Best areas for skiing in Cerdanya

La Molina and Masella: the best area for skiing in Cerdanya

Talking about skiing in the historic region of Cerdanya largely means talking about two ski resorts that are well known among enthusiasts. La Molina and Masella, together known as the Alp2500 ski domain, are the benchmark resorts, both for their long-standing tradition and for the facilities they offer skiers. They undoubtedly represent the best area for skiing in Cerdanya.

La Molina, family skiing in Cerdanya

La Molina proudly boasts its status as the historic ski resort par excellence of the eastern Pyrenees. Chronicles from the early 20th century—when skiing was almost an oddity in Spain—confirm the strong international interest in La Molina.

It was precisely this early ability to attract skiers that led authorities to invest in the resort’s facilities, making it the first ski area in Spain to feature a mechanical lift and its own railway station, as well as a resort located directly within the ski area.

Both trends—the commitment to improving infrastructure and to developing hotel and leisure services—have continued to this day, turning La Molina into one of the best ski resorts for all types of visitors.

In fact, one of its main attractions is the famous Pista Llarga, which has introduced thousands of users to the practice of skiing. Other highlights include the Niu de l’Àliga mountain refuge, located at over 2,500 meters above sea level, featuring an exclusive restaurant with exceptional views.

Masella, skiing day and night

Also boasting a long history, with skiers regularly visiting its slopes since the 1960s, Masella’s ski runs stand out for their scale and facilities. The figures speak for themselves: 65 slopes, 18 lift systems, nearly 600 snow cannons, and a range of restaurants, shops, and complementary services more typical of a large city than of a mountain ski resort.

These leisure options and the abundance of slopes for all levels have led Masella to be considered the ideal ski resort for families (around 50% of its slopes are classified as “easy”).

Another strong point of this resort is the possibility of night skiing, a discipline in which Masella was a pioneer and where it currently offers the largest night skiing area in southern Europe.

In the 2025/2026 season, the ski resort has made a firm commitment to improving the efficiency of its facilities, leading to the modernization of its engine room with the aim of reducing energy consumption by 25%. In addition, drainage systems have been improved and slope signage has been updated. In short, more advantages and comfort for users.

Where to ski in Cerdanya depending on the discipline

Alpine skiing is the most popular discipline among skiers and is mainly practiced in the Alp2500 ski domain formed by La Molina and Masella.

However, Cerdanya also offers other disciplines such as Nordic or cross-country skiing, which can be practiced in Guils de Cerdanya at the Guils Fontanera ski resort, as well as in Lles de Cerdanya and Aransa.

Ski mountaineering, a journey through snow

Skimo, or ski mountaineering, combines the adrenaline of gliding down endless slopes with the exploratory character of a genuine alpine ascent. It is, logically, a more demanding discipline than alpine descents, but it can be far more stimulating and rewarding for enthusiasts.

Many of the best areas for ski mountaineering start from places such as Bellver de Cerdanya, Prullans, Ger, or Guils de Cerdanya, as well as from the surroundings of La Molina and Masella. Many companies offer guided tours to ensure a safe and unforgettable ascent.

Nordic skiing, the discipline for cross-country skiers

This is another variant that has been experiencing significant growth year after year. The Nordic version, which is in fact almost as old as traditional downhill skiing, also represents a greater physical challenge for skiers, who find themselves on much flatter terrain and therefore often must propel themselves forward.

In the region, it is possible to find the best slopes specially prepared for this discipline in Guils de Cerdanya, Lles de Cerdanya, and Aransa.

Where to ski and live near the best ski areas in Cerdanya

The lifestyle in Cerdanya surprises many skiers who visit its slopes. Gastronomy, cultural heritage, the urban atmosphere of its towns, and a lively social and cultural scene are additional attractions beyond skiing itself. This is especially true in larger towns such as Alp, Llívia, Bellver de Cerdanya, and Puigcerdà.

Puigcerdà, the irresistible call of the mountains

Puigcerdà is the largest town in the historic region. It concentrates the greatest supply of properties for sale or rent within the municipality and its surroundings. Puigcerdà is a charming town made up almost entirely of single-family homes and small apartment buildings characterized by their slate roofs.

The historic center of the municipality—although almost the entire town seems to be part of it—features iconic landmarks such as the bell tower of the now-disappeared Church of Santa Maria, the Casino Ceretà, and traditional villas.

The growing investor interest in Puigcerdà and the arrival of new residents in recent years explain the existence of a unique leisure, dining, and retail offering within the region, in addition to its proximity to the best ski slopes in Cerdanya.

Those who live in Puigcerdà have access to more than 200 shops of all kinds, with the charm that can only be found in small local stores. All of this comes with the imposing presence of the surrounding mountains enhancing every view of the town, as well as excellent access to the main ski resorts in the area.

A high-mountain lifestyle experience in a peaceful setting with top-quality services.

Alp, the gateway to the major ski resorts

Alp is the most recommended municipality for buying a house if the goal is to be right next to the main ski slopes. This charming town of fewer than 2,000 inhabitants includes La Molina and Masella ski areas within its municipal boundaries.

Thanks to its services, quality of life, almost alpine environment (the town center is located at 1,200 meters above sea level), and the presence of international residents, Alp is known by many as the “Swiss village of Catalonia.”

Living in Alp means living in a true refuge in the heart of the mountains. Residents, both temporary and permanent, enjoy a calm and welcoming pace of life in a natural setting that is hard to surpass. Outstanding local cuisine puts the finishing touch on the experience of living in Alp, which continues to attract more and more skiers and mountain lovers in general.

Advantages and opportunities of buying a house in Cerdanya

Buying a property in this historic region allows you to enjoy a lifestyle that combines mountain sports and skiing with a calm, nature-filled daily routine.

All municipalities and residential areas such as Fontanals de Cerdanya, Guils de Cerdanya, Bolvir, Llívia, Alp, Ger, or Puigcerdà enjoy high levels of safety, facilities and infrastructure are continuously reviewed and expanded each season.

Engel & Völkers offers the best available options for investing in a property near ski slopes. Discover the possibilities of the region and find the ideal home according to your needs with the help of our specialized agents.

Frequently Asked Questions about the best areas for skiing in Cerdanya

Where is the greatest selection of houses for sale near ski slopes?

The largest municipalities such as Puigcerdà, Alp, and Bellver de Cerdanya—especially Puigcerdà—concentrate the largest real estate portfolio. However, there are also other options throughout the region, such as Guils de Cerdanya, Fontanals de Cerdanya, Bolvir, Llívia, Ger, or Prullans. All of Cerdanya is relatively close to the best skiing areas.

Family-friendly areas for skiing in Cerdanya?

Resorts such as La Molina and Masella, part of the Alp2500 domain, are especially recommended for family winter sports. The services available in the region also ensure a very comfortable stay for all types of visitors.

What are the prospects for the real estate market near ski slopes?

The region has continued to gain population over the last decade, leading to steady and growing real estate demand near the best skiing areas.

Moreover, this is a very demanding buyer profile. Tourism investment is also gaining prominence in order to capitalize on the winter sports season, including skiing, skimo, cross-country skiing, and touring.

Are there good transportation connections in Cerdanya?

Despite being a high-mountain area, the road network allows quick access to ski slopes as well as direct connections to major cities such as Girona and Barcelona. It is also worth highlighting the existence of the Cerdanya aerodrome, a feature that very few ski resorts in Europe can boast.