Valgrande-Pajares

The Valgrande Pajares ski resort is located in Spain, in the heart of the Cantabrian Mountains, in the Asturian municipality of Lena, on the natural border between Asturias and León. Regarded as one of the historic Spanish ski resorts in the north of the peninsula, this winter destination, which opened in 1954, has now been in operation for over seven decades, establishing itself as a benchmark for several generations of skiers. Known simply as “Pajares”, the resort looks to the future with a clear modernisation strategy led by its Director, Fco. Javier Martínez Iglesias. The progressive improvement of its infrastructure and commitment to seasonal diversification reflect its current positioning as a year-round mountain resort.

The Valgrande Pajares ski resort

Situated at the top of the iconic Pajares Pass, the resort benefits from a strategic location that makes it easily accessible from the main urban centres of northern Spain. It is approximately 60 km from Oviedo and León, around 75 km from Gijón and nearly 90 km from Avilés, connected via the historic N-630 (Ruta de la Plata), a road with great symbolic significance in linking the north and south of the country.

From its highest peaks, the landscape takes on a spectacular dimension. The ridge line of the Cantabrian Mountains traces a horizon dominated by landmarks such as Cueto Negro (1,862 m), Las Tres Marías (1,964 m), El Negrón and the Peña Ubiña massif, creating a visual experience that goes beyond the purely sporting.

The history of the resort is closely linked to the figure of Jesús Valgrande, a key driving force behind the development of skiing in the area, whose vision made it possible to transform a mountainous landscape into a genuine sports centre. Thanks to this legacy, Pajares has traditionally been a breeding ground for alpine skiers and a historic landmark for Nordic skiing in the Cantabrian Mountains.

What Valgrande Pajares Resort has to offer

Valgrande Pajares currently offers a ski area covering approximately 22.5 km, comprising around 38 runs suitable for all ability levels. The resort has seven lifts: a gondola lift, two chairlifts, two T-bar lifts and two conveyor belts (one in the upper area and one in the lower area), ensuring smooth operations on busy days.

One of the key factors in its recent development has been investment in snowmaking systems, with around 90 snow guns covering more than 5 km of skiable terrain, ensuring that operations can continue regardless of the weather – a particularly important consideration given its proximity to the sea.

The resort also features a competition venue approved for FIS events, a freestyle-oriented snowpark in the upper area, and a cross-country ski trail of approximately 7 km, which significantly expands the range of sporting activities on offer. Finally, it is worth noting that Valgrande-Pajares was one of the first resorts to provide a dedicated area for enthusiasts of SkiMo or ski touring.

The best slopes and areas at the Valgrande Pajares ski resort

Valgrande-Pajares, with around 22.5 km of skiable terrain and 38 runs, offers a compact yet surprisingly varied ski area, organised into several distinct zones that bring together the best of the skiing experience.

The Pajares ski resort is divided into five well-connected sectors. The Cuitu Negro sector is ideal for beginners, with five green runs; we recommend the “El Ventisquero” run as it is the longest (500 m). The Valle del Sol sector is an area with steeper slopes where you’ll find blue and red runs (3 and 4 respectively). The Tubo (or Les Patines) sector is the most challenging, featuring only red and black runs. The Fuente La Reina – Vallón area is also challenging, with five red downhill runs (one over 2 km long, called Vallón II) and a very scenic blue run (La Ventosa).

Finally, in the lower area, also known as La Hoya, you’ll find three very easy green runs, one blue run and one red run (La Umbría). Strategically speaking, however, the resort is organised mainly around the upper area of Cuitu Negru, where the most interesting sectors—both technically and in terms of scenery—are located. This area is divided into two clearly distinct zones that deserve further detail:

• Valle del Sol: probably the most well-rounded area, with wide, well-oriented runs that are perfect for a smooth skiing experience. Highlights here include runs such as La Hoya, Los Pasos and Martinelli, which are ideal for intermediate skiers looking for a continuous, flowing run.
• El Tubo: the most technical and demanding section, featuring runs such as El Tubo and Les Patines, which are steeper and more challenging. This is where Pajares reveals its most athletic and authentic side.

Finally, it is worth highlighting the La Hoya run, which is more accessible, wide and versatile, making it perfect for linking together long turns, as well as Los Pasos-Martinelli, which is particularly popular with intermediate skiers, although it requires some care at specific points where there are steeper sections.

