Llanos del Hospital, in the heart of the Posets Maladeta Natural Park.

In the winter season, different types of skiing and in the summer hiking at different levels are some of the options offered by the Llanos del Hospital. They are located some 13 kilometres from the town of Benasque, in the Huesca Pyrenees, in the heart of the Posets Maladeta Natural Park, in Ribagorza.

Eight centuries ago, the Hospitaller monks built a place to welcome traders and pilgrims crossing the Pyrenees. On the same site, there is now a hotel, surrounded by the beautiful landscapes that surround the Llanos del Hospital.

The characteristics of the Llanos del Hospital make it a destination that can be enjoyed all year round.

Winter season

Cross-country skiing, Nordic skiing and ski touring are some of the options for enjoying the imposing snows of the Pyrenees. The cross-country ski slope of Llanos de Hospitales has three marked circuits that start at a minimum altitude of 1,750 metres and go up to 1,940 metres.

The altitude of the slopes and the orientation of the Aneto-Maladeta massif ensure that there will be plenty of snow of the right quality for skiing.

There are a total of thirty kilometres of slopes maintained in excellent condition, which run through landscapes of extraordinary beauty. In addition to this, visitors have a variety of services at their disposal in the resort for their complete enjoyment.

And in summer

Nature in its full splendour during the summer months makes the Llanos del Hospital an ideal place for hikers to enjoy.

For those who prefer high mountain routes, there are 60 impressive peaks with a height of up to 3,000 metres in the surrounding area.

For easier routes, there are a variety of excursions in the area, suitable for the whole family.

Some of the trails to choose from are the ones that lead to the Forau d'Aigualluts, the Renclusa refuge, the geomorphological trail or the trail to the Portillón de Benasque.

The natural park is made up not only of peaks, but also glaciers, ibones, cols, rivers, ravines and waterfalls. When you walk through them you will be able to enjoy privileged views of the Pyrenees and France.

Another option suitable for the whole family is to spend a day in the town of Benasque and enjoy the charms of its landscapes, handicrafts and the typical gastronomy of the region.

Remnants of the past

A little over a decade ago, ancient circles of granite stones were found next to the Benasque Hospital building. Subsequent excavations revealed that they were a funerary monument in the centre of which were the ashes of a person.

From its characteristics, the researchers concluded that it is a megalithic circle dating back to the Bronze Age, which proves that these sites have been travelled by nomads for centuries.

Cover photo: Basotxerri-[CC-BY-SA] Wikimedia Commons