DESTINATIONS SPAIN | SKI & SNOW


The restaurants


are a reminder of being in Spain; those suffering fondue fatigue can expect a welcome culinary change


to get a seat as the restaurant bustled with skiers, snowboarders and locals attracted by its friendly atmosphere and mesmerising choice of pintxos, the local take on tapas. Expect plenty of cheese, pork, bacon and seafood among dozens of options. The resort’s 25 slope-side


restaurants are probably the biggest reminder of being in Spain; those tired of tartiflette or suffering from fondue fatigue can expect a welcome culinary change. The Cinco Jotas restaurant chain raises its own pigs on a diet of acorns that have fallen from the tree as they ripen. They clearly know what they’re doing, as I’ve never tasted


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pork so mouthwateringly succulent and tender. The panoramic views aren’t


bad either, and its location at the top of a gondola lift that takes you back to the base area means you can access it without having to ski there, making it a breeze to get down the mountain in the event that guests over-indulge on wine from nearby Rioja. Prices are reasonable considering the quality of the food and stylish decor, with main dishes from about €16.


Having spent most of the trip


attempting to master whizzing down the mountain, it made a change to strap on snowshoes and clamber up it. The only sound in the Ruta Valley was a reassuring crunch as our spikes pierced the compacted snow, making light work of climbing up and down even the steepest slopes. Despite the feeling of solitude,


we weren’t the only ones in the valley, with marmots, foxes, wild boar, deer and even brown bears said to inhabit the area. With dog sledding and snowmobiling on offer too, even non-skiers will find plenty to do in this Spanish ski resort.


TW 19 SEPTEMBER 2019 57


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