Chus Valgrande: the pioneer who introduced skiing to Pajares

The figure of Jesús Suárez-Valgrande, known as “Chus Valgrande”, is absolutely central to understanding the origins and development of the Valgrande-Pajares resort, to the extent that his name has become permanently associated with the area. Born in Gijón in 1912, he grew up in the village of Pajares itself, where his family ran a modest mountain hotel that would be the seed of tourism in the area. From a very young age, his life was linked to skiing, not only as an athlete – he went on to become a seven-time Spanish champion and Olympic flag-bearer at the 1936 Winter Games –, but also as a true visionary for the development of skiing in Asturias.

Beyond his sporting career, he played a decisive role in the creation of the ski resort, as in the 1950s he spearheaded the installation of the first ski lift, the La Cerra ski lift (1954), considered the official starting point of Valgrande-Pajares as an organised resort. His ability to mobilise resources, attract technology (such as the first ‘Poma’-type systems) and develop a skiing offering in what was still a very rudimentary environment makes him a true pioneer of skiing in Spain.

His significance is such that today there is a commemorative sculpture in the Brañillín area, right in the heart of the resort, where he is honoured as an Olympic athlete and, above all, as the driving force behind this winter destination. This statue, which you can see in the photograph we took in 2026, represents not only a champion, but a man deeply connected to the mountains, whose legacy transcends sport to become part of the history of the tourism and social development of skiing in the Cantabrian Mountains.

Unforgettable experiences in Valgrande/Pajares

The Cuitu Negro café

Taking the Valgrande Pajares cable car is quite an experience, not only because of the comfort and speed of the ascent, but also because of the summit itself. There, skiers and visitors will find the Cuitu Negro café building, constructed in 1969. It is a unique example of mountain architecture due to its bold structural design: an elevated floor supported by a single central pillar. Constructed in exposed reinforced concrete, the building not only meets functional criteria but is also conceived as a privileged viewpoint over the landscape, in line with the design vision of its architect, Carlos Blanco Bescós.

This project was recognised by Docomomo, an international organisation dedicated to the study, documentation and promotion of Modernist architecture. Its work aims to establish this heritage as an essential part of 20th-century culture, whilst promoting its protection and conservation.

In Valgrande-Pajares, beyond the skiing itself, there are several spots that stand out for the vastness and beauty of their panoramic views, particularly on the higher slopes of Cuitu Negru, from where the vista opens up to the Cantabrian Mountains in all their glory, with deep valleys and gentle peaks that, on clear days, seem to stretch on forever. In this context, one of the most symbolic places is the area where the statue of the Virgin is located, erected as a landmark and for the protection of skiers.

As well as its spiritual and cultural significance, this spot has become a prime vantage point that invites visitors to pause, look around and take in the scenery surrounding the resort. The presence of this figure reinforces the historical link between the mountains, tradition and the local community, adding an emotional dimension to the skier’s experience that goes beyond the purely sporting aspect.

Uropark: The Valgrande-Pajares SnowPark

The Pajares SnowPark is located in the upper part of the resort, running parallel to the beginners’ slope. This area is designed for riders of all levels, as it features features and small jumps that are ideal for beginners. You’ll mainly find basic rails and boxes suitable for beginners.

When there is enough snow, the Pajares snowpark offers a variety of runs. Blue markers indicate low/intermediate-level features, whilst red markers indicate intermediate/advanced-level features.

No earthworks have been carried out, so the snow park’s layout is basic and perhaps a little lacking for advanced riders looking to pull off big jumps.

Valgrande Pajares mountain resort in summer

In recent years, Valgrande Pajares has evolved into a year-round mountain resort, with a structured programme that goes far beyond simply being open during the summer. This transformation is particularly evident in the “Veranu en Payares” programme, an initiative launched to encourage use of the ski area in summer and strengthen the link between sport, nature and the local area.

During the summer months – mainly between late June and mid-September – the resort offers a range of organised outdoor activities suitable for all ages, with a clear focus on environmental education and active leisure. Highlights include guided mountain trails, environmental workshops, mountain biking (MTB) clinics, geocaching, family orienteering activities, yoga sessions in the heart of nature and Nordic walking. These activities, which are often free or low-cost, reinforce Pajares’s reputation as an accessible and educational destination, particularly appealing to families.

The interpretive aspect of the area plays a key role here: the guided tours are not limited to the sporting aspect, but also incorporate information on history, biodiversity and local culture, enabling visitors to explore areas of great natural value such as the Las Ubiñas-La Mesa Natural Park, the Camino del Salvador and the Brañillín valleys.

