Skiing in Spain
Though Spain is primarily known for its sun, sea and sand, the idea of quality ski resorts in Spain is slowly warming up to tourists.
In recent years, more and more winter sports enthusiasts have jumped at the chance to visit one of Spain’s ski resorts for their winter holidays.
With the proliferation of new and refurbished ski resorts in five distinct regions of Spain, there is a wide variety of options to suit everyone’s standards and budgets.
The main skiing regions of Spain are located in Aragon and the Catalonian Pyrenees, the Cantabrian, Iberian and Central mountains and the Penibetico mountain range in the south.
The Aragonese and Catalonian Pyrenees in Northern Spain are home to most of the country's leading ski resorts. However, the Sierra Nevada, located in the heart of Andalucia in Southern Spain, ranks amongst the best.
There is also an enviable choice of ski resorts near Madrid, Galicia, Leon and Cantabria in the northwest and La Rioja and Teruel in the mid-north.
For winter sports and skiing enthusiasts, Spain offers over 1,000 kilometres of quality-marked trails and slopes across 36 ski resorts, half of which are proud owners of the Q awards for their quality tourism facilities and services.
All this is set in a country ranked only second to Switzerland in terms of the number of mountains.
Spain may not presently be in the league of some Swiss, Austrian, or French ski resorts; however, the tide is turning as Spain becomes one of the best-value ski destinations in Europe.
Quality slopes, trails, facilities, snow-making equipment, ski schools, winter sports activities, ski hotels, and great food make Spain a hot ski and winter sports destination.
Ski And Winter Sports Travel
Skiing in Spain usually starts at the beginning of November and runs through to the end of April.
The ski resorts in Spain strive for excellence as they compete in the ski travel market against the Swiss and French resorts.
The lower pricing is one of the advantages of skiing in Spain, making it a more attractive destination than its more illustrious counterparts in Austria, Switzerland and France.
There is the added advantage that many budget airlines fly to most parts of Spain, making it cheaper and more convenient for tourists to reach ski stations in Spain than in other countries.
With the rising popularity of ski holidays in Spain, increased investment is being poured into the sector.
Other areas spruced up due to the ski resorts' easier access roads, which have led to the growth of restaurants, parking, and quality hotels nearer to the pistes.
Most resorts are very family-oriented, catering to skiers of all levels. As skiing becomes ever more popular in Europe, there are plenty of schools with well-trained professional teachers to lend a hand with your first tentative steps on the slopes.
Skiing in Aragon
Aragon is an area of outstanding beauty, home to some popular ski resorts; here is a round-up of the best ski resorts you should consider when planning your next skiing trip to Spain.
Candanchu
Candanchu is located at the heart of the Aragon Pyrenees and is the oldest ski resort in Spain; it offers an extensive range of slopes suitable for all levels.
There is a comprehensive network of ski lifts, making it easy for everyone to access the slopes.
The slopes were being explored back in the 1920,s which quickly became popular, the first ski lifts in Spain were installed at Candanchu, and new modern lifts can now transport over 26.000 Skiers each hour.
Candanchu can now boast 27 lifts and nearly 40 kilometres of quality-marked pistes, with the magical “Tuca Blanca” run standing proudly over the resort at 2400 meters.
If cross-country skiing is your thing, then the Candanchu Le-Somport ski resort is the perfect place.
The tracks are well marked, groomed and varied, winding their way along with beautiful scenery that meanders through picturesque oak forests, you will be at one with nature and enjoy some of the best cross-country skiing Spain offers.
Panticosa
Nestled near Panticosa, it offers a distinctive Nordic feel, sited amongst towering snow-capped peaks of Huesca.
The Panticosa Ski Resort is located at an altitude of 1,636 meters in a glacial cirque, surrounded by peaks, some over 3,000 meters high.
Divided into two sectors, namely Petrosos and Valle de Sabocos, it covers an area of over 35 square kilometres.
Artificial snow machines keep many slopes open even during periods of low snowfall.
