The CDIA Snow Event starts in the Val d’Aran

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Foto: FEDDF (http://www.feddf.es)

From today until next Tuesday, December 15 is celebrated in the towns of Vielha, Arties, Salardú and in the ski station of Baqueira-Beret, el CDIA-ARAN SNOW EVENT, an event organised by the Centro de Deportes de Invierno Adaptados (CDIA), which is focused on the Campus “Mujer y Deporte” of Adapted Alpine Skiing. The event is part of the program Alto Rendimiento, Tecnificación y Detección de Talentos de Deportes de Invierno, belonging to the  Federación Española de Deportes para Personas con Discapacidad Física (FEDDF) and the Federación Española de Deportes para Personas con Parálisis Cerebral (FEDPC) and is also supported by the Consejo Superior de Deportes and the Fundación Repsol.

The event aims to inform CDIA athletes, teams and programs, the campus development “Women and Sport”; enhance communication channels and presence in the media of winter sports adapted for dissemination and promotion; and achieve the harmonization and integration in society of disabled people through sport.

CDIA

To this end, they carried out various activities, including the official presentation of the national winter sports adapted teams, a roundtable with industry professionals in which will act as ambassadors the journalist Jose Maria Garcia and the actress Miriam Diaz Aroca The presentation of the various sponsors of the CDIA and a charity gala to raise funds for the organization, to be attended by renowned athletes like Gemma Hassen-Bey or Aymar Navarro.

The philosophy of the event is based on the values ​​associated with CDIA among them, integration, respect and equality for all disabled people; and especially for athletes, effort, commitment and teamwork. And finally, the solidarity character of attendees, speakers, contributors, sponsors and ambassadors of the event, without whose participation would not be feasible this celebration.

High number of visitors in the Val d'Aran during the Purísima

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Ocupació pontThe tourist occupation has been at about 80% during the early days of Purisima in the Val d’Aran, according to data provided by the Consèlheria de Torisme e Desvolopament Economic and Baqueira Beret ski resort, which plans to sell up 40,000 forfaits today.

In the absence of definitive data, the conselhèra Anna Diaz, has welcomed these figures. “If we add hotel stays and visitors from second homes, we find between about 22,000 and 25,000 people, generating a significant economic impact not only in hotels, but also in all establishments in the Val d’Aran as shops, restaurants and bars, and supermarkets. ”

Also, the sindic d’Aran, Carlos Barrera, has remarked that “the structures of the emergency services, both health and fire in the Val d’Aran have worked normally and with security during these days”

A hug number of activities to enjoy the Purisima in Val d'Aran

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Post purisimaCalm weather and snow in excellent condition ensures the best conditions for visitors to the Val d’Aran enjoy an unforgettable experience during the weekend of Purísima. Snow sports, Christmas lights in towns, exhibitions and craft fairs join the common cultural, culinary and commercial proposal of the valley to offer an attractive program with activities for everybody.

More than 140 km of tracks

The ski resort of Baqueira Beret, where it remains the best snow and sunny weather is expected with no wind, plans to open more than 140 km of tracks, which can be accessed from different enters: Peülla, Bonaigua Baqueira 1500, Val de Ruda, Tanau, Orri and Beret.

Excellent opportunity to practice various forms of skiing: downhill, cross country, telemark or ski mountaineering, but we advise to consult with specialists from aranese companies that will report on valley routes and conditions. Other activities are great attraction as sleds pulled by horses or dogs, and snowmobiles. And the younger have two fabulous snowparks in Baqueira.

Snowshoeing is a quiet activity to know the territory that increasingly has more followers. Our tourist offices provide all the information on the itineraries of snow for some of the most charismatic and beautiful and the well-marked places on the safest areas in risk of avalanches. Meanwhile,’Servici de Lauegi‘ del Conselh Generau d’Aran constantly analyses the profiles of snow and updates data on its website that this season has been completely renovated prioritizing security-related information. These data can be supplemented with Meteoraran, the aranés weather information service.

