La Molina

La Molina is a charming ski village in the Pyrenees, in north-eastern Spain. It is the oldest ski resort in the country: Spain's first ski lift was built here in 1943. Before that, skiing enthusiasts had to work hard climbing the slope on their own. Fortunately those days are long gone, and today La Molina has quite a few lifts: a gondola, 7 chairlifts, 4 T-bars and 3 magic carpets. Visitors can use 53 pistes totalling 61 km (the total vertical drop is 745 m). With pistes of varying difficulty, La Molina is an ideal place for families and winter sports fans of every ability. There are blue, red and black pistes. Good conditions on the slopes are ensured by almost 500 snow cannons, which keep a sufficient cover of machine-made snow on 28 km of pistes. Freestyle fans should visit the snow park, home to the largest superpipe in the Pyrenees and a Big Air Bag, a giant air cushion. Children have a snow kindergarten where the youngest can take their first steps on skis under an instructor's eye. La Molina also has a special sports centre for people with disabilities. There are also rental shops and ski schools offering lessons with an instructor. For anyone who wants "something more" than skiing or snowboarding, La Molina offers a range of extra activities, such as snowshoe walks, sledging and snow tubing, dog-sled rides and climbing in a rope park. Those in need of relaxation can use the golf course or the thermal pools. Those after more excitement can try ice diving, off-road driving in an Audi or a snowmobile trip. The snowy Pyrenees can also be admired from the air, by hot-air balloon, helicopter or paraglider. In the evening it is nice to unwind at the bowling alley or in bars and restaurants serving the famous tapas and excellent Spanish food. La Molina has an exceptional climate: this area has the largest number of sunny days in Europe. The particular local microclimate brings remarkably favourable weather, which all adds up to excellent skiing conditions. Another advantage is the location, which is exceptionally convenient for travel. You can fly to Barcelona or Girona, and from there it is not far at all. The drive in a hire car should take no more than two hours. The resort can also arrange a train or bus transfer directly from the airport. mk/skionline.pl