La Molina and Masella: Ski resorts and mountain adventures

La Molina is Catalonia's oldest ski resort, founded in 1908, with 68 km of ski runs and modern lifts. It's ideal for families and intermediate skiers, with gentle slopes, ski schools and snow parks.

Masella, the neighbouring resort, offers 74 km of runs and is known for night skiing (the only resort in the Pyrenees with this option). It has more challenging terrain and better snow conditions due to higher altitude (up to 2,535m).

The two resorts can be skied with a combined Alp 2500 pass, offering 142 km total. Day passes cost 45-55 EUR depending on season. Equipment rental is available at both resorts for 25-35 EUR/day.

The ski season runs from December to April, with best snow conditions in January-February.

In summer, the ski lifts operate as hiking lifts, whisking you up to high-altitude trails. The crown jewel is the hike to La Tosa, the highest peak in the Cerdanya at 2,536 metres.

La Tosa hike from Masella:

• Take the telecabina (gondola) from Masella base station to Pla de Masella (2,000m)
• Hike 1.5 hours to the summit, following well-marked trails through alpine meadows
• Spectacular 360-degree views: Cadi range, Puigmal, Pedraforca, even the Mediterranean on clear days
• Return via the same route or descend to La Molina

Total hiking time: 3-4 hours round trip. Difficulty: moderate (good fitness required at altitude). Bring water, sunscreen and warm layers as weather changes rapidly.

Summer lift passes cost 15 EUR for a single ascent, 20 EUR unlimited day pass.

Both resorts offer extensive mountain biking facilities in summer:

• Bike park: downhill trails for all levels, accessed by chairlift
• Cross-country routes: marked trails through forests and meadows
• E-bike rental: assisted pedalling for easier climbs

Other summer activities include:

• Zip-lining: thrilling descent over the forest canopy
• Via ferrata: equipped climbing routes on rock faces
• Tubing: slide down artificial slopes on inflatable tubes (great for kids)
• Segway tours: guided tours around the resort

Activity prices range from 15-40 EUR per person. Multi-activity passes offer better value.

Winter day trip: Depart La Tor de Montclar early (8am) to arrive at the slopes by 9am when lifts open. Rent equipment if needed, ski until lunch (mountain restaurants serve grilled meats, stews, around 15-20 EUR). Ski the afternoon session, finishing around 4pm for the drive back to Montclar before dark.

Summer day trip: Arrive at Masella around 10am. Take the gondola up and hike to La Tosa summit (bring packed lunch or buy supplies at the base). Descend by early afternoon and either relax at the resort or try an adventure activity. Alternatively, take the gondola up at La Molina and enjoy gentler walks around the Niu de l'Àliga viewpoint.

In both seasons, consider combining with a stop in Puigcerda on the return journey for shopping and dinner.

How to get there: From La Tor de Montclar, take the C-16 north through the Cadi tunnel, then follow signs to La Molina/Alp. Distance is 70 km, about 1 hour.

Parking: Large pay parking at both resorts (10-15 EUR/day in winter, 5 EUR in summer). Arrive early in peak season as it fills up.

Prices: Ski pass 45-55 EUR/day, equipment rental 25-35 EUR, summer lift pass 15-20 EUR, adventure activities 15-40 EUR.

Best season: December to April for skiing (best snow January-February), June to September for hiking (best weather July-August).

Facilities: Restaurants, cafeterias, equipment rental, ski schools, lockers, medical services at both resorts.