Apres ski

COMERÇ VIELHA (5)For after a sports day, we recommend the new entertainment and dining area of ​​the Hotel Montarto in Baqueira 1500, which this year opens the Baqueira Winebar by Vinya Pomal, a wine bar with extensive Spanish wine DO and a rich cuisine based on rations. The hotel has also installed the Drinkery Montarto, a music bar on the ground floor open from 15h.

Once abandoned the slopes, do not miss the beautiful spectacle of the picturesque villages of the valley with the lights for the next Christmas holidays. We invite you to attend on Friday the Christmas lights lit in Vielha, and on Saturday in Arties where a party will be held in the Urtau Square to celebrate the start of the season.

In each of the villages there are excellent restaurants to taste the Val d’Aran winter cuisine. You must not fail to try the most representative dish, the Olha aranesa, a restorative pleasure for the senses after a day in the snow.

In addition, we recommend a tour Vielha city center, which offers a remarkable commercial offer with the best brands in sports clothes and elegant shops with the latest in Christmas decorations. And fans of the recycling can be passed through the second hand market ski equipment in Arties from Friday to Tuesday morning.

Craft fairs

From Saturday 5 to Monday 7 takes place The Fira del Formatge “Sabor Vielha”, with a sample of artisan cheeses, where you can taste a variety of cheeses from cow, sheep, goat and buffalo, many of them unknown to the public but renowned among gourmets. The fair is complemented with other products such as deli meats, sweets and jams and wine tasting tours for small groups.

COMERÇ VIELHA (19)On the other hand, the people of Les held next Monday, 7 traditional Fair of the Immaculate, where local handicrafts also in the area such as cold meat, jams, honey, spreads and aranese handycrafts.

Cultural activities

Without moving from Les, the visitor can approach the graphic exhibition Hèstes der Huec in the hall of the Les municipality organized in the village to celebrate the recent statement of this tradition in the Pyrenees as intangible cultural heritage, and attend the same Monday at the conference and audiovisual projection trailer about this event.

Another exhibition is the one you can visit in Baqueira, “Somnis color” in the BBart until 1 January. And for music lovers we have two different proposals: the concert Nadalets of Corau Margalida in the Residence San Antoni of Vielha on Saturday and a gospel concert in the church of Vielha on Monday.

Les y Arties celebran la declaración de las Hèstes Der Huec del Pirineo como patrimonio inmaterial de la Unesco

E_19770bEl comité intergubernamental de la Unesco ha declarado las fallas del Pirineo como Patrimonio Inmaterial de la Humanidad. Esta catalogación contempla las 63 fiestas del fuego que se celebran durante el solsticio de verano en los Pirineos, entre las cuales se incluyen La crèma deth Haro de Les i la crèma deth Taro d’Arties.

La candidatura se ha llevado a cabo a través del gobierno de Andorra con la participación de diversos territorios dentro del estado español: Alt Urgell, Pallars Jussà, Pallars Subirà, Ribagorça, Ribagorza aragonesa o Sobrarbe y Aran y de Françia, el Cominges. “Hay que agradecer al gobierno de Andorra su voluntad de llevar adelante este proyecto de la declaración y que nos haya ofrecido participar en él”, ha declarado Jep Montoya, miembro del Departament de Cultura i Patrimoni del Consèlh Generau d’Aran i redactor de los expedientes de Les i Arties. “ha sido un expediente modélico que ha contado con la participación de tres estados con una absoluta coordinación”.

La conselhèra de Turisme i Desenvolupament Econòmic d’Aran, Anna Díaz Morelló, recuerda que “se trata de dos fiestas muy antiguas y arraigadas en la Val d’Aran. Antiguamente se celebraban en todos los pueblos pero solo Les y Artíes las han mantenido. Es una tradición muy entrañable y popular donde se implican todos los vecinos del pueblo y también los visitantes que se encuentran en la Val d’Aran por esas fechas. Desde el Consèlh hemos decidido volcarnos en la difusión de nuestras fiestas tradicionales, ya que hemos constatado que son un gran atractivo cultural que aquellos que las conocen no se quieren perder”.

