ALL ABOUT THE VALL DE NÚRIA: A SKI RESORT WITH A LOT OF CHARM

If you have gone through our blog, you will see that we have articles where we tell everything about the different ski resorts in Spain. However, there is still one of which many are unaware of its existence, but which has made all those who have visited it fall in love: El Vall de Núria.

THE PIONEER STATION IN SPAIN

Before the station, this fantastic place already collected people who made a pilgrimage to the Sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin of Núria. It is no coincidence that a sanctuary for this virgin was built here, since Nuria means "she who was born in a valley between mountains". Actually, together with La Molina these two resorts were the pioneers of skiing in Catalonia and at the end of the 19th century a cultural movement began that promoted mountain sports and hiking.

So, it all started as a place of pilgrimage and departure point for many excursions. By the 20th century, it could only be accessed from Queralbs on foot since there was no transport or road to travel on. We will have to wait until 1931 for the arrival of the Rack Train and in 1947 the first ski lifts in the valley will be installed.

The definitive opening of the Sanctuary occurred during the winter of 1916, receiving the first lovers of skiing who did not mind going up on foot to glide down the slopes of the Catalan resort.

ALL ABOUT THE VALL DE NÚRIA STATION

If you are new to skiing, this resort is perfect as it has a very controlled environment and the slopes are easy to learn the first techniques and enjoy the snow safely.

The lower part of the station is 1.964 meters surrounded by peaks about 3000 meters high. An environment that will invade you from minute one. The maximum height is 2.252 meters and has 7.6 skiable kilometers.

In addition, it is located less than an hour and a half by car from Barcelona and Girona in the Eastern Pyrenees. Once you have arrived at Queralbs you will have to take the rack railway, but don't worry! The ticket is included in the price of the ski pass, which is around 24 euros for adults when purchased online. It will not be necessary to get up early to catch this train since its schedules are tremendously flexible for everyone. They run from 7:50 a.m. to 9:15 p.m.

As for its facilities, we have a gondola, a chairlift, two ski lifts and a belt for beginners. Finally, its eleven tracks are divided into two black, three red, three blue and three green.

WHERE TO STAY IN THE VALL DE NÚRIA?

To enjoy a weekend of skiing and disconnection we are going to recommend a series of accommodations that will make you want to return every year. The Núria valley is already a luxury place due to its beauty.

First of all, the most famous of them is the Hotel del Vall de Núria for being the only hotel in the valley, so it is in high demand. The rooms are perfectly accommodated with all kinds of services, including a free buffet restaurant.

The Pic de l´Àliga Hostel, on the other hand, has 169 beds and to reserve the best thing to do is write to them by mail. To get there it will not be necessary to take the rack railway, but the valley cable car that is included in the price. With the arrival of good weather you can take a short walk to the hostel.

If you want a much more rural experience and you like to sleep in the open, the valley offers a controlled camping area where you can set up your tent. Although as expected, we recommend this option only in the summer months or from May. The price is around eight euros per person per night and you can sleep a maximum of 2 nights in a row. In addition, it offers you bathrooms and cold showers.

Finally, we are going to talk about two towns that are close to the valley if you prefer to be closer to civilization. Queralbs is the best known, a small and pretty town located in the Vall de Ribes. A quiet place with a lot of charm with a stop to catch the cogwheel train that will take you directly to Vall de Núria.

Secondly, Ribes de Freser is a larger town than Queralbs and therefore has many more accommodation and restaurant options. In Ribes the rack train stops twice so you can go up to the valley.

WHAT ACTIVITIES TO DO IN THE VALL DE NÚRIA?

The Núria Valley offers a number of activities both in winter and summer that you can enjoy and make the most of your stay.

Of course, in winter the most demanded activity is skiing, which, although it is one of the oldest slopes on the peninsula, many have been faithful to its slopes and the station for years. Where there is snow, you can always take a walk with snowshoes or if you go with children you can go sledding.

The Vall de Núria seems to have been designed by and for hiking, which is why in summer, it is one of the activities that mountaineers enjoy the most.

Other plans that you can make upon your arrival in the valley are to visit the sanctuary of the Virgin of Nuria or the hermitage of San Gil. If you like water attractions you can rent a boat and do some canoeing on Lake Nuria. It also has a farm where you can see animals like chickens and geese. Finally, a picnic with incredible views of the valley.

Although the plan to visit the Vall de Núria is one of total disconnection and connection with nature, this does not mean you will be left without the necessary services in case there is an incident. You have an information point where you can buy rack railway tickets and get answers to all the questions you may have.

Don't worry if you forget something as you have an essentials store in the valley itself. In addition, there is a small pharmacy and private 24-hour service.

The Vall de Núria, in addition to having a long history and being one of the pioneer ski resorts in Spain, offers this amount of services and activities so that you can enjoy a few days of disconnection in the heart of a valley in the Pyrenees . The truth is that we do not see a better plan.

PRODUCER AND RESPONSES

• WHAT HIKING ROUTES CAN I DO IN THE NÚRIA VALLEY?

The routes that you can take in the Núria Valley are the Camí de les Creus, the Camí de la Creu dén Riba, the Camí del Bosc, the Camí del Llac, the Camí del Canal and the Camí de les Coves.

• WHERE TO EAT IN THE VALL DE NURIA?

The places where you can eat in the Vall de Núria are the Finestrelles bar-restaurant, the Grill-Autoservicio restaurant, the Terrassa dels Pastors and the Caseta del Llac.

• IS THERE A PLACE TO PARK IN THE NÚRIA VALLEY?

As we have seen, the Núria Valley cannot be accessed by car, but it is best to leave your car in the parking lot of the station in Ribes de Freser and then take the rack railway.

• HOW LONG DOES THE JOURNEY TAKE BY RACK TRAIN?

The rack railway journey lasts approximately 40 minutes and the return price is 27 euros per adult and 17.50 per child.

• WHEN DOES THE NÚRIA VALLEY OPEN?

Valle de Núria opens during the month of November with schedules, calendar and special prices. Every year, during the month of November, the Vall de Núria resort opens its facilities with schedules, calendar and special prices.

• WHAT IS A FUN PARK?

A play park is a place for children to have fun with activities such as small and large sled tracks.

• WHAT SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE IN THE NÚRIA VALLEY APARTMENTS?

Among the services available in the apartments are television, Wi-Fi, internet, restaurant, smoke-free rooms and a wellness area.

• WHERE IS THE NÚRIA VALLEY?

The Núria Valley is located in the Pyrenean valley in the municipality of Queralbs in the Catalan province of Girona.

• WHAT DAY IS THE SAINT OF NÚRIA CELEBRATED?

The day that the saint of Núria is celebrated is September 8 in Spain according to the santoral calendar.

• WHERE IS IT BEST TO TAKE NÚRIA'S RACK?

The best place to catch the rack railway is at the Ribes-enllac station and there you take the rack railway to Vall de Núria.

• WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE NAME NURIA?

The meaning of the name Núria is of Catalan origin and means “she who was born in a valley between mountains”.