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Sign in with GooglePyrenees Vall De Núria Hotel & Restaurant. Winter Snow Paradise
Vall de Núria Resort is a winter and summer hotel restaurant mountain complex with ski slopes, ski lifts and great mountain hiking trails 5km from the French border
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About Núria Winter and Summer Mountain resort
The Vall de Núria resort sits at 1964 metres above sea level at the head of the Ribes Valley, where several mountain rivers converge beneath the dramatic cirque of peaks that rise to almost 3000 metres. The resort is built beside the artificial Estany de Núria lake, just 5 km from the French border, deep in the high mountains of the Ripollès region.
One of the most unique aspects of Vall de Núria is that there is no road access. The only way to reach the valley is via the Cremallera de Núria rack railway from Ribes de Freser, which stops in Queralbs before climbing into the high alpine basin. This isolation gives Núria a peaceful, almost hidden‑world atmosphere.
It is also possible to walk up to Núria from Ribes de Freser, following the classic valley trail used by pilgrims and shepherds for centuries.
Vall de Núria is a fantastic place to connect with nature in both summer and winter. At the heart of the resort you’ll find the Mare de Déu de Núria sanctuary, the historic Sant Gil chapel, and the Núria hotel complex with five restaurants. Although originally developed for skiing and winter sports, Núria is equally popular as a base for summer hiking in the Pyrenees.
The first thing you notice on arrival is the amphitheatre of mountains surrounding the valley — steep, dramatic peaks approaching 3000 metres, including the iconic Puigmal. In winter these slopes become a compact ski area suitable for beginners, intermediate skiers and off‑piste enthusiasts. In summer, the same terrain offers several snowshoe routes (in winter) and high‑mountain hiking routes radiating from the sanctuary.
Núria resort features 10 alpine ski pistes (three green, three blue, two red and two black) plus a dedicated sledging slope, totalling 7 km of marked runs. A quad chairlift rises from the resort base at 1964 m to 2252 m, while two platter lifts serve the beginners’ area. A gondola lift (telecabina) provides access to the Pic de l’Àliga hostel.
Vall de Núria Resort History
According to legend, Saint Gil — born in Athens and later appointed bishop of Nîmes — lived in the valley between 700 and 703 AD. During this time he carved an image of the Virgin Mary and evangelised local shepherds. Persecution forced him to hide the statue in a cave, where it remained lost for centuries.
In 1072, a pilgrim named Amadeu travelled from Dalmatia in search of Marian relics. Guided by local shepherds who knew the legend of Saint Gil, he built a modest chapel — the origin of today’s sanctuary. Núria later became a popular destination for mountaineers and winter sports enthusiasts in the early 20th century.
In 1919 the Transpirinenc Railway reached Ribes de Freser, and in 1928 construction began on the Cremallera. The first locomotive reached Núria on 30 December 1930, and the line was inaugurated on 22 March 1931. The modern resort was developed alongside the railway, creating the Núria we know today.
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Visiting Núria Winter and Summer Mountain resort
Núria resort and the Vall de Núria Cremallera normally close each year between November and mid‑December for annual maintenance and to transition the resort from summer to winter operations.
Núria Resort functions as a hotel and leisure complex for both winter and summer. The artificial lake, created by damming the rivers that flow into the valley, becomes a hub of activity throughout the year. In summer you can rent kayaks or rowboats, while in winter the lake freezes and the surrounding slopes transform into a compact ski area.
The resort is also the starting point for numerous high‑mountain hiking routes, including Núria to Queralbs via the Núria Valley, Núria to Puigmal summit on the French border, and Ribes de Freser to Núria via the classic valley trail. These routes are renowned for their outstanding natural beauty and dramatic alpine scenery. Chesck out the neearby tab of this page for routes.
Vall de Núria Resort with a Dog
You can reach the Vall de Núria Resort either by walking up from Ribes de Freser or by taking the Cremallera rack railway. Both options are suitable for dogs. If travelling by train, please check the conditions of carriage on my Cremallera page.
The Núria Resort hotel also offers a limited number of dog‑friendly rooms. Advance reservation is required by calling 972 732 000.