Origen y desarrollo del ritual

Desde tiempos ancestrales, cuando llegaba el solsticio de verano, se celebraban en el Pirineo cuatro ritos muy extendidos: el del fuego purificador a través de los haros i de las halhes; el de tomar el rocío, el agua de esta noche, especial por sus virtudes milagrosas; el de recoger las plantas que han recibido el rocío y que adquieren también propiedades curativas, y el de jugar al escondite, en una noche en que la mujer se igualaba al hombre y lo tenía todo permitido.

El rito del fuego, que tiene sus inicios en la ceremonia pagana que se realizaba en honor al Dios Sol, -denominado Abelio en la Val d’Aran y en Cominges- con el tiempo se incorporó a la tradición cristiana y en algunas localidades se ha mantenido hasta nuestros días. Consiste en la quema de las fallas durante la noche más corta del año y con el fuego se escenifica este cambio de ciclo en el año solar, cuando comienza el declive del día. En Les y en Arties, las fallas se llaman haros o taros y son árboles de 12 m de altura.

Con este rito se perseguía la purificación, la quema de los malos espíritus –que en la Val d’Aran llamamos “erulets”- y de todo aquello que trae la desgracia y la enfermedad a humanos y animales. A continuación se llevaba una parte del carbón y las cenizas a las casas y a las cuadras para evitarles el mal, y otra parte a los huertos y campos para pedir buena cosecha.

Imágenes de las fiestas en este vídeo.

La crèma deth Haro de Les

HESTES DE LES 2007 (117)Tiene lugar el 23 de junio, festividad de San Juan y supone el inicio de las fiestas patronales de la localidad. Durante la velada se quema un tronco de abeto, el haro.

El escenario del ritual es la Plaça deth Haro, donde, sobre las 10 de la noche llega la procesión al ritmo de las danzas tradicionales de Es Corbilhuèrs de Les. Tras la bendición y encendido del haro por parte del sacerdote del pueblo, se le prende fuego, se le prende fuego y se procede a la quema de les halhes, una especie de antorchas fabricadas con corteza de cerezo que se hacen girar describiendo círculos y simulando la lucha para purificar y quemar los malos espíritus. La ceremonia finaliza con un baile alrededor del haro encendido, mientras en la plaza se sirve el “vin caud”, vino caliente con azúcar, ron y fruta que se toma junto a la tradicional coca de Sant Joan.

Unos días más tarde, el 29 de junio, festividad de San Pedro, tiene lugar la “Quilha deth haro”, es decir, la plantada del nuevo Haro. Los recién casados tienen el honor de distinguirlo con una corona de flores, como rito para pedir fecundidad. Este árbol preside la plaza vieja de Les durante un año, hasta la próxima noche de San Juan.

Asimismo, el segundo sábado de mayo el pueblo celebra la “xasclada” momento mágico en que se le clavan las cuñas al árbol y se convierte en sagrado. Cabe señalar que el levantamiento del haro se lleva a cabo con la misma técnica que usaba el hombre primitivo para enderezar los menhires: se levanta desde el suelo y a base de fuerza y de ir apuntalándolo se van ganando grados de altura hasta que finalmente se planta y se clava.

La crèma deth Taro d’Arties.

Por San Juan se celebra también en Artíes la llegada del solsticio de verano con la quema de un tronco de abeto, coincidiendo con el inicio de las fiestas mayores de la localidad. Esta celebración marcaba también el momento en que los ganaderos comenzaban a subir a los animales a los pastos más altos de las montañas.

Un mes antes de la fiesta, una expedición de hombres del pueblo sale a buscar el taro, lo cargan hacia el pueblo y lo preparan para su quema. Llegado el día, se le prende fuego y se arrastra por calles y plazas de Arties, acompañado de música y de los vítores de los asistentes, en un recorrido hasta altas horas de la madrugada y que acaba delante de la casa del alcalde, donde se deja totalmente carbonizado. Según la tradición, las cenizas del taro protegen, purifican y fertilizan, por lo que al esparcirlas por todo el pueblo alejan a los malos espíritus.

Actos en Les con motivo de la declaración

Para celebrar la nominación, en el pueblo de Les se han organizado un conjunto de actos que pretenden también dar difusión a la candidatura.

