Valdezcaray

🏔️ History
Located in La Rioja, on the slopes of the imposing San Lorenzo peak, Valdezcaray was opened in 1974. Built through the sheer determination of local mountaineers, it quickly became the primary winter destination not only for locals but also for skiers from the nearby Basque Country and Burgos. Despite a complete modernization in the 2000s, it frequently battles with irregular snowfalls due to its latitude.

☀️ Best days
The first or second clear day immediately following a major northern storm front. Because it faces north/northwest, the resort catches massive amounts of snow from these storms. The runs winding through beech forests are visually stunning when covered in deep snow under a bright sun.

🚫 Days to avoid
Any weekend with good snow conditions, particularly if the dreaded southern wind is blowing. The resort is notorious for sudden closures due to hurricane-force gusts. Furthermore, the mountain access road from the town of Ezcaray becomes completely gridlocked on busy weekends.

💡 Community tip
Ski mid-week if at all possible. If you must visit on a weekend, arrive before 8:30 AM to secure parking. It’s a very fun mountain for intermediate cruisers, but experts will quickly run out of challenges. The après-ski plan here is mandatory: head down to the beautiful village of Ezcaray for local "caparrones" (bean stew), or hit the bars for pintxos and world-class Rioja wine.