Dom:

Hello listeners and welcome to the white out podcast 

Rob: 

yes hello and welcome everyone, I'm Rob PR director of Ski Press and general ski and gear geek and that’s my co-host Dom, he's Publisher at InTheSnow magazine

Dom:

 and together we are the team behind your favourite ski podcast - the white out 

Each week we talk about ski news from around the world, where's best to ski now, we uncover the latest ski gear for the season and we feature some of the best ski destinations on the planet

Rob:
yes Dom, but today…in the words of monty python,  now for something completely different…

Dom: well yes indeed, this weeks whiteout podcast is dedicated to what I would say is a genuine hidden gem in the Pyrenees — Baqueira Beret. 

ive seen them exhibiting at the Uk ski shows for many years and the powder shots are always epic, so todays special showcase episode is all about Baqueria beret

rob 

great dom very exciting indeed.

dom:

BEFORE WE KICK OFF ROB, listeners just a quick begging letter from us:

1 please do leave us a review it really helps other skiers find the podcast

and 2 if you love the podcast tell your mates to listen that helps us loads too

on to business…

well first off rob  i  thought for fun i would ask chat gpt what it thought of Baqueira and this is what it said:

**Baqueira Beret** is one of Spain’s most renowned ski resorts, nestled in the stunning Pyrenees. It offers a mix of luxury and adventure with **167km of groomed slopes**, modern lift systems, and excellent snow reliability. The resort is celebrated for its diverse terrain, catering to all levels, from beginner-friendly pistes to thrilling off-piste areas for advanced skiers. 

It also boasts **upscale accommodations**, gourmet dining, and vibrant après-ski options. Perfect for families and enthusiasts alike, Baqueira Beret combines natural beauty with a first-class winter sports experience.

I means if chat gpt is right thats a pretty good start eh 

rob

yes indeed no two ways about it if i read that on a website i would immediately be interested!  i mean the place  is surrounded by peaks reaching 3,000 meters, and let me tell you—the views are insane.

so dom Baqueria is a really well established ski resort in Spain and is very well known inside the country – famous for its Spanish royal connections, as it has long been a favorite ski destination for members of Spanish royalty, particularly King Felipe VI and his family.  But perhaps not the first place on the map for many international visitors, although that is definitely changing.

I mean we’re talking reliable snow, epic terrain, charming villages, and loads of Spanish flair.  Whats not to love ?

Dom:
That’s right, Rob. Baqueira without A doubt is a world class ski resort and really has it all, it got that  classic Pyrenean mountain landscapes , fantastic snow record, and so  this place really punches above its weight. 

So, let’s take a look at what makes this place - Baqueira Beret, so special, shall we?

Rob:
Absolutely. First off, its located in the heart of the Pyrenees, in the Val d'Aran, which is a pretty unique area. 

This area offers a blend of natural beauty, great culture mix, and year-round outdoor activities. 

1. Dual Cultures: Located on the French border, it combines Spanish and French influences, with the local Aranese language adding to its charm.
2. Stunning Scenery: Known for dramatic alpine landscapes, dense forests, and pristine rivers.
3. Top-tier Skiing: we will come onto that.
4. Gastronomy: you can imagine france and spain fusion equals awesome food…

So this valley faces north with its back to Spain and towards France, creating an ideal location for holding the snow. The resort has an Atlantic climate, which means plenty of snow coming in and it is well known for its powder snow conditions. 

AND WE WILL TALK ABOUT HOW TO GET THERE LATER IN THIS EPISODE

Dom:

Totally. The snow conditions can be incredible and it’s a large ski area too. We’re talking about 171 km of slopes and 123 runs and because the resort sits at an altitude of 1,500 meters, with the highest peak reaching 2,610 meters, you’re guaranteed snow cover throughout the ski season, which runs from mid-December to April.  

For the 2024-2025 ski season they plan to open  this week on November 30, 2024, and the season is expected to run through April 21, 2025, (depending on weather conditions)

Rob:
so dom, before we dive into the details, there’s some really exciting new developments at Baqueira Beret this season that we’ve gotta mention! The resort’s really stepping it up this year with some new slopes, improved snow-making, and other upgrades that will make your trip even better.

