Baqueira Beret – The Secret is Out
They call Baqueira Beret the best kept secret in the Pyrenees.
So, where exactly is it?
It’s in the Val d’Aran in Catalonia in the northern Pyrenees.
It’s little more than two hours’ drive from Toulouse airport.
Two and a half if you have to avoid the latest road-blocking protest by French farmers.
You can also fly to Barcelona but the journey from there is more like 4 hours.
The main resort base of Baqueira, which sits at 1500m, is far from the prettiest village you’ll find in the mountains.
It’s rather grey and functional.
Baqueira 1500m. Image © PlanetSKI
But who cares, if the skiing’s good?
The slopes range from 1500m up to 2610m.
There are 127 runs, covering 173km.
The resort is made up of three main areas linked by 36 lifts:
- Baqueira at 1500m
- Beret at 1850m
- Bonaigua at 2072m
The highest skiing is at Baciver at 2610m, which is in the Beret sector.
View from Cap de Baciver, offering the highest skiing in Baqueira Beret. Image © PlanetSKI
Beret sector, Baqueira Beret. Image © PlanetSKI
Bonaigua, Baqueira Beret. Image © PlanetSKI
Each area has its own character and attractions for different types of skier or snowboarder.
But all have plenty of wide blue and red runs.
Baqueira Beret. Image © PlanetSKI
Skiing on my own for much of my time here, it was easy enough to find my way around.
The signs and the piste map are easy to follow.
Baqueira Beret. Image © PlanetSKI
Xavi Ubeira, the Commercial Manager for Baqueira Beret, told me more about the place.
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The resort’s main custom comes, not surprisingly, from Spain.
Some 80% of its visitors are Spanish.
The remaining clientele come from just over the border in France (10%) with other nationalities making up the rest.
The resort reports that the number of visitors from both the USA and UK is on the rise.
I met a group of British skiers who rave about the place.
Brits in Baqueira. Image supplied.
Some would rather I didn’t write this article.
They’d rather keep the secret of Baqueira to themselves.
Others were happy to explain why it’s their favourite place to ski.
David Aldous has been here at least 10 times.
“It’s quaint and quirky and the snow is good,” he told me.
“Its three distinct areas have something for everyone.”
Baqueira Beret. Image © PlanetSKI
Paul Young is here for his third year in a row.
“The resort is one of the friendliest I have ever been to and it’s the best snow in this area.”
Carolyn Wilson is a Baqueira first-timer, having only previously skied in the Alps.
“I would certainly come back. Everyone is nice, happy, respectful and cheerful,” she said, “and the slopes are quiet.”
She’s right. Up to a point.
On weekdays, in this mid-January week, it is nice and quiet.
Baqueira Beret, Spain. Image © PlanetSKI
However, this is a popular place for weekenders.
Locals, including numerous children’s ski clubs, of course, but also some who travel from as far away as the capital, Madrid, for their snow fix.
And, when I ventured out on a snowy Saturday morning, the runs just above the resort base were packed.
Busy on the slopes in Baqueira Beret. Image © PlanetSKI
Patience was required in the lift queues.
Baqueira Beret. Image © PlanetSKI
If you get to know the area, you can probably avoid the worst of the queues.
Certainly, if you avoid peak times, I’d say Baqueira Beret is well worth visiting.
Not just for the skiing.
I’ve found the food and drink – especially the Spanish wine – to be of high quality.
And cheaper than in the Alps.
Though you can always find somewhere to splash out if you fancy an upgrade from Cava.
Real champagne in Baqueira Beret. Image © PlanetSKI
Cheers! Image © PlanetSKI
I’ve only skimmed the surface during my trip but I’ve seen enough to know that Baqueira Beret is a place I’d be happy to return to.
I’m told it’s the favourite winter playground of the Spanish royal family.
Surely, they can’t be wrong?
So, apologies to those who wanted me to keep shtum.
The secret’s out.
Baqueira Beret. Image © PlanetSKI
Jane was in Baqueira Beret for the first stop of the 2026 Freeride World Tour.
You can find out more about Baqueira Beret here.
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