One of the key elements of this experience is the tourist use of the cable car, which normally operates throughout the summer and provides easy access to the higher elevations, offering a stunning view of the Cantabrian Mountains. This infrastructure not only improves accessibility but also broadens the visitor profile, attracting both hikers and the general public seeking to enjoy the surroundings without the need for intensive physical activity.

In addition, the summer programme includes one-off events that highlight the destination’s social and cultural aspects, such as mountain festivals, traditional markets and outdoor music events, establishing the resort as a hub for social interaction and a driving force for regional development.

Hotels in Valgrande Pajares

It offers 150 beds of accommodation right next to the slopes, in the form of hotels and hostels, and a further 500 beds within a radius of 3 to 50 km:

Peñaubiña Alpine Club

The Peñaubiña Alpine Club in Valgrande-Pajares clearly embodies the essence of a historic club deeply rooted in the skiing culture of northern Spain, where sporting activities are intertwined with a strong commitment to social and educational initiatives.

It has a capacity of approximately 34 beds, spread across 11 rooms: six of these can accommodate four people and five are double rooms, all fitted with en-suite bathrooms. This relatively compact size reinforces its character as a mountain club rather than a conventional tourist accommodation, fostering an intimate, almost family-like experience. Member services are managed by Pilar and her husband, whose presence is key to the day-to-day running and quality of service, providing a direct and personalised approach that is one of the club’s greatest strengths.

In terms of facilities, the building offers a comprehensive range of amenities designed with the skier in mind: a dining room and catering service, communal areas, ski storage, relaxation spaces and a prime location at the foot of the slopes that eliminates any logistical hassles from the skiing experience. All of this is organised along club-like lines, where hospitality, functionality and a social atmosphere take precedence over a commercial approach, establishing a model closely linked to Alpine tradition and the collective practice of the sport.

Of particular note is the room dedicated to Lindsey Vonn, a unique space that goes beyond mere decoration to become an inspirational symbol within the club, evoking excellence, the pursuit of personal best, and the link between the elite of international skiing and the amateur sport. Such features reinforce the club’s identity, presenting it not only as a place of learning, but as a space where mountain culture is nurtured and a passion for skiing is fostered from one generation to the next.

Royal Inn Pajares

La Posada Real de Pajares is a rural guesthouse located just 4 km from the Valdgrande/Pajares ski resort. Situated in a village of around 100 inhabitants, this accommodation features an indoor swimming pool and a hot tub.

This remote village will make you feel further from civilisation than it actually is.

Perfect for holidays with your partner, with children, with friends, or even with your pet. At La Posada Real, you’re welcome to bring your faithful pet along, so there’s no need to leave them with a neighbour or a relative.

Antón’s Gang

If you’re an animal lover and have a pet you don’t want to leave behind in your home town, La Cuadrina de Antón is the perfect place to stay.

Just like at the Posada Real, you can bring your pet here too. Not only that, but this chalet also features two bedrooms, a kitchen with a microwave, a flat-screen TV, a living area and a bathroom with a bidet. As if that weren’t enough, the accommodation offers ski storage. The views of the river and the mountains are picture-perfect, and it’s just 5 km from Valgrande/Pajares.

Skiing in Valgrande-Pajares: the resort’s highlights

• In 2022, it upgraded its facilities by installing a modern cable car that takes skiers up to Cueto Negro (1,862 m).
• Valgrande/Pajares has over 90 snow cannons, ensuring snow cover across some 5.5 kilometres of slopes.
• It is a 40-minute drive from cities such as Oviedo and León, and a 50-minute drive from Gijón and Avilés.
• The resort has 7 ski lifts. Specifically, you will find a gondola lift, 2 chairlifts, 2 T-bar lifts and 2 conveyor belts (upper and lower areas). There are plans to develop a “phase 2”, which involves installing a new chairlift from the base to the Fuentelareina area. There are also plans to build a central building at the foot of the slopes to bring together the ticket office, ski school and hire services, which are currently scattered across the resort.
• It boasts a ski area comprising 22.5 km of slopes dedicated to downhill skiing. Snow conditions permitting, its terrain and topography make the ski area an excellent destination for freeride and off-piste enthusiasts.
• In the winter of 2018, a sculpture of the Virgin Mary of Valgrande was erected; it can be reached by taking a diagonal path from Cueto Negro towards Las Tres Marías. Its installation was made possible by local residents, skiers, sports enthusiasts and friends, who have enhanced the beauty of these Asturian peaks; it now serves as a landmark and a site for an annual pilgrimage, with offerings made in September. Also, at the base of the resort near the equipment hire area, there is a bust of ‘Chus Valgrande’.