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YouthFamilyAdventure La Masella (Gerona), the forest resort

Surrounding area

The La Masella resort has the rare privilege of being part of a natural environment that includes the Tosa summit (2,535 metres). From here, it is possible to see the main peaks of the Eastern Pyrenees, such as Puigmal, Carlit and Puigpedrós, as well as the nearby Central Pyrenees. And on clear days when the weather is good, you can see all the way to the Montseny and Montserrat massifs and mount Tibidabo, right by Barcelona.

Located in between the municipalities of Alp, Das and Urús, La Masella has something that distinguishes it from any other resort: 80% of its ski runs are covered by woods. This is particularly visible in the sectors known as La Pia, La Pleta, Bosc d’Alp and Coms de Das. Skiing down these runs, among the green fir trees, certainly is a special experience. The skier feels as if he's been magically transported to northern latitudes, such as Germany or Austria.

 

Good weather and La Caseta del Snow 

Another of the virtues of La Masella is its good weather, which makes the ski season last for up to five months. This is much appreciated by those who can make longer use of the 72 kilometres of ski runs in the resort.

The resort's various sectors allow all visitors to ski, no matter what their level or preferences. For instance, at the greater heights it is possible to ski between the rocky walls of Coma Pregona and Coma Oriola. Dues Estacions is the meeting point for skiing and snowboarding, with the impressive Puigmal as a backdrop and the hope of catching a glimpse of a chamois. This is also the place where the resorts of La Masella and La Molina meet. The joint package Alp 2500 allows the visitor to enjoy their 130 kilometres of ski runs.

In this area there is what is called La Caseta del Snow, a meeting point for snowboarding fans, with qualified instructors and courses for any level. This place also offers the chance of trying the most sophisticated boards in any of the natural half pipes in La Masella.

There are several interesting places that can be easily reached from La Masella, like the nearby village of Alp and its surrounding areas, including the Pavorda dolmen or the Segramorta and La Torre de Riu castles. Guided trekking tours by the area are also organised there (tel.: 972 890 385).

 

Puigcerdá and its best kept secret: Llívia 

An obvious destination is the nearby and bustling Puigcerdá, capital of the region. You can take a walk through the Raval or the old quarter's winding streets, where the Santa María church awaits the visitor, or maybe spend a quiet morning just lazing by the pond.

Regarding the local gastronomy, the Cerdanya is a first-rate destination. At Bolvir you'll find the lovely small palace called Torre del Remei (which has earned two Repsol Soles), one of the most charming hotels in Spain. In its restaurant, Josep Maria Boix and his team are still among the best with their elegant dishes full of new flavours.

The Cerdaña also keeps a small secret: Llívia. This tiny village with a millenium of history is part of Spain but it is located in French territory. Despite its size, it has two important gastronomic attractions: Can Ventura (tel.: 972 896 178) is a thirty-year-old restaurant offering elaborate Catalan cuisine. The Pizzería-Taller de Fabián Martín is entirely different. Here this ex-boxer makes what have officially been called the best pizzas in the world. Don't miss the ones prepared with flowers, foie gras, white truffle or even edible gold.