Enjoying the snow as a family doesn’t always mean putting on skis. Near Barcelona, there are different places, ski resorts, and spaces designed so that younger children can play, get their first taste of snow, go sledding, and enjoy the experience in a safe and fun way. These are some of the best options to visit with kids, with activities adapted to all ages.
WHERE TO ENJOY THE SNOW AS A FAMILY
VALL DE NÚRIA (Ripollès)
In the heart of the Vall de Núria, this destination is perfect for enjoying the snow as a family without the need to ski. Getting there by rack railway already turns the visit into a very special experience for children. Once in the valley, the Vall de Núria Leisure Park is the ideal place to experience snow in a fun and safe way, especially designed for families. You can enjoy sledding slopes, giant tubbing circuits, and a variety of activities in a controlled environment, with specialised staff and equipment adapted to all ages. In addition, if you’re looking for a very original plan, Vall de Núria offers the possibility of taking a guided excursion in a snow groomer (ratrac). This 45-minute experience takes you up to the upper area of the resort, allows you to see these impressive machines up close, and learn how snow is prepared at a mountain resort.
Location: Queralbs (Girona).
Access: Exclusively by rack railway from Ribes de Freser or Queralbs (paid service).
Services: Restaurants, accommodation, leisure park, equipment rental, restrooms, and rest areas.
Opening hours: Dependent on rack railway timetable; daytime activities throughout the snow season.
Website: La Vall de Nuria
RASOS DE PEGUERA (Berguedà)
Rasos de Peguera is an open and free natural area, ideal for enjoying the snow as a family when conditions allow. Although it no longer operates as an alpine ski resort, it has become a perfect place for free play in the snow, sledding (it’s recommended to bring your own sled), building snowmen, organising snowball fights, or enjoying easy walks and snowshoe routes in the surrounding area. Its wide open spaces and forests make it especially suitable for visiting with children, combining nature, fresh air, and fun without the need to ski. It is easily accessible from Berga and has parking areas; as it doesn’t offer resort services, it’s advisable to go well equipped and check snow conditions before visiting.
Location: Cercs (Barcelona).
How to get there: From Berga via the BV-4243 road.
Services: No resort services; recommended to bring your own food and equipment.
Opening hours: Free daytime access, depending on weather conditions.
Website: Rasos en familia
PORT DEL COMPTE (Solsonès)
Port del Comte is one of the most recommended resorts for enjoying the snow with children, especially for those looking for fun without skiing. Its Kids Park stands out as a unique activity area in Catalonia, designed so that both children and adults can enjoy the snow in a safe and very fun way. The area features a conveyor belt that makes access to the activities easy: just ride up… and slide down! For 1.5 hours, visitors can freely enjoy the park’s activities, with insurance included and a sled or Tubby included in the price. This area is open on weekends and public holidays. In addition, the resort has a sledding area, snowpark, rental services, and restaurants, making it ideal for a first family contact with snow.
Location: La Coma i la Pedra (Lleida).
How to get there: Via the C-462 from Sant Llorenç de Morunys.
Services: Equipment rental, restaurants, parking, ski school, family areas.
Opening hours: Generally from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (depending on conditions and season).
Website: Port del Compte
VALLTER 2000 (Ripollès)
Vallter 2000 is an excellent option for enjoying the snow as a family thanks to its open areas for playing before reaching the slopes, its snowpark, activities such as snowshoeing, and a wide range of offers designed for younger visitors. One of its highlights is the Vallter Sledding Slope, open every day, a safe and fun space where you can experience snow in a different way. It’s ideal for families and children, allowing them to slide on sleds and create unforgettable memories in a controlled environment. Vallter 2000 also features the Fajol Club, a space designed for children to enjoy a full day in the snow through creative workshops, gymkhanas, organised games, and themed parties, combining play, learning, and nature in a unique experience.
Location: Setcases, Eastern Pyrenees (Girona).
How to get there: From Camprodon via the GIV-5264 road.
Services: Children’s club, ski school, equipment rental, café, parking, and family activities.
Opening hours: Approximately from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (depending on season and conditions).
Website: Vallter 2000
PORT AINÉ (Pallars Sobirà)
Port Ainé is a resort especially oriented towards families and an ideal option for enjoying the snow without skiing. At altitude 2000, you’ll find the Port Ainé Leisure Park, a space designed for children aged 5 and up to enjoy their first snow experiences in a fun and safe way. The park offers sledding descents, tubing, play areas, and snowshoe circuits. It also has a picnic area, café, and rest areas, making it a perfect meeting point to spend the whole day as a family. Another highly recommended experience is the Port Ainé gondola ride, a comfortable and panoramic way to admire the Pallars Sobirà from above. With the pedestrian pass, you can ride up to altitude 2000 and enjoy unique views of the natural park and the Rialp valley. Snow groomer excursions are also available.
Location: Rialp (Lleida).
How to get there: From Sort or Rialp via a paved mountain road.
Services: Nursery, ski school, equipment rental, restaurants, slope-side hotel, parking.
Opening hours: Approximately from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Website: Port Ainé
ANDORRA WITH FAMILY IN WINTER
Andorra is a fantastic destination for a winter family getaway, with plenty of activities adapted to all ages. In addition to ski resorts with children’s areas and ski schools, you can enjoy dog sledding (mushing), experience the thrill of snowmobiles, slide down large tubing slopes, or go snowshoeing along easy trails. There are also activities such as igloo building, ice skating, adventure parks like Naturland with its Tobotronc and games, as well as cultural or indoor options such as visiting museums. For relaxation, the famous Caldea spa offers thermal spaces ideal for the whole family after a day in the snow. In Andorra, there’s no shortage of snow fun or alternative plans if the weather changes, making every day special for both children and adults.
Discover all the plans in these articles:
BOÍ TAÜLL (Alta Ribagorça)
Boí Taüll is an ideal resort for enjoying the snow as a family and for helping younger children take their first steps in skiing in a safe environment. Its Snow Garden at the Vall de Boí Ski School stands out as a space specially designed for children, where play and learning go hand in hand in a stimulating and fun atmosphere, creating unforgettable memories from their very first snow experiences. The school also offers childcare services from age 2, a perfect option for families who want to enjoy the slopes while their children have fun under professional supervision. During the season, booking ski lessons may include exclusive discounts for the Snow Garden, making it easier for the whole family to share the excitement of skiing. All of this takes place in a high-mountain setting that invites visitors to discover the beauty of Boí Taüll while children explore, learn, and enjoy the snow from day one. Here we share our family experience in Boí Taüll.
Location: Vall de Boí (Lleida).
How to get there: From El Pont de Suert via the L-500 road.
Services: Equipment rental, restaurants, ski school, parking, family activities.
Opening hours: Approximately from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Website: Boí Taüll
