The resort combines travel on the valley’s emblematic rack railway with a wide range of activities for young and old alike. We tell you all about what you can do on winter days.
The perfect plan for a family getaway is Vall de Núria. Skiing, sledging or snowshoeing, but also from the comfort of the restaurants and viewpoints, you can spend an unforgettable day in this picturesque valley, unique in Catalonia and inaccessible by car. Of course! Arrival by rack railway is part of the adventure.
Located in the Ripollès region, in a natural enclave that covers the sanctuary and its surroundings with snow in winter, Vall de Núria is a place worthy of a fairy tale. The valley, surrounded by peaks of almost 3,000 metres, including the famous Puigmal, is the perfect place to visit with the whole family, as it offers a wide range of activities. But it is also one of the gateways to the Parc Natural de les Capçaleres del Ter i del Freser from the western side. Do you need more reasons to visit it? Discover everything you can do on a winter’s day in this area of stunning scenery, leisure and lots of snow!
1. Don’t miss the views from the cogwheel train
The adventure starts from minute one, as there are only two ways to get to Vall de Núria. The first, on the historic rack railway that has been running since 1931 and leaves from Ribes de Freser, allows you to experience a world of sensations as you admire the spectacular scenery as it winds through trees and snow until the emblematic sanctuary of the Mare de Déu de Núria, the Vall de Núria hotel and the tourist resort suddenly appear before your eyes, in the midst of a white landscape that includes the frozen lake. The train is unique, with a 12.5-kilometre route that overcomes a drop of more than 1,000 metres in 40 minutes. It can only climb this high without reversing thanks to the rack and pinion system on the rails.
The other option is to walk along the Camí Vell from Queralbs to Núria and the crossing from the neighbouring valleys. Obviously you will need time and bear in mind that in winter you will encounter snow and ice, so it is always advisable to check the weather forecast and ask for guidance at the information office.
- Data: Timetables and fares here
2. Maximum fun in the ski resort
After the exceptional views offered by the rack railway ride, it’s time to glide down the mountain at the ski resort, which offers different options to make the most of a day’s skiing. The resort has 10 lifts (cable cars, chair lifts, conveyor belts, among others) with capacity for up to 4,595 skiers per hour. There are also 11 slopes for skiing and snowboarding, making a total of 7.6 kilometres suitable for all levels. Or you can always opt for the toboggan runs or circuits for snowshoeing, which are also part of the offer. Guaranteed fun for the little ones!
- Data: You can check the opening status of the facility here
- Map of the slopes of the resort: Download it here
3. Playground to enjoy with the little ones
Sliding on a giant doughnut down a long snow slope, feeling the sensation of a speedy pull on a rope suspended in the air or racing on sledges… Welcome to the Vall de Núria Leisure Park! This is a space designed for the amusement of children and families where you will find, for example, tubbing (small and large), a very typical attraction of water parks but adapted to the mountain. You can also enjoy the sledging slopes, take a balancing game at height, jump off a zip line, go down the slopes on snow scooters or sign up for the toboggan cross, a type of programmed racing activity. Without a doubt, a place not to be missed with the family.
- Data: Check the price per person here
4. Cable car ride Vall de Núria from the heights!
Enjoy the spectacular views of the valley by taking the Coma del Clot cable car, which leaves from the Núria Valley itself and will take you to the Núria Xanascat hostel, located at an altitude of 2,170 metres. Here you can enjoy a unique experience from one of the valley’s most impressive panoramic areas.
- Data: the rack railway ticket also includes the cable car ticket. Consult here
5. Other activities to do in Vall de Núria 2023-2024
Vall de Núria is seductive not only for its spectacular beauty but also because it is the ideal place to enjoy a complete tourist experience. Here are some other options for activities and events, some of which take place on certain dates and may coincide with your stay. Choose and enjoy with your family:
- Outings with piste milling machines. Every Saturday during the winter season there is a 45-minute guided excursion on a snowmilling machine. An original activity to get a close look at these robust machines which, with their track system, are able to climb unimaginable slopes and drag the snow.
- Diving under the ice – don’t let the cold freeze your desire to dive! In winter the contrasts of light and the bubbles trapped in the layer of ice offer a unique underwater landscape. Do you dare? Of course, this is an activity for certified divers over 18 years of age.
- Route of the historical bridges. A small itinerary of four old bridges that were used many years ago. It can also be done on snowshoes. There is a small game of clues for the whole family, but be careful, you will have to read the information carefully to answer the final riddle. The children will love it!
- Snowshoeing. There are signposted circuits to discover the fantastic natural surroundings of the resort. This activity can be done independently and free of charge, with the option of renting snowshoes from the Vall de Núria equipment hire service. You can also do it with mountain guides. There are options for beginners, night walks or on full moon days.
- Visit the sanctuary of Núria. A place where you can experience traditions in an atmosphere of calm and spirituality. The religious service is available to pilgrims on weekdays by prior arrangement. Here you will also find the cross, the bell and the pot, which throughout history has been a symbol of fertility. It is said that by praying before the cross and putting their heads in the pot while ringing the bell, couples can have children.
- December agenda. A month packed with events ranging from film screenings, ceramics for families, snowshoeing outings and even special Christmas activities at Vall de Núria. Check the calendar here and enjoy with your family.
♦ More data :
- Accommodation. And if you decide to stay in Vall de Núria, there are also two types of accommodation available: the Hotel Vall de Núria and the Núria Xanascat hostel. Or you always have the option of sleeping in nearby villages such as Queralbs and Ribes de Freser.
- Restaurants: There are different options and for every taste. Discover them here
CONCLUSION
Vall de Núria is the ideal place to spend a family day out. The fun in the snow and the numerous activities on offer make for an unbeatable experience. From the rack railway ride, to the scenery or sliding on the snow, any visit will be a winter postcard to remember for the rest of your life.
