R3 train to La Molina and Puigcerdà, and the resort bus

The Rodalies R3 is the train line that climbs from Barcelona through Vic and Ripoll to the Cerdanya: it stops at La Molina and Puigcerdà and goes on to La Tour de Carol, across the border. To go skiing at La Molina without a car it is the most direct option, because the ski resort has an internal bus that connects the train station with the slopes.

Works on the line: check before you leave

PIRINEU365 warns in the La Molina information of the doubling works on the R3. While they last, timetables may change and some stretch may be done by bus. Before travelling, check the state of the line and the day's timetables with Rodalies de Catalunya or Renfe; do not rely on a timetable saved from another season.

The Skitren package

The ski resort sells the Skitren La Molina, which combines in one ticket the return train from the main R3 stations, the internal bus, a one-day lift pass and ski insurance. It costs €53 for adults and youths and €41.50 for children. The lift pass is collected at the resort's customer service, and to load it you need the PIRINEU365 support card, which costs €2 and is non-refundable. It is sold at Renfe (900 410 041) and Rodalies de Catalunya.

The internal bus: from the station to Pista Llarga

From La Molina train station, an internal bus climbs to Pista Llarga, where the ticket offices and the beginners' area are. It costs €5, and is free with the season lift pass or with the Skitren. These are its times:

• Up, from the station to Pista Llarga: 8:30, 9:00, 9:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 14:30, 15:30, 16:15, 16:45, 17:15 and 17:45.
• Down, from Pista Llarga to the station: 8:40, 9:15, 9:45, 10:15, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 15:00, 16:00, 16:30, 17:00, 17:30 and 18:30.

Adjust your return to the train you want to catch: if you miss the 16:00 bus, the next one goes down at 16:30.

Other ways to arrive without a car

If the train does not suit you, the resort also lists the Sagalés ski bus from Barcelona, with return bus, guide, lift pass and insurance: €66 on Wednesdays and Fridays, €67 on Saturdays and Sundays, and €80 for the La Molina plus Masella option from Tuesday to Sunday (Sagalés, 935 931 112). The Bus Natura leaves from Barcelona, Sabadell, Terrassa and Manresa on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, for €46, and includes the gondola pedestrian pass.

Tips

With the train, the most convenient thing is to ski at La Molina: the train stops at La Molina and the internal bus drops you at the slopes. If you go by car and stay at the resort, you have the La Molina car parks. For accommodation or plans in the rest of the valley, ask at the Cerdanya tourist office.