conditions, prime for hitting the slopes.

Where do the locals go when the weather starts to turn, and how do they get there? We’ve got four of Barcelona’s best ski escapes perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway.

La Molina

Soar to new heights with La Molina’s slopes. Hitting a peak altitude of 8,022 feet, this ski town is a convenient two hours from Barcelona and a playground for winter and summer sports enthusiasts alike. During the colder months, La Molina offers 33 lifts and connects all their wintry fun via a gondola lift.

You can make it to La Molina in 2 hours by car, and its relative proximity make it the best place to visit by public transport. The train takes less than three hours and €50 will get your ticket and lift pass. You can also take the bus, which is around €10 more, but drops you off right next to the slopes so you don't need to change. The bus leaves at 16:30 though, so is incompatible with the après ski.

When the temperatures start to rise, visitors can embark on a number of adventures such as mountain bike paths, hiking trails, and even segway tours!

Baqueira Beret

In the heart of the Pyrenees, visitors will find a snow-capped wonderland. Baqueira Beret is four hours away from Barcelona’s center by car and promises beautiful views along the way. Baqueira Beret boasts 167 kilometers of ski slopes. The Spanish royal family frequents Baqueira Beret for their wintry holidays if it’s any testament to its caliber. A 1 day ski pass costs €59 for an adult.

This snow haven is surrounded by over 200 lakes, so be sure to take a day off the slopes to explore all the scenery that this town has to offer. While in the Lleida region, be sure to try the dish Olla Aranesa to get a taste of the typical cuisine.

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Espot Esqui

When seeking fun for the whole family, this is the “Espot.” Located three and a half hours outside of Barcelona by car, this ski resort has twenty-two runs of varying difficulty, so everyone can enjoy. A 1 day ski pass costs €36 for an adult. If skiing isn’t your thing, Espot Esqui also offers snowmobile excursions and dog sledding trails.

Admire the lush black pine forests from the comfort of one of the many cozy lodges. When day turns to night, find awe at the Starlight Reserve, Espot’s astronomical observatory. A UNESCO heritage site and star lover’s must, Starlight Reserve complements every ski trip perfectly.

Andorra

Purely in terms of skiing, Andorra is the number one. With 138 pistes totalling 210km, Grandvalira is the biggest resort in the Pyrenees, and across all of southern Europe. There is plenty of accommodation available in all 6 of its resorts, and a range of activities, even for those who are not into skiing. From mountain trails to spas, there is also some great shopping to be had in the capital. Andorra has very low tax on goods, so many people from France and Spain come just for the prices!

The ski resorts of Andorra can be reached in about 3 hours by car, and you can also get there by bus. A round trip costs €50, and it's 3 hours to the capital, where you change onto a local bus. A 1 day ski pass for an adult costs €57.

Bask in the Barcelona sun or cool down in the Catalonian mountains. With a whole host of ski resorts speckled around Barcelona’s outskirts, guests have a variety of options for snowy fun. When it’s time to retreat back to the city, be sure to check out any of our 170+ Barcelona homes like Lidi, Otaka, and Yoko.