Núria Winter and Summer Mountain resort Accessability
The Vall de Núria Rack Railway is theoretically accessible for wheelchair users and is one of the easiest ways for people with reduced mobility to reach the high Pyrenees. However, accessibility can vary depending on the season, train model and staffing, so I strongly recommend phoning ahead or sending an email to confirm the exact assistance available on the day of your visit.
Accessibility contact:
Email: valldenuria@valldenuria.cat
Phone: 97 273 20 20
Once in Núria, there are flat, well‑maintained paths around the resort and lake that are suitable for pushchairs and visitors with limited mobility. The area also includes a children’s playground, gentle walking routes and the Sant Gil shrine, all of which can be enjoyed without needing to tackle steep mountain terrain.
If you are only visiting the resort, lake and playground areas, there is no need for specialist clothing. Simply pack for the weather and season. You can check the live webcams on the Núria website to see current snow conditions.
For hiking activities in the surrounding mountains, I have a recommended list of equipment for each route and season.
Nuria Winter and Summer Mountain resort Summary of Prices
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Adult
€ 33.60
FREE
Child
€ 33.60
FREE
Notes
To buy tickets online visit https://www.renfe.com/es/es/cercanias/rodalies-catalunya/ofertas-mas-populares/combinado-trenatura
Getting to Nuria Winter and Summer Mountain resort
Address: Estacio de Muntanya, Vall de Nuria, 17534
To reach Vall de Núria, take the Renfe R3 Rodalies train to Ribes de Freser and connect with the Cremallera de Núria. Because there is no road access to the valley, the Cremallera is the only way to reach the resort unless you hike up from Queralbs.
Train fares and timetables for the Cremallera can be found on the Vall de Núria website. A combined Renfe + Cremallera ticket, called TreNatura, is available and is considerably cheaper than buying the two tickets separately.
The combined TreNatura return ticket can be purchased from any Renfe Rodalies ticket machine or online. It prints as two separate tickets: one for the Renfe R3 segment and one for the Cremallera. When you arrive at Ribes de Freser, you must exchange the Cremallera ticket at the Vall de Núria ticket office for a barcode ticket that works with the turnstiles.
For more details about the journey, you can read my dedicated page on the Vall de Núria Rack Railway.
Documents for Núria Winter and Summer Mountain resort
Map for Núria Winter and Summer Mountain resort
Weather for Núria Winter and Summer Mountain resort
Where to stay overnight near Nuria Winter and Summer Mountain resort
- Hotel Vall de Nuria (Vall de Nuria Resort) is a Hotlel complex offering amenities such as a restaurant, bar, spa (massages, treatments), and free Wi-Fi. The family-friendly property provides ski-in/ski-out access, a kids' club, playground, and various sports like archery, minigolf, and hiking. Rooms feature mountain views, heating, and TVs, with access to the rack railway.
- Alberg Núria Xanascat (Vall de Nuria Resort) a Hostal at 2,120 meters offering year-round, high-altitude accommodation with 169-person capacity, featuring direct ski-to-door access, a restaurant, a bar, a shared lounge, and free Wi-Fi. Key amenities include ski storage, a games/recreation room, and disabled access, housed in a renovated mountain building with stone walls and a large outdoor patio. The hostel can be accessed via a mountain path or via a cable car from Vall de Nuria Cremallera station.
- Hostal Les Roquetes (Queralbs) is a rustic, family-friendly guesthouse located 200 meters from the Núria mountain railway Queralbs station. Key facilities include a traditional restaurant and bar serving local cuisine, a terrace, free Wi-Fi, and heated rooms with private balconies, flat-screen TVs, and mountain views.
- Hotel Rural L'Ortiga Blanca (Queralbs) offers rustic, pet-friendly accommodation 700 meters from the Vall de Núria queralbs cremallera station. Key amenities include a restaurant serving Catalan cuisine, a bar/lounge, free Wi-Fi, heating, a terrace, and family rooms. Rooms feature flat-screen TVs, desks, private bathrooms, and some include kitchens or sitting areas.
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