He is known as Nuria Valley is located in Girona. It is a Pyrenean area within the Queralbs municipality, located at an altitude of more than 2000 meters. So a priori we can say that it is a small mountain but that has great beauty to be visited in all seasons.
Although one of the main ones is the winter season. Since once in it, we can take advantage of the ski resort that offers. A place away from civilization that is perfect to disconnect while enjoying nature and the best sports.
How to get to Valle de Nuria
Forget about the car because you will not be able to get to this place with it. It is one of the great peculiarities that it has, to be able to start the adventure before arriving. This place is located in the eastern Pyrenees, which is close to Barcelona and Girona. From these places and to Queralbs we can go by car. Which leaves us a distance of just over an hour and a half, although logically it will depend on the exact point where we are. From Barcelona you can go on the C-17 and from Girona on the C-66. Both in Queralbs and Ribes You have free parking where you can leave your vehicle. From these points and up to the Nuria Valley you will go in the train called Zipper. It is a type of railway that is usually used in areas where the slope is greater than 8%. Without a doubt, the trip will be more than perfect since you will enter the countryside, leaving you with incredible views.
The ski resort
Once we arrive, we will meet the ski resort area. The base of it is almost 2000 meters. A valley completely surrounded by high mountains, which gives us the security and relaxation that we well deserve. Some of these peaks exceed 3000 meters, to give us an idea. The station has more than 7 kilometers of slopes. It is a perfect area for all those who want to start skiing in the world. Since the environment is perfectly controlled and also, if it gets late, you can spend the night in the place. In addition, it has chair lifts and gondolas, as well as 11 slopes in total. If you make an online reservation, you can find very affordable prices to spend the night here. Some of the tickets also include the Rack Railway train.
Origin and tradition of the Sanctuary of Valle de Nuria
The origin of this place has at its feet a tradition that we are also going to discover. It is said that a saint came to the valley in 700 from Athens. He was in this place for about four years and during that time, he carved the figure of the Virgin. But when the Arabs conquered the Peninsula, he had to flee and hid the image in a kind of cave, as well as some personal belongings. Time after, about 1072 a pilgrim built a chapel, where the other pilgrims used to stop. With the same luck, he found the image of the Virgin that, of course, he placed it in said chapel. The image is the virgin, with the child sitting on her left leg.
Although it was restored, it still retains its oldest features. Over the years, this sanctuary was more and more protagonist for having the Virgin of Nuria. An area for excursions and pilgrimage, before lifting the ski resort. At first, the ascent was done on foot, until The Rack Railway arrived in 1931. But that's not all, but among the remains of that Athenian saint, they found a pot with which he made food and a bell, with which he called those who needed food. Well today couples who cannot have childrenThey come to this point so that the virgin gives them what they most want. The woman has to put her head under the pot and ring the bell. Each of the peals that are heard, will be a son.
A valley also for the little ones
For all those who also want to travel with the little ones in the house, this is a good option. On the one hand, because it has several types of excursions. Thus, both older people and children will be able to follow her. For example, one of the simplest is the one that borders the lake in the valley. Not long ago they installed a park for children up to 14 years old. You can find it right in front of the sanctuary. To access it you also have to get a ticket or ticket, which can be for hours or for the whole day. This last round costs 17 euros and there you will find both slides and zip lines or Kart circuits. Of course, the ball pools could not be absent either. When the kids get tired of all this, if they do, there will be origami workshops available, there are storytellers, and much more. Although it may seem like it, it is not only for summer, but in winter they also have all kinds of diversions so that children do not have time to get bored. The Nuria Valley is an option for the whole family!