Overall Rating
Value for Money
Après-Ski
Off-Piste
Eating Out
Accommodation Options
Overview of La Molina Ski Resort
Located in the Spanish Pyrenees in Catalonia, La Molina offers an accessible skiing experience just 150km from Barcelona. The resort combines affordability with variety, making it particularly appealing for weekend trips and beginners.
The resort sits at altitudes between 1667m and 2537m, offering 68 runs spread across a compact but diverse ski area. While not the highest resort in the Pyrenees, La Molina compensates with good snowmaking capabilities on its main slopes. The area consists of several interconnected zones that provide varying terrain without overwhelming newer skiers.
Our community rates La Molina particularly highly for family friendliness (4/5) and snowboarding (4/5), highlighting its welcoming atmosphere for those looking to progress their skills without intimidation.
The Skiing in La Molina
La Molina's terrain is well-balanced with 20 beginner runs, 19 intermediate runs, and 22 advanced runs. The lift system includes 1 gondola, 8 chairlifts, and 7 drag lifts, providing good coverage across the resort's various sectors.
The skiing is most suitable for beginners and improvers, with wide, gentle slopes in the lower areas. As Charles, an advanced snowboarder in our community notes: "La Molina is a nice small low altitude ski resort. Can be busy on the nursery slopes, but quiet once up in the higher levels."
For more experienced skiers, the higher sections offer more challenging terrain, though as Charles mentions, it "might be a little boring for a week, amazing for a quick boarding weekend though." The resort also features a respected snowpark that attracts freestyle enthusiasts from across the region.
Advanced skiers give the resort a respectable 3.5/5 rating, suggesting there's enough to keep skilled riders entertained for shorter stays. Off-piste options are limited compared to larger Pyrenean resorts, but there are some accessible powder stashes when conditions permit.
Eating Out in La Molina
La Molina receives a 3/5 rating for eating out, reflecting its modest but satisfying options. The dining scene is characterized by casual Spanish and Catalan establishments rather than gourmet destinations.
On-mountain dining options are functional rather than exceptional, with standard ski cafeterias serving hearty local dishes. In the base area, you'll find traditional Catalan restaurants serving regional specialties like escudella (meat and vegetable stew) and trinxat (potato and cabbage dish).
One Snomad community member noted that while dining options aren't extensive, prices are more reasonable than at larger, more internationally known resorts, making it easier to enjoy meals out during your stay.
The Après-Ski in La Molina
With a modest 2.67/5 rating for après-ski, La Molina doesn't compete with Europe's party resorts. The after-ski scene is relaxed and low-key, focusing more on casual drinks than wild celebrations.
Enna, a beginner skier from the UK, mentions: "There isn't much choice for après but a few bars and restaurants, plus a bowling alley and swimming pool which was a nice addition as I had my 3 year old son with me."
The resort's proximity to Barcelona means it attracts weekend visitors who tend to focus on maximizing their time on the slopes rather than partying. For those seeking evening entertainment, the handful of bars in the base area offer friendly atmospheres with local beers and simple cocktails, but don't expect late-night clubbing.
Families in La Molina
La Molina excels for families, earning a strong 4/5 family-friendliness rating. The resort's manageable size, clear progression paths, and relatively quiet slopes make it ideal for family ski trips.
Enna shared her experience: "I had my 3 year old son with me... There's a big range of ski hire and ski schools. The price overall was reasonable and I would definitely return." The resort offers dedicated children's areas, reliable ski schools with English-speaking instructors, and non-skiing activities like the bowling alley and swimming pool that Enna mentioned.
The relatively small crowds (except on busy weekends) mean that families can navigate the resort without stress, and the compact layout helps keep family members from getting too separated. Many accommodation options are geared toward families, with self-catering facilities that help manage costs.
Accommodation in La Molina
La Molina receives a 3/5 rating for accommodation, offering a range of options from basic apartments to comfortable hotels. The accommodation is spread across different areas of the resort, with some properties offering ski-in/ski-out access.
Most accommodation is functional rather than luxurious, with a focus on practicality for skiers. Many units are within walking distance of the main lifts, though some require a short shuttle ride or drive to reach the slopes.