Miércoles 2

19:30 Repique de campanas en la iglesia de Les

19:45 Proyección audiovisual en la Plaça der Haro del tráiler de la presentación de la candidatura y del momento de la nominación como Patrimonio Inmaterial de la Unesco

20:00 Crema de Halhes y bailes populares de los Corbilhuèrs de Les. Himno nacional “Montanhes Araneses”

image00320:30 Vin Caud y chocolatada

Del 5 al 8 de diciembre

Exposición gráfica Hèstes deth Huec en el hall del ayuntamiento de Les

Lunes 7

18.00 Proyección audiovisual del tráiler de la presentación de la candidatura y del momento de la nominación como Patrimonio Inmaterial de la Unesco

Conferencia explicativa de la candidatura como Patrimonio Inmaterial de la Unesco

Winter schedules of Vielha and Toulouse tourist offices

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Vielha Office

Oficina Turisme Vielha

New schedules of Vielha Tourist Office throughout the winter season from December 1 to March 27.

– Monday to Sunday from 9:30 to 13: 30h and from 16h to 20h

– We will close on 24 and 25 December, 1 and 6 January.

– Special schedule on December 31 and January 5: from 9:30 to 17: 30h

 

Toulouse Office 

Sophie Rachou, head of the office, serves those interested in the Val d’Aran and Baqueira Beret throughout the year and reports on tourism in all sectors: activities, heritage, culture, gastronomy, shopping, accommodation, restaurants, bars and all services in general.

Timetable:

Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 to 12: 30h and 14 to 18h

Tuesday and Thursday from 14 to 18h

39 rue Pharaon – 31000 Toulouse

Tel: 05.34.33.76.30

The winter season starts in Val d'Aran with the opening of Snowfest

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Aderes Gomez  - Pau Perdices - Juan Antonio Serrano - Aymar Anavarro - Luis Carlos Medina (Conselher d'Esports) - Toño Beso (presidente gemi comerciantes vielha) - Oriol Balaguer (pastelero), SnowFest 2015, Palacio de los Deportes de Vielha - Val d'Aran - Lleida, 27/11/2015; SnowFest/Gorka Martinez

Aderes Gomez – Pau Perdices – Juan Antonio Serrano – Aymar Anavarro – Luis Carlos Medina (Conselher d’Esports) – Toño Beso (presidente gemi comerciantes vielha) – Oriol Balaguer (pastelero), SnowFest 2015, Palacio de los Deportes de Vielha – Val d’Aran – Lleida, 27/11/2015; SnowFest/Gorka Martinez

A variety of activities related to the world of skiing will be held throughout the weekend for the Snowfest Pirineus 2015,  the Val d’Aran festival of snow which opened Friday. The event, held at the Palai d’Esports de Vielha, has enjoyed the presence of Aymar Navarro champion freeriding, which has acted as a sponsor of the event, Anna Díaz, conselhèra de Turisme i Desenvolupament Econòmic d’Aran and the vicesindic 1er y conselhèr d’Esports d’Aran, Luis Carlos Medina,, accompanied by Toño Beso, director of the Snowfest Pirineus 2015 and Ubeira Xavier, commercial director of Baqueira Beret, among others.

During the inauguration it has been tasted the chocolate prepared exclusively for this edition of Snowfest, by the pastry chef Oriol Balaguer, who will also conduct a workshop tomorrow about chocolate. Friday activities have continued with the Tapas Route Snowfest, Snowfest projection flashmob and the Avant-Première of the film “Aguestes Montanhes- Històries Baqueira” in Salardú.

More information in Snowfest 2015

Aymar Navarro opens today the SnowFest 2015

 

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AYMAR NAVARROFriday at 20h the champion freeriding, Aymar Navarro, will open as a goodfather, the third edition of Snowfest Pirineus 2015, in the church square of Vielha with the presence of institutional representatives from the Val d’Aran, between them the conselhèra of Tourism and Economic Development, Anna Diaz and the vicesindic and Sports conselher, Luis Carlos Medina.

