Winter Fun in the Spanish Pyrenees: Formigal.

Don’t get stuck in a rut with your ski holiday, but instead try out a new resort, somewhere different, new and exciting to explore. Formigal is arguably the best known of the Spanish ski resorts and its sunny pistes are perfectly suited to beginners and intermediates alike, with plenty of opportunity for the snowboarder enthusiast and the freestyle skier too. Located at 2000m, the snow is reliable and usually very good, even on the lower slopes that are kept well covered thanks to the many snow cannons. All in all the resort of Formigal makes an exciting change from the more iconic Alpine resorts and is good value for money too.

Skiing in Formigal: The Verdict

The skiing in this resort is rather special. With most of the pistes located on north and northwest facing slopes above the tree line, and because of the extensive snow making facilities the resort offers skiing right up until May.

Lying in a natural snow pocket, the majority of the runs are wide and sweeping with plenty of gentle blues, perfect for those wanting to develop their technique and grow in confidence, as well as steeper reds for those more accomplished skiers. The main ski area extends to a snow bowl that is accessed by an excellent system of draglifts, gondolas and chair lifts, all well maintained and easy to access.

If you are looking for something even more challenging, head up high and make your way to one of the three kilometre long black runs that lead down the slopes above the beginner area. And if off-piste action is what you are yearning for, Formigal has plenty of opportunities to be explored, with a guide of course.

Skiing with a Difference

Every Friday and Saturday evening you can enjoy the slopes by moonlight, and if you are the competitive type, why not test yourself on a timed slalom track? You will receive a speed read-out and a DVD of your decent that you can take home and impress your friends with.

Snowboarding in Formigal

Snowboarding has increased in popularity in recent years and the resort of Formigal caters really well for the boarders amongst you. The wide open pistes are perfect for the snowboarding beginner and with some excellent ski schools offering professional lessons you will be able to improve your technique and hone your skills. Advanced boarders will love the open powder fields especially when the fresh snow has fallen, although, it has to be said that there are few natural features for boarders to explore when above the treeline.

Après Ski

An integral part of a skiing holiday, the well deserved post skiing drink is always well received. Formigal’s selection of bars may be small but the lively atmosphere, reasonable prices and constant buzz make each one an ideal après ski venue. There is a good selection of restaurants in the resort too, catering to all budgets and most tastes.

How to Get There

The village of Formigal is easy to get to from several airports including Huesca, Pau and Zaragoza. Most holidaymakers fly into Zaragoza, which is served by flights from London Stansted, Manchester, Paris, Berlin, Venice, Bologna and many other European cities.

Where to Stay

Meson de Castiello – this budget friendly option is found 5 km outside Jaca and 25 km from the slopes of Formigal. All rooms at the Meson de Castiello have stunning views and some have balconies. TVs, central heating and baths, prefect for soaking in after a long day on the slopes are par for the course here, and there is a good restaurant and ski storage too.

Hotel Tirol – This typical mountain hotel is just 500m from Formigal and there is even a free bus to take you to the slopes. Spacious rooms, TVs and free Wi-Fi are just a few of the facilities on offer at Hotel Tirol, with others including ski storage, a comfy TV lounge and a games room too, which is ideal for keeping the teenagers busy when not on the mountain. The buffet breakfast will set you up for the day and you can enjoy an early evening drink in the bar that has stunning views over the mountains.

Hotel and Spa El Privilegio – 15 km from the ski slopes at Formigal and perfect for those wanting to spend a little more on their accommodation there is the Hotel and Spa El Privilegio. The spa here is well equipped with hydro massage pool and Turkish baths, Jacuzzi, sauna and massage service. Combing traditional mountain features with modern décor, this hotel is charming in every sense.