The stars are better seen on the mountain.
In the Posets Maladeta Natural Park, we find a classic to which it is always convenient to return: the Hospedería Hospital de Benasque. As its name suggests, it is an **old mountain hospital, a refuge for hikers (that's already impressive)**, rebuilt as high mountain hotel, at 1,750 meters, with spa , very close to the border with France, at the foot of the always fascinating Aneto.
"Eight centuries after his construction by the Hospitaller monks , the Benasque Hospital has been rebuilt so that today's hikers can enjoy the mountains and skiing with the comforts of a modern building", reads its presentation. typical architecture of the Aragonese Pyrenees welcomes us in that stone, wood and slate that show respect to the mountain.
There are days when it snows a lot.
Some reasons why we like the hostel:
- It's not ostentatious . It is a three star with no pretensions other than being a mountain accommodation. Let's not forget that mountaineers are usually very, very practical people, and little slaves to fashion. What they need is, when they return after the day, to find warmth and comfort, but without artifice, of the blanket and chimney (and here it is).
- Children do not pay until they are 10 years old. Good information for those who want to instill a love for the mountains in their children. In many establishments, minors pay from the age of two.
- the spa. Without being a design delirium, it feeds on snow water , which apparently has many benefits for the body and health. There is of course also a children's schedule of the spa. Another point for the hostel.
- The massages . Their prices are very reasonable, not crazy at all (from €35), and of course there is a rest version of the warrior, "decontracting legs and back with a final cryotherapy through cold bandages". Oh.
Nordic skiing in Llanos del Hospital.
- Your kitchen , which will not hoard Michelin stars, but which feeds on products that we will hardly be able to taste if we are not in the mountains: mushrooms, berries, veal and beef raised with mountain pastures...
- The accommodation is inserted in the nordic ski slopes Hospital Plains , a station for practicing mountain skiing surrounded by this incomparable setting. Are three itineraries with which to cross the mountain , a beautiful cross-country ski descent and a more than beautiful walk to go with snowshoes.
Incomparable setting where they exist.
- Eye to ski touring descent: Hospital Plains is at the foot of Aneto-Maladeta and its glaciers, which is why it is a very frequent starting point for many excursions. In season, an "uninterrupted descent of 1,368 meters from the Pico de Alba (3,118 meters) to the car park is possible. Even in June you can see skiers climbing the glaciers," they point out from the station.
- The most pro can go up to Cerler, which is only 15 kilometers of the hostel.
- But what we like the most about this place is that, as they are passionate about the mountain that surrounds them , do not stop organizing routes and activities around this: dog sled rides ; prepared circuits of cross country ski , walks with snow rackets (also for beginners), family outings and, in spring and summer, and until the snow comes, a good handful of excursions in the area . What do you want to go to your ball? They advise you and explain to you, also through their wonderful Channel of Routes of Los Llanos del Hospital {# target=} , where they develop them one by one and in detail. Meanwhile, we select a few for you in our photo gallery. You want to go now. Enjoy it!
Dare with their dog sled rides.
*** You may also be interested in...**
- The best routes around Benasque
- Downhill Sledding Fever
- The snow is coming: news of the 2015-2016 season
- The 13 best ski resorts in the world
- Destinations to make the perfect snowman
- Everything you need to know about snowboarding, newbie
- Hot Snow: snowy places for faithful and promiscuous of the snow
- Next station: skiing (resorts that do)
- 'Mythical Descents': snow, sun and adrenaline
- European winter destinations: searching for the perfect snowman
And then... the beer in here.
This is how the moon rises (not the sun) in Benasque.