Dom:
Yeah, there’s been some serious work going on. First off, they’ve added three brand-new slopes! The Bosc de Peülla 2 is one that’s definitely got our attention. It’s a black run in the Bonaigua area, so it’s for the advanced skiers out there. We’re talking 514 meters long, with a 200-meter altitude drop and a steep average slope of 40%. It starts at 2,239 meters, so it’s going to give you a real challenge and some killer views.

Rob:
If that’s not enough, there’s also the Barqueta 2. You might remember Barqueta 1 from last year, but now you’ve got a whole new extension, so you can ski all the way from Baqueira to Argulls. It’s a red run that’s about 430 meters long with a 35% average slope, perfect for intermediate skiers looking for a bit more thrill.

Dom:
And, the final new addition is the 2200 slope, which is a shorter, but super sweet run, located right at the 2,200-meter level of Baqueira. This one’s 220 meters long and has a 27% average slope—it ends right at the 2200 Restaurant, so you can ski right into a delicious meal after!

Rob:
And that’s not all. They’ve also worked on improving a bunch of existing runs, like the expansion of Ta Cabanes in the Dossau area and Pla de Beret 2, to make things smoother and easier to link different areas of the resort. And in Baciver, they’ve revamped the access to slopes like Orqueta 1 and 2, which is perfect for freeride enthusiasts.

Dom:
Right, and for the total ski geeks out there (like me), the resort has also been improving its snow production capabilities. Baqueira’s added 31 new snow makers, which means more consistent coverage across the mountain, especially in busy areas like Bonaigua and Beret. There’s also the addition of some new snow groomers with the SnowSAT system that will make sure the slopes are in the best condition possible.

Rob:
And so  onto the terrain dom, its pretty well suited to all kinds of ability level too. Let’s start with the beginner-friendly areas. If you’re just starting out or have kids learning to ski, there’s a dedicated beginner’s zone above the village reached by ski lift both ways – this area has four ski lifts and a number of very gentle slopes. Once you’ve conquered that area there’s some nice progressions with blue runs further up the mountain too. 

Dom:
yeah rob i means It’s genuinely a good resort for beginners.  The Beret area, specifically, is a key area for novice skiers, wide, gentle nursery slopes at an elevation of 1800m so a safe and relaxed environment to build confidence and practice early skills.

One thing you will notice is a modern lift system, which means beginners cna easily navigate the green and blue runs easily.  Runs like Ticolet and Pasarell offer smooth gradients and scenic views through the forest, making them ideal for first-timers.

And theres a bunch of highly regarded ski schools and instructors, even better news for beginners.. 

and great for Families too

Then it’s the intermediates and advanced skiers and snowboarders that will get really excited.

The resort has something for every level. For more advanced skiers, head over to Beret or Bonaigua (said BONAYGWA).

 These areas offer a mix of challenging reds and blacks, perfect for intermediate to expert skiers who want to push themselves.

 There’s some great tree skiing around Beret, and Bonaigua has a few MORE TECHNICAL RUNS TOO and steeper terrain for the more expert skiers.

Rob:
Yep and for more experienced freerider skiers and snowboarders there’s a huge amount of terrain to play with. 

The area around Baciver has several marked freeride areas. It’s a little quieter and less crowded here too, with some incredible off-piste areas  and wide-open spaces for powder skiing. There’s also a snowpark in the Baqueira area for those who want to jib and ride some cool jumps, that would be you dom…

Dom:
obviously:)

I mean lets not forget rob, if you're into freeride skiing, there’s some big news this winter too. Baqueira Beret will be hosting the 4th edition of the Freeride World Tour in Baciver from January 18th to 23rd. It’s a massive event, attracting top-tier freeride skiers and snowboarders from all over the globe. So, if you’re looking to see the pros in action—or you just want to ski the same terrain—they’re going to be on Baciver, which is known for its incredible off-piste runs.

