Studying abroad can be a huge adjustment, especially if you come not knowing anyone. It can be difficult to see groups of friends travel to a new city each weekend, and costly to join in. Although I love all the included day trips and experiences that SAI offers, here is another fun option when you have an empty weekend. Feel free to bring just yourself or a large group of friends, and have a blast skiing down the slopes of La Molina Ski Resort.

I went to La Molina with my roommate Lainy. I had never skied before, and she had skied on a team for years. There were slopes suitable to both of our skill levels and plenty of opportunities to learn safely, so don’t worry if you’re inexperienced. Pro tip, go on a weekday if you can for smaller crowds. We went on Friday and the longest lift line was 3 minutes.

The total day trip will cost around one hundred dollars. First, wake up at 4:30 am and grab a nutritious breakfast for the road. Once the metro opens at 5 am, make your way to Placa de Catalunya. Head to the Renfe half of the station and find the ticket machines. Change the language to English, select “Combined or other tickets” and select La Molina Ski Train. This will cost $53 and include the day lift and round-trip transportation. Next, head downstairs and figure out which platform the train is arriving. You should take Renfe line R3 away from L’Hospitalet. Once on the train, relax and enjoy the views. I curled up with my sweatshirt and slept for half of the three hour journey. There will likely be plenty of other people headed to the same place, identifiable by their large bags. If you’re feeling chatty, strike up a conversation and make a ski buddy!

Once you arrive, you can stop by the supermarket for a snack. Then follow the crowds to the bus, which will take you to the main lodge. You can rent a locker for $5, gear for $25, and snow pants and a coat for $25. Although I did not bring any snow pants abroad, I thought their rental options were very comfortable for the price and kept me dry and warm all day.

Then, grab a map and hit the slopes! There are lots of blue and green trails for beginners and more experienced options. The trail signage is a little lacking, so I would spend time with the map to understand where you want to go. Five lodges are scattered throughout the mountain offering food, Wi-Fi, bathrooms, and more. Lunch pricing is not price-gouged like in the States, and we enjoyed a large burger and fries for $14.

Be sure to check the train schedule for leaving, as it only comes once every three hours. Enjoy the train ride home as you watch the sunset through the foothills of the Pyrenees.

Written by: Nora, Spring 2025 Barcelona student form Loyola University