"Formigal or Panticosa?" is a very common question when planning a trip to the Tena valley, but the answer starts with a nuance: they aren't two rival resorts, but the two sectors of a single ski area, Aramón Formigal-Panticosa. What changes is the size, how you get in, where children learn and what the village you sleep in is like. Here we compare them using official data. And if you've already decided, book your ski rental in Formigal from €25/day or your ski rental in Panticosa from €20/day, in both cases for a full adult set.
One ski area, two sectors
According to the official technical sheet, the Formigal-Panticosa ski area has 182 skiable km, 147 runs (11 green, 39 blue, 51 red and 41 black), 5 off-piste itineraries and 37 lifts, between a minimum altitude of 1,145 m and a maximum of 2,265 m. The resort itself talks about the "Formigal sector" and the "Panticosa sector", and links them with a free bus that stops in Escarrilla.
The resort doesn't publish official figures per sector. Turismo de Aragón credits Formigal with 137 skiable kilometres and Panticosa with 39: that adds up to 176 km, slightly less than the 182 km on the current sheet, but it gives you an idea of the proportion. Formigal is by far the bigger sector.
Formigal: the big sector, with several access points
The Formigal sector has four access areas: Sextas, Sarrios, Anayet and Portalet, all with parking and a café at the foot of the slopes. Sextas is next to the Formigal village development, which sits at 1,550 metres and is linked to Sextas and Anayet by a free bus all day long.
- Who it's for: skiers who want lots of kilometres and variety for several days, and anyone looking for a big-resort atmosphere.
- Beginners: learning areas in Sextas and Anayet, right by the car park, with magic carpets.
- Young children: snow garden next to the Anayet car park, for children from 4 months old.
- Lessons: the Spanish Ski School (Escuela Española de Esquí) has offices in Sextas and Anayet. You can book ski lessons in Formigal.
Panticosa: the gondola leaves from the village
Panticosa is a village at 1,184 metres and, according to the Tena valley tourism website, you reach the slopes by gondola straight from the village. That makes it the choice for anyone who wants to leave the car parked for the whole stay and get around on foot.
- Who it's for: families and skiers who prefer a village with a life of its own and a smaller, more manageable sector.
- Beginners: the learning area is at the top of the gondola.
- Young children: the snow garden is at 1,900 m altitude, also at the top of the gondola, for children from 2 years old.
- Lessons: the Panticosa ski school has offices at the base and at the top of the gondola.
- Equipment: as well as skis and snowboards, the resort lists ski touring equipment rental in Panticosa.
To stay there, see our guide to hotels in Panticosa, and before heading up, check the Panticosa webcam and the weather in Panticosa.
Quick comparison
| Formigal | Panticosa | |
|---|---|---|
| Km (Turismo de Aragón) | 137 km | 39 km |
| Access points | Sextas, Sarrios, Anayet and Portalet | Gondola from the village |
| Base to sleep | Formigal village development (1,550 m) | Panticosa village (1,184 m) |
| Beginner area | Sextas and Anayet, by the car park | Top of the gondola |
| Snow garden | From 4 months, next to the Anayet car park | From 2 years, at 1,900 m |
What if I want to ski both?
You can. The resort runs a free bus between the Formigal sector and the Panticosa sector, stopping in Escarrilla, and some departures go via Sallent de Gállego. When you buy the lift pass on the official website you choose the resort, so before paying check in the conditions which sectors yours includes, or see our Formigal lift pass.
A practical way to organise it is to stay somewhere midway along the valley and alternate days: the big Formigal sectors when the weather is good and lots is open, and Panticosa for quieter days or with children. To see what's open each day, check the Formigal snow report. And if you want all the resort information on one page, you'll find it in the Formigal-Panticosa guide.
FAQ: Formigal or Panticosa
Are Formigal and Panticosa the same resort?
They are the two sectors of a single ski area, Aramón Formigal-Panticosa, with 182 skiable km in total according to its official technical sheet.
Which is bigger, Formigal or Panticosa?
Formigal. Turismo de Aragón credits it with 137 skiable km, compared with 39 km for Panticosa.
Where is it better to learn to ski?
Both sectors have a beginner area: in Formigal, in Sextas and Anayet right by the car park; in Panticosa, at the top of the gondola. With children under 2, the Formigal snow garden takes them from 4 months old.
How do you get from Formigal to Panticosa without a car?
With the resort's free bus, which links the two sectors with a stop in Escarrilla and, on some departures, in Sallent de Gállego.
Where do I pick up my skis if I'm going to Panticosa?
Book the product page for the area where you'll be skiing: the Panticosa one if you go up on its gondola and the Formigal one if you come in through its access points. That way your equipment is waiting for you close to where you start the day.
Sources, consulted on 17 September 2026: Aramón Formigal-Panticosa, map and technical sheet, frequently asked questions and transport to the slopes; Turismo de Aragón; Valle de Tena; Sallent de Gállego Town Council, Formigal.
