Jet2 flights to Lleida open up Catalonia in winter

Jet2 is launching a new flight from London Stansted to Lleida on 23 December 2018 for the 2018/19 winter season, opening up the ancient city in the North Eastern region of Catalonia to British holidaymakers.

The route will operate on a weekly basis, departing on Sundays, providing a capacity of 2,500 both ways during the three-month period and direct access to Catalonia’s lesser known winter attractions.

2019 will see Lleida celebrate the 40th anniversary of the most famous cross-country skiing race in Spain, the Marxa Beret.

The international event brings together over 1,000 participants from all over the world, attracting sporting enthusiasts and spectators of all ages to watch the historical cross-country ski race. The race takes place in Pla de Beret, an area which provides slopes for all levels including a 42km race for expert skiers, a 21km race for those at intermediate level and a smaller 10km race for novices in the sport.

Other attractions in the area include the Baqueira Beret province, which is home to the mountain refuge Amics de Montgarri, and also offers exciting winter pursuits such as snowmobiling and dog-sledding. There’s also the valley of Cerdanya, which offers some of the best views in the Catalan Pyrenees. Adventure seekers can take a hot-air balloon ride over the snow-covered peaks courtesy of two local tour companies.

And for those who love snowy breaks but want to avoid typical skiing activities, snowshoeing is a great way for adventure travellers and avid hikers to explore the wonders of the Catalan Pyrenees. Catalonia’s only national park, the Aigüestortes i Sant Maurici, is characterised by dramatic peaks reaching 3017m and almost 200 glacial lakes, creating the perfect backdrop for snowshoe excursions.