SKI > Formigal a must visit ski resort in the Pyrenees

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Maybe its all the confusing names is it Formigal or Panticosa, or Aramon Tena Valley but what you need to know is that it has 180km of runs across its 6 valleys and its the largest ski resort in Spain.

High in the Pyrenees and nestled on the border between Spain and France in the are of Aragon (sounds like a dragon to me) the Formigal-Panticosa Ski Resort is a massive, connecting ski lifts and trails across three towns; Panticosa, Formigal and Portalet, it is the largest and most varied resort in Spain. This is Basque Country and the resort has a unique blend of Basque, Spanish and French influences, which can be seen in everything from the architecture to the cuisine. With plenty of local festivals and events that run throughout the winter months, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture.

The highest lifted point across the valleys is ‘Tres Hombres’ at 2,250m and you can ski over 700m of vertical on runs that last up to 4kms. Over on the Panticosa side above the village you have an even greater drop over 1075 vertical metre drop in altitude as you ride from the top of the ‘Javier Escartin Chairlift’ (beneath the Pena Roya mountain at 2220m) and then descend back to the Panticosa village at 1145m.

SKI TERRAIN

Across the 390 hectares of ski area, there are 146 trails which are skewed to the advanced level skier; 12 are Green, 35 Blue, 51 Red and 43 are Black (which rate from hard to extreme). One of the standout areas is the Anayet zone, which boasts some of the resort’s most challenging slopes, as well as spectacular views of the surrounding mountain range. Meanwhile, the Tres Hombres zone is perfect for beginners and families, with gentle slopes and plenty of space to practice your skills.

WHERE TO STAY – LAS MUGAS

Sitting at 1800 metres above the Formigal village are a collection of super stylish igloo like snow domes, (actually geodesic domes) an exclusive hotel with just 6 domes sleeping up to 24 people. Las Mugas takes sits high on the mountain way above the the resort town.

To get there you are transported via snowcat, a trip that lasts about 10 minutes and from there you have your own slice of ski resort heaven, with fabulous nordic styling your room features stunning views out to the piste over split levels and delicious dining for dinner and breakfast in the private restaurant dome.

Its the perfect place for first tracks as you sit above the chairlift and can shoot straight down the run, right after breakfast or perhaps on a powder day even before.

I know you want to see more so there is a link to a video at the bottom on the experience of staying at Las Mugas (yes we are organising an Almanak Travel tour soon).

WHERE TO STAY – COL DU POURTALET

For those looking for something a little different there is accomodation in the tiny town one Col du Pourtalet (you may have seen this as a sometimes route in the Tour de France cycling race), the town sits on the French side of the border and has a handful of hotels that spill over the Spanish border. From there you can drop into the resort at the Portalet estacion de esqui (note in Spain the drop the ‘u’ just to confuse you) which is a short walk across the boarder and down the road or its an even shorter drive and there is a large carpark.

Try: https://www.maison-casadebaig.com/

LA CUNIACHA FAUNA PARK

While you are staying in the Formigal region, you can visit La Cuniacha a wild life park 10 kilometres from Panticosa and sitting 1380 metres (above the snow line) where you can see Iberian Lynx, Bison, Grizzly Bears, Reindeers and Wolves in a snow sanctuary.

SPA’S FOR SOAKING AND RELAXING

For those who like to soak there is a themal water spa at the Panticosa Spa which sits on the natural glacier lake ‘Ibon de Banos’ the water wells up from the Tiberius spring (discovered by the romans) and is a very nice 32c. There is also another thermal spa in Sallent de Gallego, El Escalacillo which also has a pool and gym if you haven’t had quite enough of a workout at the end (or the beginning of the day).

DESTINATION ARAGON

The Aragon region of the Pyrenees is stunning and Aramon Tena Vally is a fantastic ski resort that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re an experienced skier looking for a challenge, or a beginner looking to learn a new sport, you’ll find everything you need at this beautiful mountain resort. So if you’re looking for a winter getaway that combines world-class skiing with stunning views and a unique cultural experience.

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