Self-catering apartments are particularly popular with families and groups looking to keep costs down, while the hotel options tend to be 3-star properties with standard amenities. During peak periods, especially weekends, accommodation can fill quickly due to visitors from Barcelona and surrounding areas, so advance booking is recommended.
La Molina Pros: Why the Snomad Community Loves It
Based on our Snomad community reviews, these are the favorite aspects of La Molina:
- Excellent for beginners - Enna, a beginner skier from the UK, found the resort perfect for progressing from complete novice to tackling red runs in just three days.
- Good value for money - The resort is noted for being more affordable than larger ski destinations, with Charles mentioning it's "cheaper as not a big resort."
- Wide, uncomplicated pistes - Joan, an advanced skier, specifically appreciated the "pistas sencillas y anchas" (simple and wide slopes).
- Additional facilities - The bowling alley and swimming pool were highlighted as welcome additions, especially for those traveling with children.
- Quieter upper slopes - While nursery areas can get busy, Charles, an advanced snowboarder, noted that the "higher levels" remain relatively quiet, making it ideal for more experienced riders seeking space.
La Molina Cons: What Snomad Skiers Say Could Be Better
Based on our users' reviews, here are the main criticisms of La Molina:
- Some outdated lift infrastructure - Joan specifically mentions that "they have some very old chairlifts that need replacing."
- Limited terrain for extended stays - Charles notes that while it's "amazing for a quick boarding weekend," it "might be a little boring for a week."
- Inconsistent snow conditions - Enna experienced icy conditions for two days of her trip, with only half the runs open due to limited snowfall.
- Busy nursery slopes - Charles points out that while higher levels remain quiet, the nursery slopes "can be busy."
- Limited après-ski options - Enna mentions "there isn't much choice for après," with just a few bars and restaurants available.
Reviews
Charles - advanced snowboarder 🏂
Jan, 20 - 2025
La Molina is a nice small low altitude ski resort. Can be busy on the nursery slopes, but quiet one up in the higher levels. Cheaper as not a big resort. I am a frequent flyer, might be a little boring for a week, amazing for a quick boarding weekend though.
Joan - advanced skier ⛷️
Jan, 7 - 2025
Pistas sencillas y anchas, las instalaciones están normal, tienen algún telesilla muy antiguo que ya va haciendo falta cambiar. Por el resto todo ok.
Enna - beginner skier ⛷️ United Kingdom
Dec, 31 - 2024
I went mid December and they had only had one lot of snow, so only half of the runs were open, I arrived as a complete beginner and after 3 days of skiing Id say I am capable of some red runs, the runs that were open were well looked after and varied in difficulty, unfortunately the final two days were quite ice but they had the snow cannons on so the main slope was powdery. It got a bit busier on the Saturday with schools coming over so big groups of children were on the slopes however it wasnt overly busy. There isnt much choice for aprés but a few bars and restaurants, plus a bowling alley and swimming pool which was a nice addition as I had my 3 year old son with me. Theres a big range of ski hire and ski schools. The price overall was reasonable and I would definitely return
Resort Stats
Ski Terrain
20Beginner Runs
19Intermediate Runs
22Advanced Runs
7Expert Runs
5.5 kmLongest Run
71 kmSkiable Terrain
42 kmsSnow making
Elevation
2537 mTop
1667 mBottom
870 mVertical Drop
Lifts
1Gondolas / Cable Cars
8Chairlifts
7Surface Lifts
Lift Pass Costs
€630Season pass
€1896 days
€381 day
Weather
16 cmAverage annual snowfall
Getting There
La Molina FAQs: Skiers' Most Asked Questions
Is La Molina snow-sure?
La Molina isn't particularly snow-sure due to its relatively low altitude (1667m-2537m). The resort relies heavily on snowmaking systems to maintain coverage during warmer/drier periods. One Snomad community member mentioned that only half the runs were open when visiting in mid-December as they had only had one snowfall. For more reliable conditions, visit during peak winter (January-February). The resort manages snow effectively when temperatures allow, but natural coverage can be inconsistent throughout the season.
What mountain range is La Molina part of?