The journey to the resort is stunning, taking you through beautiful pine-clad meadows and past a striking natural lake.
Formigal
Located eight kilometres from France’s border, Formigal is one of the largest ski resorts in the Pyrenees, with an extensive area and over 83 ski runs.
Formigal has around 137 km of pistes spread across seven interconnected valleys.
There are currently 16 lifts spread over 507 acres of terrain, suitable for all levels, including terrain park enthusiasts, two snow parks, a mogul run, dog sledging, and snowmobile driving, amongst other attractions.
For beginners, the Formigal ski school is recognised as one of the best in the country, with over 100 instructors.
Benasque
The Benasque Ski Resort in Aramon is located inside the Posets-Maladetas nature reserve, nestled within the Spanish Pyrenees—a picturesque region of protected oak, birch and beech forests, waterfalls and sheer valleys.
Declared a natural park in 1994 with a total extension of 33.267 hectares. This area is home to three living Iberian glaciers, the Posets, Perdiguero, and Maladeta, and it has more than 60 summits over 3,000 meters in height.
Benasque offers many activities that will surely cater to everyone, including hydrospeed, kayaking, and rafting.
Trekking possibilities allow you to explore the Posets-Maladetas nature reserve within the peaks of the Aneto and Maladetta Masif in the shadow of the highest peak in the Pyrenees, which stands dominant at 3404 meters.
Astun
Astun is another fine resort located within the municipality of Candanchu in the Aragonese Pyrenees, nestled in the Aragon Valley.
Situated right on the border with France and only 33 km from Jaca, the largest town in the area, which runs four coach services daily up to the resort.
The Astun Ski Resort offers a wide variety of ski runs for all levels, and all areas are well-marked and maintained, making skiing here a pleasure at all times.
There are plenty of pre-ski or non-ski activities around the resort, including restaurants, shops, a swimming pool, an ice rink, and tennis courts.
Javalambre
The Javalambre ski resort is just an hour's drive north of the orange groves of Valencia.
A fairly new resort, opening its doors to the public in 1995, it is very modern with plenty of advanced snowmaking equipment to ensure the slopes are well maintained, ensuring quality skiing throughout the winter.
There is an excellent choice of facilities on offer at the Aramon Javalambre, which will ensure you have a terrific and memorable skiing holiday.
Valdelinares
Valdelinares is the southernmost ski resort located in the autonomous community of Aragon. It is situated in the Gudar Mountains at an altitude of 1,693 meters, making it the highest township in Spain.
Valdelinares is one of Spain’s smallest ski resorts, and the number of slopes and facilities are limited, so, I recommend short stays here rather than spending a long break as you may tire of skiing the same slopes.
Major improvements to regional infrastructure and roads have made the Valdelinares Ski Resort much more accessible from Valencia, Catalonia, and Aragon. Visitor numbers steadily increase as its natural beauty becomes ever-popular with skiers and other winter sports enthusiasts.
The Resort's current status as a low-key resort rather than one firmly on the international ski circuit has kept good quality food and accommodation relatively inexpensive.
Worthwhile checking out some of the eateries in the nearby villages of Alcala de la Selva and Mora de Los Rabielos, you won't be disappointed.
Skiing in Cantabria
Cantabria is a beautiful region in northern Spain and a top skiing destination, with top-notch facilities, accommodations and amenities. The Cantabrian ski resorts are a popular choice for winter sports enthusiasts.
Manzaneda
Manzaneda is a unique ski resort set amid a vast forest; its raw natural beauty surprises most first-time visitors.
Due to its easily accessible location, it is open year-round. Skiers will get a lovely treat of fantastic scenery as they ski down the slopes.
And when the snow is scarce, there are still many activities to do at the resort, including cycling, riding, tennis and hang gliding.
San Isidro
The San Isidro Ski resort is one of the most popular in Spain, boasting 32 tracks set in an idyllic landscape.
San Isidro is perfect for family vacations, as children can look forward to activities at a Children’s Recreational Centre in the resort.
