---
slug: "marxa-beret"
name: "Marxa Beret"
tier: 2
score: 66
distance_km: 42
discipline: "classic"
country: "Spain"
region: "Val d'Aran, Catalonia"
location: "Baqueira Beret, Val d'Aran"
date: "First or second weekend in February"
url: "https://xcskilabs.com/race/marxa-beret/"
---

# Marxa Beret

> *Source: [XC Ski Labs](https://xcskilabs.com/) — a cross-country ski race database covering 229 races, scored on 14 criteria. Canonical page: https://xcskilabs.com/race/marxa-beret/*

> Forty-two kilometers through the Pyrenees at 1,800 meters — Spain's improbable Nordic masterpiece in the Catalan heartland of Val d'Aran.

## Vitals

| | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 42 km |
| Distance Options | 42km, 21km |
| Elevation Gain | 700 m |
| Altitude | 1,650 m |
| Location | Baqueira Beret, Val d'Aran |
| Country | Spain |
| Date | First or second weekend in February |
| Discipline | classic |
| Field Size | 900 |
| Founded | 1981 |
| Registration | Online registration; opens autumn prior |
| Website | https://www.marxaberet.com |

## Course

Loop course through the high Pyrenean terrain around Baqueira Beret, Spain's most prestigious ski resort. The course traverses Alpine meadows and mountain forest at 1,500-1,800m altitude with significant climbing. Classic technique only — the terrain rewards strong diagonal stride on the climbs.

Format: loop  
Surface: Machine-groomed classic tracks through high Pyrenean terrain  
Technical rating: 3/5  
Grooming: Good grooming at Baqueira Beret's Nordic facilities

### Features

- Spain's biggest and most prestigious XC ski race
- High Pyrenean setting at 1,500-1,800m altitude
- Val d'Aran — the only Atlantic-draining valley in the Spanish Pyrenees
- Ski Classics Challengers series event
- Aranese culture — Occitan-speaking valley with unique Pyrenean identity
- Baqueira Beret is Spain's premier ski resort, favored by Spanish royalty

## Climate

High Pyrenean winter

Baqueira Beret sits at 1,500-1,800m in the central Pyrenees, catching Atlantic moisture that delivers heavy snowfall. The Val d'Aran is unique in the Pyrenees — its north-facing Atlantic drainage pattern creates a microclimate more similar to the French side. February temperatures range from -10°C to 2°C.

Typical race-day temperature: -10 to 2°C

Challenges:
- High altitude at 1,500-1,800m affects unacclimatized skiers
- Pyrenean weather can shift rapidly between sun and storm
- Atlantic-influenced snow can be heavier and wetter than Alpine powder
- Challenging terrain with meaningful climbing at altitude

## XC Ski Labs Rating

**Overall Score**: 66/100
**Tier**: 2
**Discipline**: classic

| Criterion | Score |
|-----------|-------|
| Distance | 3/5 |
| Elevation | 3/5 |
| Altitude | 4/5 |
| Field Size | 2/5 |
| Prestige | 3/5 |
| Int'l Draw | 3/5 |
| Technicality | 3/5 |
| Snow Reliability | 4/5 |
| Grooming | 3/5 |
| Accessibility | 2/5 |
| Community | 3/5 |
| Scenery | 5/5 |
| Organization | 4/5 |
| Comp. Depth | 4/5 |

The most unlikely Nordic race on the calendar — a serious XC marathon in the Spanish Pyrenees. The Val d'Aran setting is spectacular, and the Ski Classics connection brings genuine competitive depth. Spain's sole entry in international marathon skiing.

Score 66 places in TIER 2 range

## History

Founded in 1981, the Marxa Beret is Spain's premier cross-country ski race, held in the Val d'Aran — a unique Occitan-speaking valley in the central Pyrenees. The race takes place around Baqueira Beret, Spain's most prestigious ski resort and a favorite of the Spanish royal family. Its inclusion in the Ski Classics Challengers series has elevated its international profile.

### Notable Facts

- Spain's biggest and most prestigious cross-country ski race
- Val d'Aran is the only valley in Spain that drains toward the Atlantic (via the Garonne)
- Aranese, a dialect of Occitan, is co-official with Catalan and Spanish in the valley
- Baqueira Beret is favored by the Spanish royal family for winter holidays
- Part of the Ski Classics Challengers series
- The Pyrenees at this longitude receive heavy Atlantic snowfall — excellent snow record

## Series Membership

- ski_classics_challengers

## Race Footage

*YouTube titles referenced during research (not embedded).*

- MARXA BERET 2026, esqui de fondo: Videoresumen y entrevistas a los campeones, desde Val d´Aran. (mayayo oxigeno)
- SPEAKER SCIJ CROSS COUNTRY SKI RACE BAQUEIRA BERET (Keith Patrick Kirwen)
- 37a Marxa Beret (Baqueira Beret)
- Marxa Beret 2018 (Soloski #esqui #nieve)
- #MarxaBeret (Marxa Beret)
- 35a Edición de la Marxa Beret 2014 en Baqueira Beret (Baqueira Beret)
- 40º Marxa Beret (nevasport)
- Ruben Caseny Euroloppet Marxa Beret (Keith Patrick Kirwen)
- Marxa Beret 2014 (english) (Marathon Skier magazine)
- Marxa Beret 2014 (svenska) (Marathon Skier magazine)

### Rider Quotes

> The race is tomorrow, 42 kilometers classical, and the course is tough. It's high elevation, almost at 2000 meters. The conditions are tricky as always - it was supposed to be cold and sunny and it's snowing and pretty close to zero, but it's going to be a great race.
> This race started as a popular race - people from the villages came to practice nordic ski, and then a few years later it starts to be a competitive race championship with 35 years of history.

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*This profile is by XC Ski Labs (xcskilabs.com). Cite as: "XC Ski Labs — Marxa Beret". Canonical: https://xcskilabs.com/race/marxa-beret/. Generated 2026-07-26.*