Rob:
And for alpine ski fans, the resort is also welcoming the Men’s FIS Alpine Ski Europa Cup on February 6th and 7th. It’s the first time Baqueira is hosting this event, so if you’re into watching elite skiers race, this is a big deal!

dom

yeah i meamn if thats not testament enough hey…

so yeah Baqueira’s ski terrain is actually split into four distinct zones: Baqueira, Beret, Bonaigua, and Baciver, so whether you’re a beginner, an expert, or somewhere in between, there’s always something to suit your level and i love that its great going to places with lots of begignner terrain but id one member of the group moves on more quickly you did need those progressor slopes dont you, or if the parents are powder addicts and the kids need some tuition then this really does suit..

Rob:
Exactly. And once you’ve worked up an appetite from all that skiing, you’ll find that its not just about the slopes. its got some awesome  mountain restaurants and gastro places that showcase the rich Catalan culture. There are so many places to stop for lunch, and some of these spots are as much about the experience as they are about the food.

dom

yep so if you want  a true Spanish culinary experience, you’ve gotta check out 5 Jotas for the best Iberian ham and grilled meats in Spain. Seriously, if you love great meat, this place is heaven.

Rob:
For something a bit more indulgent, try 2,200 Restaurant. This place is known for its fondue and chuleton, which is basically a steak lover’s dream. Pair that with a great wine from the region, and you’ve got yourself a pretty epic meal.

Dom:
And if you’re looking for a place to kick back after a long day on the slopes, the Moët Winter Lounge is the place to be. It’s got that perfect après-ski vibe—high-end dining, sushi, and a great selection of cocktails, plus plenty of sun if you’re there in the afternoon. Perfect for relaxing and soaking in the atmosphere.

Rob:
There’s definitely no shortage of great food in Baqueira and it’s worth exploring the area away from the village too — the Val d'Aran valley has some great little towns and villages that are also worth a visit. Very charming villages such as Viella and Salardu, where you can experience more of the local culture and gastronomic traditions. If you love hearty food and rustic charm, you’re going to feel right at home.

Dom:
For sure. And let’s talk accommodation because Baqueira has a solid range of options. From luxurious 5-star hotels to cozy, more budget-friendly spots, there’s something for everyone. If you’re after luxury, you can’t go wrong with the Hotel Val de Neu, a 5-star hotel right at the foot of the slopes. It’s perfect for couples or those looking to splurge a little, with stunning rooms and a great spa to relax after a day on the mountain.

Rob:
And if you’re traveling with a family or a group, the Hotel Montarto is a solid option. It’s got a more relaxed vibe, but still with a lot of comfort and a fantastic location near the slopes. Plus, they’ve got a great family-friendly atmosphere, so it's ideal for those with kids.

Dom:
For something a bit more rustic, there’s Hotel Tuc Blanc. It's more on the cozy side and gives you a real feel of the mountains. It’s perfect for groups or families on a bit more of a budget, without compromising on comfort.

Rob:
And here’s the kicker: Baqueira is super accessible.  if you’re flying from the UK, it’s an easy journey. You can also fly into Toulouse in France, and it’s only two hours from the resort and foc ourse prices are better heading to toulouse and potentially not as busy as the genevas of this world…. Once you’re there, everything is easy to get to — whether you’re heading to the slopes or to a restaurant.

Dom:

yep or head to barcelona, 3-4 hours but you could combine a city break too…

another thing to mention  rob is access to the resort’s exclusive services, like the BaqueiraPASS and BaqueiraTICKET apps. These apps make it super easy to manage your lift passes and get all the real-time info on slope conditions and weather. No more worrying about the little details.

rob:

def something we are seeing more and more of dom, apps that are giving skiers all the info at their finger tips which is great. 

for sire The combination of reliable snow, great terrain, culture, and food makes Baqueira Beret a serious bucket list contender doesnt it dom , i mean its got some great assets i do think it’s the kind of place you’ll want to keep going back to year after year.

dom
Couldn’t have said it better myself rob that sums it up quite nicely…

so That’s it for today’s deep dive into Baqueira Beret

for more info def take a look at https://www.baqueira.es/

and as usual loads of info on https://www.inthesnow.com/baqueira-beret/

listeners any questions about baqueira then dont hesitate to contact rob and I, your resident experts in the region,  in the meantime a quick reminder