To ski in Candanchú, pack layered clothing (thermal base, fleece and waterproof jacket and trousers), waterproof gloves, goggles for snowy days, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream: this is high mountain terrain and the Tuca Blanca reaches 2,400 metres. Skis or a snowboard, boots, helmet and poles can be hired there; gloves, goggles and thermal clothing cannot.
If you don't have your own gear, ski hire in Candanchú costs €28 for one day for the full adult set and €78 for 6 days, and you collect it inside the Hotel SNO Candanchú, right at the Candanchú ski resort. That way you travel with a much lighter suitcase.
What the mountain is like in Candanchú
The resort describes itself as "the most alpine ski resort in the Pyrenees, with steep mountains and rugged peaks", right on the border with France. Its highest point, the Tuca Blanca, is at 2,400 metres, at the foot of the Pico Aspe. Up top, the wind and cold can be very different from the base, so it is worth taking one more layer than you think you need and taking it off if it is too much. Before you set off, check the state of the slopes on the Candanchú webcam.
The lifts run from 9:00 to 17:00. At the end of the season there are usually spring hours, from 8:30 to 15:00, with milder days when you can do without the fleece but not the sun cream. The resort is closed on 25 December.
Clothing list for skiing in Candanchú
- Base layer: thermal top and leggings, no cotton.
- Mid layer: fleece or a light down jacket.
- Outer layer: waterproof ski jacket and trousers.
- Ski socks: a single long pair, not two on top of each other, so the boot fits properly.
- Waterproof gloves and, if you feel the cold, a thin pair underneath.
- Goggles for snowy or foggy days and sunglasses for clear ones.
- Neck warmer or balaclava, high-factor sun cream and lip balm.
What to hire in Candanchú and what to bring from home
| Gear | Option | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Skis and boots (Silver range) | Hire | €28 one day, €78 six days |
| Snowboard and boots (Silver) | Hire | €31 one day, €87 six days |
| Children's equipment (Junior) | Hire | €18.50 one day, €49 six days |
| Helmet | Hire | €8 one day, €14.50 three days |
| Poles (not included in the full set) | Hire | €7 one day, €12.50 three days |
| Snowshoes | Hire | €14.50 per day |
| Gloves, goggles, thermal clothing, socks | Bring or buy | Not available for hire |
If you are missing any of the items that can't be hired, you can buy them and collect them on the same day along with your equipment: thermal ski socks (€10), thermal pack of top, leggings and socks (€60), waterproof ski gloves (€20), ski goggles (€30) and ski balaclava (€15). There is more in the snow clothing shop.
Optional breakage cover protects the equipment for €1.50 a day. Booking before 15 November 2026 gets you 10% off the hire, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before.
Don't forget
- Insurance: the resort requires a ski insurance policy, a federation card or a lift pass with insurance. Without insurance, on-slope assistance and rescue (€200) is paid at the medical centre.
- Lift pass card: if you have the reloadable card from a previous season, bring it.
- Food: there are cafés on the slopes; if your child is going to the snow garden, bring their lunch, because no food is served there.
- Left luggage: the resort has a left-luggage service from 8:30 to 17:00 for bags and shoes.
- Car: parking is free until full; carry chains or winter tyres for the drive up from Jaca.
Frequently asked questions
What clothing should I take skiing in Candanchú?
Three layers (thermal, fleece and waterproof jacket and trousers), ski socks, waterproof gloves, goggles and sunglasses, a neck warmer and high-factor sun cream.
Can you hire a helmet in Candanchú?
Yes, as an extra with your hire: €8 for the first day, €11.50 for two days and €14.50 for three days.
Are poles included in the full set?
No. The full set is skis or snowboard plus boots; poles can be added for €7 a day.
Can you hire gloves or goggles in Candanchú?
They are not available for hire, but you can buy them (gloves €20, goggles €30) and collect them along with your hire equipment.
