The Catalan valley of Boi doesn't attract many visitors from Austria, especially not in winter. Yet this spot in the Spanish Pyrenees is a respectable ski resort, with lifts only starting above 2000 meters.
Perhaps the almost treeless terrain of Boi Taüll (pronounced: Ta-ul) is somewhat reminiscent of Kühtai in Tyrol because it lies at exactly the same altitude (2020m). However, there is no village at this altitude, not even a hotel bed – the village of Taüll lies exactly 500 meters lower and is furthermore divided into two parts by a gorge. Guest beds – often apartments – can be found there.
Admittedly, even though the Boi Taüll ski resort boasts the highest point in the Pyrenees accessible by ski lifts, Dr. Günter Fritz and Fred Fettner, the creators of the Ski Guide Austria published by medianet, wouldn't normally have ventured into this corner of the world. However, as board members of the Ski Club of Austrian Journalists (SCÖJ), they were contacted by the General Assembly of the World Ski Federation (SCIJ) – where the honorable request was made to the SCÖJ to evaluate the feasibility of hosting this event in Austria in 2028.
Against this backdrop, the visit to Boi Taüll was worthwhile. And no less so because the Pyrenees were blessed with record amounts of snow this winter. Unfortunately, by the first week of March, most of it had already melted away in the southern sun. But while spring already seemed to be in the village, the ski area still shone with pristine white. Of course, as an Austrian, one is spoiled: Here, the slopes reach a proud 2,750 meters – yet there are no gondolas or chairlifts with protective hoods to be seen. A platter lift – and a few classic chairlifts – allow you to experience a day of skiing under the Spanish sun (or clouds, wind, and snow(rain)) firsthand.
What truly makes the area stand out, however, is the endless expanse of the slopes. Whether 45 km of groomed pistes, ski routes, or powder runs, right up to challenging couloirs: there's something for everyone. The professional service at the high-quality ski rental shop proved to be excellent; even suitable touring equipment with skins is provided in no time. After all, ski touring is also a popular activity in Boi Taüll. The "Journalists' Ski World Championships" were also superbly organized. The small Austrian team managed to secure a bronze medal, earning them a place in the medal standings.
In the evenings, people gathered in the village to celebrate, although it must be said: you won't find a party scene in Boi Taüll, and the alpine hut life is rather subdued. But at least you won't starve in the three self-service mountain restaurants, and there are also upscale restaurants with regional specialties down below. Besides, as an Austrian, you don't exactly fly to Barcelona for the skiing experience only to then drive four hours up into the mountains.
It's the unique, exotic skiing experience in a fascinatingly different mountain landscape, the distinctive stone houses, and, not least, the Romanesque churches, protected as World Heritage sites, that make the journey to this high valley with its mere few hundred inhabitants worthwhile. The stone churches, with their surprising towers, offer a high-tech sensation inside: In Sant Climent de Taüll, history comes alive thanks to augmented reality. The walls, which we usually see as stark stone relics of Romanesque architecture due to the few remaining frescoes, are brought to life in their original, vibrant colors by this technology. A must-see!