Little by little, the San Isidro ski resort has been converted into one of the most important in Spain, and with over 23 km of high-class alpine skiing on offer, it's easy to see why.
With several snow cannons on hand, there are always enough slopes open during the skiing season.
Alto Campoo
At the Campoo Valley summit, Alto Campoo is a beautiful resort with stunning views.
Suitable for skiers of all levels, it is well equipped with quality facilities. There is a selection of snowboarding runs within the ski area.
This stunningly beautiful resort sits amongst three mountains, the Cuchillon, El Chivo and Tres Mares, with peaks over 2000 meters in height.
Valgrande-Pajares
The resort at Polo de Lena in Asturias is a good all-around ski resort. It is situated within an hour's drive of the main cities of Asturias: Oviedo, Castilla y León, Gijón, and Avilés.
Although it is modest in size, Valgrande Pajares is popular for its variety of pistes and the quality of its installations.
The resort has a long tradition of Nordic Skiing.
Leitariegos
Leitariegos is a smallish resort located in the northwest province of Leon, which borders Asturias.
The natural environment surrounding Leitariegos makes skiing here an absolute pleasure and a great way to see the beautiful countryside of both counties.
Skiing in Catalonia
Here are some of the top ski resorts in Catalonia, Spain.
Vallter 2000 Ski Resort
Located in a glacier valley within the Catalan Pyrenees, this ski resort has a long-established reputation for quality and service.
The Vallter 2000 ski resort is situated on a glacial circle called Circulo de Morens-Ull de Ter and is located at the Easternmost part of the Pyrenees.
Due to its privileged geographical position, visitors here are entertained by breathtaking scenery and panoramic views over Roses Bay to the Costa Brava.
Boi Taull
Located at the highest summit in the Pyrenees, it has a unique character and charm that attracts tourists to enjoy winter sports for their ski holidays in Spain.
As the Boi Taull ski resort is smaller than many large-scale skiing destinations, it is an excellent choice for families with young kids because it is easy to navigate.
Aransa
Aransa is a popular cross-country ski resort with trails that pass through mountain meadows and black pines, offering skiers breathtaking views.
Because of its location, it receives high-quality snow. There are tons of activities for everyone, ranging from snowshoe excursions to having a good meal at the resort’s restaurants.
Tavascan
Tavascan is a perfect location if you are looking for a smaller, cosy setting in natural surroundings.
Although Tavascan is a relatively small resort, its facilities are second to none and have an excellent reputation for alpine and Nordic skiing and snowboarding.
The station is set high up in stunning mountain scenery with spectacular views.
The resort has a pioneering winter sports centre comprising a ski school and a high-mountain school, with experts teaching modern skiing and mountaineering techniques.
Masella
Located in La Cerdanya, the Masella ski resort is set amongst typical alpine scenery, with 80% of the slopes meandering through forests.
Good quality snow is in abundance, guaranteed by some 380 snow canons, and it has become one of Spain’s most popular and unique ski and snowboard resorts.
La Molina
Also located in the Cerdanya Valley within the municipality of Alp in the Spanish Pyrenees mountains, immediately to the southeast of Andorra.
La Molina is one of the oldest ski resorts in Spain; the first hotel here opened its doors to skiers in 1925, and many snow-making and other lift engineering techniques were pioneered here.
The slopes are well groomed and maintained, with 390 cannons ensuring snow quality throughout the season. This resort has grown and been built for skiers of all levels to enjoy.
Vall de Nuria
Vall de Nuria is a popular ski resort located at the eastern end of the Pyrenees, set amongst spectacular peaks reaching 3000 meters in height.
The only access to Vall de Nuria is via a funicular train, which departs from Ribes de Freser. On your way up the mountain, you will be teased by some stunning scenery that will give you a taste of what you can expect upon reaching your destination.
The resort is family-oriented, with slopes and runs for skiers of all levels; the runs are well-groomed and marked, making it a safe skiing destination.
