Valgrande-Pajares Ski School

Who they are

The school of the Valgrande-Pajares resort, in Brañillín. Skiing has been taught at Pajares since the 1940s: in 1941 and 1942 the Austrian Walter Foeger gave lessons here and introduced the Austrian school, and in the 1960s other instructors trained the future teachers of the school, driven by Jesús Suárez Valgrande, the great promoter of the resort. In 1965 it received official authorisation as a Spanish Ski School and began operating, with Casimiro Fernández as its first director until 1970, alongside Herminio Bayón, Fernando Menéndez and Ángel González de Lena. It has been a member since its foundation of the Association of Winter Sports Schools, Teachers and Coaches, and some of its instructors have been with it from the start.

What it teaches

Skiing, snowboarding, cross-country and freestyle, in private or group lessons. It runs the resort's nursery for children aged 3 to 6, with places to be checked beforehand, and the Semana Blanca (school snow week) for schools. It is based in the resort's office building and is open every day of the season, from 9:00 to 16:00.

Courses and the little ones' school

Group courses are for children from 6 years old and adults, in groups of 6 to 10 people. In the 2025-26 season there were four-day courses at Carnival and at Easter, of three hours a day and various levels, for €140; beginner weekend courses for €90; and a Sunday beginner course, from 13:00 to 15:00, for €30, with no booking. For the rest you must pre-register, because they only run if the minimum group size is reached. The little ones' school is for children aged 4 to 7, in groups of 3 to 5, with two hours of lessons a day and the same prices as the courses. The dates for the 2026-27 season are published on its website.

Private lesson rates

A private lesson costs €44 an hour for one pupil in high season and €35 in low season; for groups of 6 to 10, €11 per person in high season. The children's park costs €10 an hour, €35 for the morning and €45 for the full day.

How to book

By phone on 695 231 030, or by email to [email protected]. The website is in Spanish, English and French, but it does not say which languages the lessons are given in, nor does it publish cancellation terms for bad weather or resort closure: ask when you book.