Mountain Pass · Natural

Port de la Bonaigua

Updated 2026Checked on footBetween Naut Aran and Pallars Sobirà

The Port de la Bonaigua is the high mountain pass at 2,072 m that closes off the head of the Val d'Aran to the south — a spectacular, hairpinned road that gives the resort's third ski sector its name and links the valley to the Pallars.

Horses grazing at the Port de la Bonaigua pass in summer, with the snow poles still standing
Port de la Bonaigua · NaturalPhoto: Giorgio Galeotti / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Period
Natural
Location
≈8 km southeast of Baqueira on the C-28
Entry
Free (public road)
Hours
Open in summer; may close in winter snow — check conditions
Time Needed
A stop of 20–30 minutes, or a cycling/driving climb

Hours and prices last checked 2026 — they change, so confirm on the day.

History

How it came to be

For centuries the Bonaigua was the only land route in and out of the Val d'Aran, cut off by snow all winter until the Vielha tunnel opened in 1948; the pass road still closes in heavy snow. It is a celebrated cycling and driving climb in summer.

What You’ll See

On a visit

The summit viewpoint over the Aran and the Pallars, the hairpin road, and — in winter — the Bonaigua ski sector on the slopes above.

How to Visit

On the C-28 between Baqueira and Esterri d'Àneu; drivable in summer, liable to winter closure — check road status before crossing.

Best Time

Summer for the drive; winter for the ski sector

Getting There

Location
≈8 km southeast of Baqueira on the C-28 · Between Naut Aran and Pallars Sobirà

Good to Know

The Port de la Bonaigua tops out at 2,072 m. It was the only land route into the Val d'Aran until the Vielha tunnel opened in 1948, and the pass road can still close in heavy winter snow.

Nearby Landmarks

All 7 landmarks →