What to Do in Baqueira with the Whole Family, Season by Season

Forests, snow-capped peaks in winter and valleys that change colour with the seasons: the Val d'Aran, in the Pyrenees of Lleida, with Baqueira Beret at its heart, is one of Spain's favourite places for families who want time together, the outdoors and plenty to do.
Baqueira owes its reputation to the ski slopes, but it isn't only a winter resort. The valley is just as good in summer, which is why so many families end up coming back year after year.
At Vivla, we've put together this guide to a perfect day in Baqueira, with plans for every member of the family.

The resort has more than 160 km of slopes for every level. For families, that means:
- Children's areas where they learn through play
- Wide, safe blue runs
- Lessons designed for young children
- More technical routes for parents who want a challenge
The facilities and services are excellent, and it's one of the most complete ski areas in the Pyrenees.

The valley is quieter in winter, but the wildlife is still about. On an easy walk or a guided route you might spot fox tracks, prints left by roe deer or chamois, and birds such as the black woodpecker, or a bearded vulture circling overhead.
You can also visit Aran Park, where wolves, lynx, bears and deer, among other species native to these mountains, live in semi-wild conditions.

Winter is also a good time to explore the villages nearby, which look like Christmas cards at this time of year. Our picks:

• Arties: one of the prettiest and liveliest villages in the valley.
• Salardú: Romanesque churches and wonderful views.
• Garós: quiet, elegant and good for short family walks.
• Vielha: the place for shops, cafés and bakeries, plus indoor fun at the Palai de Gèu (swimming pool, ice rink and activities for children).
• Bagergue: the highest village in the Val d'Aran, with cobbled streets that are well worth a wander.

- Unha: just down the road from Bagergue, another small Aranese village you shouldn't miss.

Stone, wood, open fires and warm lights: winter is when these villages look their best.

After a morning on the snow, lunch is a big part of the day. The Val d'Aran is known for its mountain cooking, a mix of Catalan and Gascon recipes.
Dishes to try include olla aranesa (the local stew), wild boar stew, duck confit, trout with fine herbs and excellent chargrilled meat.
For dessert, order a crespèth, the Aranese version of the French crêpe.

In summer the valley turns green and bright. It's the best time to walk the trails, find quiet corners, watch wildlife and spend whole days outdoors as a family.

Family walks and trails

Artiga de Lin
One of the loveliest and most accessible spots in the valley, with green meadows, waterfalls and clear water. It's easy to reach with children and a good place to spend a morning.
Saut deth Pish
An impressive waterfall at the end of an easy path, and one of the most photographed places in the Pyrenees. Children love watching the water and hunting for stones, flowers and small insects.
The lakes of the Val d'Aran
Some take more effort, but there are family-friendly options such as Lake Montoliu and the Bacivèr lakes (the route from Beret is longer, but worth it).

Summer is ideal for spotting wildlife: marmots peeking out from the rocks, chamois higher up, birds such as the red kite or the golden eagle, fish in the clear rivers, and butterflies that keep younger children busy.
Pack a pair of binoculars and the walk turns into a nature lesson too.

The valley also has plenty of safe activities for families. You can choose e-bike routes, horse rides through meadows and along tracks, gentle rafting that children can join, and zip lines and adventure parks around the valley.
These tend to be the days children remember most.

Have a picnic

Sometimes the best way to enjoy Baqueira in summer is to slow down. Pack a picnic, spread a blanket by the river or in a meadow and let the day run its course.

Summer food in Baqueira

In summer the restaurants open their terraces, many of them with mountain views, and the menus get lighter: salads made with local produce, boards of Val d'Aran cheeses and even a few Asian dishes.
Above all, Baqueira is at its best when you're there as a family: playing in the snow, summer walks, long lunches, starry nights and the feeling of being properly switched off.
In our experience, people who visit Baqueira always want to come back. With Vivla and our co-ownership model, you can make that a yearly habit by becoming co-owner of a home in Baqueira and returning for the weeks you choose.
It's simple: the home is bought by eight owners, who book the days they want to spend there with their families. Stays rotate on a shared calendar, so every co-owner gets fair use of the home.
You pay a fraction of what a whole property would cost, and you don't have to manage it: we look after maintenance so the home is always in perfect condition. You open the door, settle in and enjoy your holiday.
With Vivla's co-ownership model, there's no need to pay for an entire holiday home that you'd only use for a few weeks a year.

A home in Baqueira may be closer than you think.
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