The opening ceremony will give the starting signal for the lighting of the Christmas lights and open  a flasbmob snowdance to dance and encourage snow season. Then will begin the complete program of this year that includes educational, festive, artistic, gastronomic activities and sports demonstrations, in addition to the  Salon Winter Expo where top brand clothing and sports equipment will show the new season collections.

Full program of the SnowFest 2015.

Leading brands and multiple activities in the Salon Winter Expo

 

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IMG-20141129-WA0005-1024x429The Palai de Esports de Vielha host from Friday 27 to Sunday 27 the Salon Winter Expo, coinciding with the celebration of the Snowfest. Latest trends in clothing brands and sports equipment, manufacturers of technical equipment, Pyrenean snow and winter leisure tourism will be exhibited. In addition, the event will host the presentation of the acts of the winter season.

Among the main attractions of the Winter Expo, there is the presence of Oriol Balaguer, one of the best pastry chefs of Spain who will present the chocolat Snowfest 2015, inspired by the Val d’Aran, in a public tasting. Also, the design team SarahWorld, young brand group of Sara Navarro leader footwear sector in Spain, will present the winter capsule shoes and accessories Eco-cold, Eco-chic collection. It will be also featured in “premier” the Pireneus bag, specially designed for the third edition of this winter festival

Recycling workshops

Taking advantage of the event, the Conselh Generau d’Aran, in conjunction with the concessionaire of the service management of municipal waste in the Val d’Aran and in coordination with the IES Aran conducted workshops revitalization of recycling, especially targeting young. The aim of these is to increase the awareness and sensitivity of the inhabitants of the Val d’Aran to the selective collection of municipal waste to improve the area’s image, which is already distinguished with the certification of Biosphere territory.

And much more, because in the Salon Winter Expo there will be a flashmob dance in honor of the snow, fashion parades and draws forfeits and experiences.

Program

Friday from 10 to 19h

Exhibitors, professionals, media and schools. Only by invitation.

13h: Presentation equipment winter ski resorts, tourist offices and sports clubs

16h. Official opening with the participation of our godfather, the freerider Aymar Navarro and the pastry chef Oriol Balaguer

Saturday from 10 to 21h

16h Workshop on creative recycling

17h. Public presentation and tasting the Snowfest chocolat by Oriol Balaguer

Presentation of the Pyrenees bag and shoes by Sarahworld

Parade “Descente & Bollywood dancing

Sunday from 10 to 19h

10h Workshop on creative recycling

7h Draw of Baqueira Beret ski passes, skis and 1 place in GORE-TEX Tour’16 experience offered by Copos Ski-Center.

 

Opening of the ski season in Val d'Aran

 

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Baqueira-Beret-1The ski resort of Baqueira Beret open its doors on Saturday, as planned, and the opening will be accompanied of the Snowfest celebration, the great feast of Snow in Val d’Aran. At the moment the slopes have almost half a meter of snow after the snowfall of last weekend and is expected over the next few days new rainfall that in the highest levels could place the levels until 1 meter.

Baqueira snow production service is working to secure the connection with Beret and Bonaigua, and later this week the final list of open slopes for the 28th will be known. Station has available all its reservation service and purchase of ski seasonal forfait through their website. Among the new features this year there is the increasing the skiable area to 155 km and the new area of ​​entertainment and dining at the Hotel Montarto in Baqueira 1500 line.

Val d'Aran and Baqueira Beret under an igloo in the heart of Madrid

 

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CUG4EngWcAMHbBiFrom today until next Saturday you will find us in our spectacular igloo camped in the heart of Madrid, from where we are eager to tell and show the innovations that we bring about the new ski season in Baqueira Beret.

More excitement on the slopes, the good times of après-ski, gourmet experiences with mountain flavours and many surprises will be unveiled to visitors while tasting aranese delicacies that we’ve brought. In addition, we will celebrate draws of stays, forfaits for the ski station, ski lessons, dinners in the restaurants of the Valley and a heli-skiing experience.

The snow a little bit closer!

 

Place :

Plaça Margaret Tatcher (Madrid)

 

Timetable

Thursday 19: from 16 to 20 h

Friday 20 and Saturday 21: from 14 to 20 h