Map
7 ideas, picked for these days
A ski weekend in the Cerdanya, an hour and three quarters from Barcelona
February is the surest month for snow at Masella and La Molina, and if the Llum falls on a Friday or Monday you have three days with one on pistes that are weekdays for everyone else. Masella floodlights ten kilometres for night skiing: it is the extra evening of the long weekend.
Ski weekend at Grandvalira, two and a half hours from Lleida
With 215 km between Encamp and the Pas de la Casa, Grandvalira is the one that best fills two days in a row in the middle of February. The lift pass has dynamic pricing, which changes with the day: compare dates on its website, as a weekday usually works out better.
A ski, Romanesque and spa weekend in the Vall de Boí, two and a half hours from Lleida
Boí Taüll is the highest resort in the Pyrenees, with its base at 2,040 metres, and in February it keeps its snow better than any other. It is three and a half hours from Manresa: only worth it with two nights, and the spa for windy afternoons.
La Molina: a day on the slopes and a grill at Pista Llarga
If 21 February falls on its own midweek, La Molina is an hour and a half away via the Cadí tunnel and without the Sunday crowds. The green runs of the Pista Llarga suit beginners, and El Tirol serves food at the foot of the piste.
Port Ainé: north-facing slopes and a buffet at the base
In February Port Ainé is in high season with its north-facing pistes in the best condition of the winter. Buy the lift pass online, since at the ticket office it costs five euros more, and carry chains: the climb from Rialp is long.
Caldes de Montbui: Roman baths and a thermal soak
For those who do not want snow, February is the full season for Caldes's hot water, which wells up at 74 °C. El Safareig may close for a few days in winter for maintenance: confirm it is open and book your bath time.
Ripoll: two monasteries and a greenway
In February the Ter valley is cold and empty, without the summer queues at Santa Maria de Ripoll or Sant Joan de les Abadesses. It is the quiet holiday, an hour away, for those who leave skiing for another year.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is 21 February a holiday in Manresa?
Yes, it is the local festival of the Llum every year. In the rest of Catalonia it is a working day, unless it coincides with a weekend.
When is the Fira de l'Aixada?
On a weekend around the Llum that changes each year. The programme is published on the Festa de la Llum website.
Which resort is closest to Manresa?
La Molina and Masella, in the Cerdanya, an hour and a half away by the C-16 and the Cadí tunnel.
Do I need to carry chains?
It is wise to carry them always in February, especially for the La Molina road, the climb to Port Ainé and the one to Boí Taüll.