What child doesn’t love the snow? And when you’re thinking of taking them to the snow-capped peaks, the first thing that springs to mind is skiing. This is the number-one snow activity, but there are lots more options for having fun in the snow with the kids. Here are some experiences to guarantee the whole family has a great time.
Discover Vall de Núria
Would you like your kids to spend some time surrounded by plants and animals and breathing in the fresh air? Then bring them to Vall de Núria, a charming spot set amid mountain tops towering almost 3,000 metres. The only way to get to this valley is by rack train, on a magical journey that will thrill the kids. It departs from Ribes de Freser, goes through the municipality of Queralbs and stops at the ski resort. In this natural and traffic-free environment you can encourage them to climb on an inflatable doughnut and speed down the tubing chutes. Or they can find out what it’s like to be an Indian for a day by shooting arrows in the middle of the forest and honing their archery skills.
Skiing in Pallars Sobirà
If you want your children to share your taste for skiing, then bring them to Espot and Port Ainé. Both ski resorts have ski runs in a range of levels so children can begin to develop an aptitude for gliding over the snow. Espot offers spectacular views over the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park while you ski, and as well as activities such as disc golf. Grab the flying disc and the baskets and come and try your hand at this sport, which is all the rage in the United States. Port Ainé, near Sort, also offers an introduction to snow for children keen to learn how to ski. The ski pass, equipment rental and classes are all included in a single package.
In search of adventure in La Molina
The Cerdanya ski resort offers all the fun of La Molina Parc Aventura for children aged four and over. They’ll find zipwires for swinging from tree to tree, Tibetan walkways and monkey bridges to keep them on the move, and creepers to swing like Tarzan. Time will fly by with over 30 games for all ages and levels. Children over seven won’t want to miss the 250-metre long super zip wire. And if they like new experiences, encourage them to have a go on a segway. This platform with two wheels and a handlebar is ridden standing up, and steered by shifting your weight. It’s guaranteed to fascinate them –and you can try it too. La Molina has several circuits of up to 2 hours, with changes in level and curves where you can test your skill. You’re sure to want to have another go.
Going deep into the Vall de Boí
One of the most enchanting environments in the Catalan Pyrenees is the Vall de Boí in Alta Ribagorça. Nestled among its valleys and mountain ranges is one of the most important collections of Romanesque architecture in Europe. Don’t just take our word for it –it was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 2000. If you want to enjoy this beautiful site without the children getting bored, you’ll find a videomapping feature that recreates the apse of Sant Climent de Taüll. Children will be amazed when they see the projections of the Pantocrator and the original frescoes in the apse. And if you want to discover the region in depth, you can explore it on snowshoes, go skiing in the Boí Taüll resort, or treat yourself to some of its traditional gastronomic specialities.
The Costa Brava seen from Vallter 2000
Whether you’re a beginner or a professional skier, you have to visit Vallter 2000. This ski resort in Ripollès is the perfect place to enjoy everything from downhill and cross-country skiing to snowboarding and freestyle in its Snowpark. Among the perks you’ll enjoy are the views over the bay of Roses and Cap de Creus on the Costa Brava from a height of 2,535 metres. If you want to relax while you enjoy the scenery, why not have a drink on the terrace of Las Marmotas (one of the highest cafés in Catalonia) and discover its viewing point? But you want to enjoy it while on the go, put on your snowshoes. The view from Rocs Blancs, a good destination for an excursion, is guaranteed not to disappoint.