La Molina is located in the eastern Pyrenees mountains of Catalonia, specifically in the Sierra del Cadí range. The resort sits about 150km north of Barcelona, making it one of the most accessible ski destinations from this major city. One Snomad community member who frequently visits notes that while it's a smaller, lower-altitude resort compared to others in the Pyrenees, its location offers spectacular mountain views across the Catalan region.
When does the ski season start and end in La Molina?
The ski season in La Molina typically runs from early December to late March or early April, weather conditions permitting. Some of our Snomad users note that snow coverage can be variable in December, as Enna experienced when only half the runs were open mid-December. With a base elevation of 1667m and a modest top elevation of 2537m, the resort relies on snowmaking facilities to supplement natural snowfall and extend the season when necessary.
Is La Molina good for beginners?
La Molina is excellent for beginners, earning a 4/5 rating from our community. The resort features 20 beginner-friendly runs with wide, gentle slopes perfect for learning. Enna, a beginner from the UK, shared that after just three days she progressed to some red runs. The nursery areas can get busy on weekends, but slopes are well-maintained. The resort's reasonable prices and additional facilities like swimming pools make it particularly appealing for families with new skiers.
Is La Molina good for intermediate skiers?
La Molina offers decent variety for intermediate skiers with 19 intermediate runs across its 870m vertical drop. While not extensive enough for a week-long trip, it's perfect for weekend breaks. The wide, straightforward pistes are ideal for progressing intermediates looking to build confidence. Some Snomad users note that facilities are showing their age, with a few older chairlifts, but overall the resort provides good value and well-maintained runs for intermediate-level progression.
Is La Molina good for advanced skiers?
La Molina offers decent challenges for advanced skiers with 22 advanced runs, though it's not typically known as an expert's paradise. One Snomad community member who's an advanced snowboarder noted it might be "a little boring for a week, amazing for a quick boarding weekend though." With a modest 870m vertical drop and top elevation of 2537m, advanced skiers might exhaust the terrain relatively quickly but can still find enjoyable runs, particularly in good snow conditions.
Is La Molina good for expert skiers?
La Molina isn't ideal for expert skiers. With only 22 advanced runs and a modest 870m vertical drop, it lacks the challenging terrain that experts crave. The resort sits at a relatively low altitude (1667m-2537m), which can affect snow conditions. One Snomad community member who's an advanced snowboarder mentioned it might be "a little boring for a week, amazing for a quick boarding weekend though." Better Spanish options exist for experts seeking serious challenges.
Is La Molina good for non-skiers?
La Molina offers limited options for non-skiers compared to larger resorts. Snomad user Enna mentions the bowling alley and swimming pool, which were particularly good for entertaining her 3-year-old son. The resort has a few bars and restaurants for socializing, but lacks extensive non-ski activities. Consider combining resort time with exploring nearby Catalan villages or enjoying the mountain scenery if you're not planning to ski or snowboard.
Is there snow at Christmas in La Molina?
La Molina typically has snow at Christmas, but it's not guaranteed due to its relatively low altitude (1667m-2537m). The resort uses snowmaking systems to supplement natural coverage when needed.
A Snomad user, Enna, mentioned visiting in mid-December when only half the runs were open after just one snowfall. The resort generally maintains good conditions on open runs, with snow cannons deployed to ensure coverage during drier periods.
Where should I stay in La Molina and what type of accommodation is available?
La Molina offers several accommodation options across different areas. Most lodging is concentrated around the base area, with a mix of hotels and apartments. The Alp 2500 zone connects to Masella and has more upscale options. Budget travelers can find simpler accommodations in nearby Alp village.
Our Snomad users mention that while not extensive, the accommodation is adequate. Charles, an advanced snowboarder, notes it's perfect for "a quick boarding weekend" rather than a week-long stay.
What's the best way to get to La Molina?
La Molina is accessible for international travelers via Barcelona Airport (160km away). Most visitors hire a car for the 2-hour drive through scenic Catalonian countryside. Alternatively, there's a direct train service from Barcelona Sants station to La Molina station, located at the base of the resort. Our users mention that weekend trains can get crowded with Barcelona day-trippers. Airport transfers and shuttle services are also available but less frequent than at larger Spanish resorts.
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