Enjoy luxurious Pyrenees skiing holidays

Monday, 31 October 2011 9:43 AM

For luxurious active holidays, there is perhaps nowhere quite like the Pyrenees. By taking a winter sports break in this region of northern Spain and not only will you get the chance to ski and snowboard at some of the best resorts in Europe, but also enjoy first-rate accommodation situated in a wonderful rural setting.

You'll discover numerous ski resorts located throughout the Pyrenees, so there should be plenty of scope for you to find somewhere suitable.

However, if you are searching for skiing holidays in Spain and Andorra one place that you may wish to give particular consideration to is Formigal.

Situated in the Tena Valley in the western section of the Pyrenees mountain range, this first-rate ski resort has some 137 km of pistes for you to show off your skills on the slopes.

But don't worry if you have never skied before. Formigal has routes for all levels of abilities - including beginners - and there are several green pistes designed to help novices pick up the basics. If you have a bit more experience there are a number of red and blue runs, so there should be a course suitable for everyone.

For something a little different from skiing and snowboarding, you can go tobogganing or go on a sleigh ride where you are pulled over the snow by Nordic dogs.

There are also ski schools for children, and play and creche services for babies and toddlers, so this really is a perfect destination for a luxury family holiday in Spain.

Whatever you decide to get up to during the day, you can rest assured that you'll be in the lap of luxury for the duration of your skiing trip. Staying in four-star accommodation, once you have had your fill of excitement on the slopes you can sample authentic Spanish cuisine at one of the village's numerous restaurants before returning to your comfortable hotel for a soak in the spa before retiring for the night.

But Formigal is by no means the only Pyrenees resort where you will be able to enjoy wonderful skiing breaks and much the same can be said about Cerler. Located in the Benasque Valley, near some of the mountain range's highest peaks, here you can find plenty of opportunities to ski and snowboard.

Indeed, there are 71 km of runs set across 60 pistes and as the slopes tend to be uncrowded, you should find skiing here to be a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

Should you have been on family winter sport holidays in the past and are really keen to push your skills, the numerous blue and red runs will certainly provide you the chance to do this.

Particularly advanced and adventurous skiers should head to the Ampriu side of the resort where the most challenging trails can be found. Cerler is also home to the largest skiable descent in the Pyrenees which runs for more than 1,100 m from the top of Gallinero to the bottom of El Molino without the need to stop to take a ski lift.

Of course, if you're a novice it's best to take a few lessons at the on-site ski school before trying your hand at some of the beginner slopes, while there are several facilities that offer lots of winter sports and activities for youngsters to try.

Whichever resort you choose to stay at, you can be confident that a skiing holiday in the Pyrenees will make for a memorable and luxurious trip.