Ski season in the Catalan Pyrenees off to a good start

Ski resorts across the Pyrenees have started to open their slopes for the season. With low temperatures and recent snow, more skiers than usual made the trip to the mountains. 

The three government-run FGC ski stations in the Pyrenees opened mid-december after snowfall that left 20 to 60 centimeters of snow. 

Head of Marketing at La Molina, Marta Viver, said that these were "unbeatable conditions" for the start of the season. "We hope it continues that way," she added. 

Baqueria Beret, one of the Pyrenees' most famous ski resorts saw a "boost" in its reservations since its opening on December 12. A total of 122 slopes will be open at the peak of the season and around 850 people are expected to be hired.  

The opening of ski slopes also offered a beautiful white landscape for the visitors. 

The first skiers highlighted the pleasant weather conditions and the quality of snow: "It is very good to start the season like this, with cold and snow, because it ensures a good winter," said Esteve Esteve in La Molina. 

Anna Soliatiska, a snowboarder, thought that the snow was "softer." "We can see that it's more natural," she said. 

Last year, the lack of snow before Christmas prevented many skiers from enjoying the opening of the ski slopes. This year's favorable conditions foreshadow an increase in the number of skiers in December.