Reviewed by: jasper, Double Diamond Price Paid: $0.00 Summary:
I've visited La Molina-Masella from 16 to 20 February 2005. Late 1999, both resorts were connected by a modern gondola lift. Since then, La Molina-Masella is the biggest resort in Spain (111 km of runs).
I really enjoyed my visit. The pistes are attractive and very well maintained. It's relaxed skiing in both resorts: most of the runs are classified blue or red, and are very wide. A few black runs can be found in Masella, but unfortunately they were all closed during my visit. Both resorts are perfect for beginners. Masella is more attractive for experienced skiers. The scenery is very beautiful, with views on low valleys in Spain, and high mountains in Spain, Andorra and France. In Masella, some runs go through steep "gorges"; which is really beautiful
Although the weather was very nice on the first two days, a considerable number of lifts were closed, including the gondola that connects both areas. I assume that it has to do with the number of tickets sold, as there were very few skiers. Despite the closed lifts, ticket prices were not reduced.
On the third day (saturday), crows from the nearby cities of Girona (130 km) and Barcelona (140 km) visited the resort (it is no problem to park a car; there are eight areas with capacities up to almost 1,000 cars each). There were long queues, but the capacity of the lifts in Masella was enough. Maximum waiting time was 10 minutes. Although all lifts were open in the morning, several lifts (including our connection back to La Molina!) closed in the course of the day due to strong winds. I had to walk about 20 minutes uphill to get back to La Molina. And I was not the only one! Even Spanish skiers had missed the announcements that were made in Spanish only.
The ski lifts in La Molina - Masella are a mixture of very old poma lifts, 30-year-old char lifts and very modern high-capacity chair lifts. In general, lifts are newer in Masella than in La Molina. In La Molina, I sometimes thought I was back in the Sixties (although I was not yet born by then). The main exception in La Molina (apart from some short chair lifts for beginners) is the gondola.
The village of La Molina is not anything like cosy resorts in the Swiss and Austrian Alps. Ugly and even more ugly hotels and apartment buildings are scattered along both sides of the road. There is not a real center. Masella is not a village; it consists of one hotel, a number of small apartment buildings and some chalets. Nevertheless, I would recommend to stay in Masella rather than La Molina. Apres-ski like the Austrians know it is virtually non-existing. Most guests prefer a relaxing drink in the hotel bar.
I estimate that about 5 to 10% of the guests are English, 25% French and the remainder is Spanish. French is widely spoken, but English is difficult; although in "key" places, they do speak a little English.
In general, I would say that La Molina - Masella is very comparable to the Italian resort of Roccaraso, the biggest Italian resort south of the Alps (which can not yet (?) be found on www.outdoorreview.com). In general, I would say that in Roccaraso you get a little better quality for my money. Will I go back to La Molina - Masella? Probably yes.
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