7 days skiing in the Aragonese Pyrenees | Tours of Spain

Route

Six nights in legendary Canfranc, the perfect base for the Astún and Candanchú ski resorts. In between, discover historic Jaca and the rugged peaks of the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park.

Pace

A winter sports holiday with a golden edge. You'll alternate active days on the slopes with snowshoe walks and pure relaxation in the wellness centre. The literal highlight? A panoramic flight over the snow-covered Pyrenees.

Highlights

Skiing in Astún and Candanchú, an adventurous trek with crampons through the Canfranc Valley and soaking up the culture in Jaca. And, of course, that unforgettable flight over the glaciers and valleys of Ordesa.

Accommodation

You will stay at Hotel Canfranc Estación: an iconic railway station from 1928, now a stunning luxury hotel. After skiing, you can dive into the heated swimming pool or the spa.

Profile

The ideal match for winter sports enthusiasts who love quiet slopes, gastronomy and wellness, far away from the hustle and bustle of the Alps.

Did you know? When the station was abandoned for years, children from the village came here to play among the old platforms. Some of them now work in the hotel and still enjoy telling stories about how they used to run around here as children.

Day 1: Arrival in Aragón

You will travel from Brussels to Zaragoza, or take the car for a picturesque drive through the winding mountain passes of the Aragonese Pyrenees. In Canfranc, you will find accommodation with character: the majestic Hotel Canfranc Estación, once the border station between Spain and France, today a gem of elegance and design.

Upon arrival, toast the start of your winter adventure with a glass of cava in La Biblioteca Bar, followed by a refined dinner in restaurant 1928, where Aragonese cuisine is given a contemporary twist.

Day 2: First day of skiing in Astún

After a hearty breakfast with a view of the snow-capped peaks, you will set off for Astún, just a 15-minute drive away. Thanks to Caractère's service, your ski pass will be ready and your transfer arranged. Enjoy wide slopes, a sun-drenched panorama and an atmosphere that feels both lively and relaxed.

After a day of skiing, wellness beckons: a heated swimming pool with mountain views, a massage with aromatic oils, or simply the silence of the snow outside. In the evening, a log fire and a glass of wine await you, accompanied by soft jazz.

Day 3: Skiing in Candanchú & snowshoe hike

Today you will explore Candanchú, one of the oldest ski resorts in Spain. Less crowded, authentic and surrounded by breathtaking nature. Here you will experience skiing as it was once meant to be: pure and unhurried.

In the afternoon, you will return to the hotel for some rest, after which you will head back out into the snow. A guided snowshoe hike at sunset will take you past snow-covered pine trees and open valleys. As the sky turns pink and silence envelops you, the warm drink you enjoy along the way will taste even better.

Day 4: The Pyrenees from the air & visit to Jaca

After breakfast, you will drive to Santa Cilia Airfield, near Jaca, for an unforgettable experience: a one-hour panoramic flight over the Aragonese Pyrenees and Ordesa National Park. Below you, gorges, mountain lakes and endless snowfields unfold, a true spectacle of nature and light.

After the flight, Jaca is the ideal stop for lunch in a local bodega. Then stroll through the charming old town with its fortified walls and Romanesque cathedral, or try your skating skills on the Olympic ice rink.

Day 5: Free day skiing in Astún or Candanchú

Today, the choice is yours: hit the slopes again in Astún with its wide descents and mountain panoramas, or in Candanchú, where the atmosphere is still reminiscent of the pioneering days of skiing. Both areas are accessible with a single ski pass.

After an active day, relaxation awaits: a dip in the heated swimming pool, a sauna or a good glass of wine in La Biblioteca Bar.

Day 6: Winter hike with crampons & gourmet farewell dinner

Today you will discover the Pyrenees up close. Together with a mountain guide, you will go on a winter hike with crampons through the Canfranc Valley. You will walk past frozen waterfalls and silent forests where only your footsteps break the silence.

In the evening, you will end your trip in style: a culinary dinner with wine pairing in restaurant 1928, where local ingredients and refined flavours come together in a final ode to the mountains.

Day 7: Return home

After a final breakfast at the hotel, you will say goodbye to Canfranc and travel back home.

If you have time, make a stopover in Huesca, with its charming old town, or visit the impressive castle of Loarre, which overlooks the Aragonese plains, a fitting end to a winter trip full of grandeur, silence and beauty.

Frequently asked questions about skiing holidays in the Aragonese Pyrenees

Do I need a hire car for this winter holiday?

A hire car is useful but not always necessary. From Hotel Canfranc Estación, you can quickly reach Astún and Candanchú. With a car, it is easier to discover places such as Jaca.

When is the best time for this winter holiday?

The best months are January to early March. During this period, the snow conditions in Astún and Candanchú are usually the most stable.

What makes this winter holiday different from skiing holidays in the Alps?

The ski resorts in the Aragonese Pyrenees are quieter than many Alpine resorts. You will find wide slopes, authentic villages and shorter waiting times at the lifts.