Freeride in Baqueira Beret: the best areas and how to enjoy them safely

Baqueira Beret and freeride: two words that sum up an undeniable reality. The Aran resort has the best snow in Spain, its north-facing slopes keep that snow in good condition, and few resorts offer as many ideal, easily accessible off-piste areas as Baqueira-Beret.

We have long known the advantages of the resort’s location north of the main ridge of the Pyrenees: the valley’s rivers flow mainly towards France, and this is crucial to how northern weather fronts affect it.

Although the climate is unsettled all over the planet, when we look back on each season the valley always comes out on top: more frequent and heavier snowfall than in the rest of Spain’s mountains and, above all, better snow conservation once it has fallen, thanks to the cold and the humidity.

That is why Baqueira-Beret is the destination of so many riders who come back year after year to enjoy its sensational off-piste descents. From Bonaigua to Dossau, there are areas that seem to have been designed specifically for the most experienced skiers.

Freeride area Baqueira is our service for skiing off-piste safely with an instructor.

The areas

• La Peulla, Cigalera and Llança.
• Manaud and Muguet, facing south.
• Scorna and the famous, demanding north face: Vinyeta, Marconi and Passarell.
• Saumet, a privileged area with quick access, which already acts as a filter because you have to take the Saumet drag lift and because of its steep gradient.
• Egua and other black runs in the Dossau area.

Together they make up a true freeride paradise for the most demanding skiers. To all this we should add the very popular Lavetja areas, which take you from the top of Dossau to the path to the Montgarri refuge, and the descent to the village of Bagergue from the top of Blanhiblar.

Freeride with your head

Aware of how lucky we are, we should stop and think about how these areas are used today: they are exposed to avalanches and accidental falls, which can be fatal because of the gradient and the natural elements of unprepared terrain (trees, rocks, changing snow…).

The first thing to be clear about before going off-piste is whether we really have the level to do it. Even with perfect snow, a skier’s level is decisive for a good experience. You should start practising in low-risk areas that are accessible from the groomed runs, where you can work on technique while keeping risks to a minimum.

Another essential point is to assess the snow conditions accurately: avalanche risk, cornices, very hard snow… It is better to wait patiently for better conditions than to get into a situation that could end badly.

And equipment is vital. The resort does not control 100% of what happens off-piste; it triggers avalanches when snow builds up and tries to minimise risks, but total control does not exist and we must be prepared. It is essential to carry an avalanche transceiver, a probe and a shovel and, ideally, although they are expensive, an airbag backpack.