Sant Joan de L`Erm
Sant Joan de L'erm is situated between Pallars Sobrirà and Alt Urgell at the base of the Orri peak.
Natural and unspoiled forests surround Sant Joan, making this resort an all-year-round favourite when the snow season ends.
Port Aine
Port Aine is situated in the Pallars Sobira region of the Catalan Pyrenees and was first opened to the public in 1986. This is more than just a striking ski resort; it offers numerous mountain activities all year.
The resort offers a good selection of adventure sports in summer, including quad biking, rafting, canyoning, hydrospeed and horse riding.
And close by is the Noguera Pallaresa, where one of the most essential white-water rivers is located.
Port del Comte
The Port de Comte ski resort is located in one of the most picturesque areas of the Catalan Pyrenees, surrounded by forests and meadows.
The resort has built a reputation as very family-oriented and is divided into two main areas, clearly marked as Hostal-Sucre and Estivella.
Runs are open to skiers of all levels, and the classical ambience of this stunning resort makes Port de Comte a special place.
Baquiera Beret
Baquiera Beret is located in the Lleida Pyrenees, in the beautiful Val d'Aran Valley, and comprises three areas: Baquiera Beret and Bonaigua. It is generally considered to be the most complete ski resort in Spain.
There is an excellent variety of slopes in the three areas for skiers of all levels
Baquiera Beret is a known hangout for the rich and famous, so don’t be surprised if you see the current prime minister of Spain or a member of the royal family enjoying the slopes alongside you.
Skiing in North Central Spain
The northern central Spain region offers a good selection of quality ski and winter sports resorts. These are the top resorts:
Navacerrada
The Navacerrada ski resort is the second most important within the central system and is the undisputed playground for Madrid residents due to its proximity to Spain’s capital, which is only 60 km away. It is the only ski resort within the autonomous region of Madrid.
The slopes here are in two clearly defined areas: the top part, which is more for intermediate and advanced skiers, and the lower area, which is for intermediate and beginner skiers.
Covatilla
Covatilla is located in the south of the Salamanca province, in the westernmost part of the Central Mountains. Its altitude and north-facing orientation guarantee ample high-quality snow throughout the season.
The wide slopes are well-maintained and groomed, on low-gradient hillsides, making them ideal for both experts and beginners.
Experience the majestic slopes of Covatilla, a place to feel the adrenaline and the wind in your face while enjoying the beauty of the snow-capped peaks.
It is a fantastic choice to stay at the La Covatilla ski resort, which offers 31 downhill slopes. For the adventurous, you can try out the different cross-country ski trails for an out-of-this-world alpine adventure.
Since there are varied options for different hotels and cabins to choose from, you definitely won’t lack choices.
La Pinilla
The La Pinilla ski resort is situated in the Ayllon mountain range in the municipality of Cerezo de Arriba. Its location near Madrid, Burgos and Valladolid has made this resort a firm favourite with visitors from central Spain.
La Pinilla is recommended for beginners, as it boasts two ski schools with experienced instructors.
The area is generally uncrowded and offers vast open and largely tranquil ski areas.
Valdesqui
The Valdesqui ski resort is located in the heart of the Sierra de Madrid, in the town of Rescafria, and is close to Mundo and Valdemartin.
Although not one of the largest skiing centres, it does have some interesting medium to difficult slopes, which have made this resort very popular with all levels of skiers.
Valdesque is close to some culturally interesting sites, such as El Paular and La Cartujar, which are both well worth visiting.
Valdezcaray
Valdezcaray is located at the base of Mount San Lorenzo near the town of Ezcaray in the heart of the Iberian mountain range.
For the nature lover, this is paradise, as the resort nestles in a stunningly beautiful part of northern Spain, with picturesque dense pine, oak and beech forests.
The resort boasts 22 public pistes, plus activities such as hunting, fishing, mountaineering and horse riding, among others.
One of the great joys of visiting this area is, of course, trying the famous Riojan cuisine, along with some of the undisputed kings of Spanish wine, made in this gorgeous part of Spain.
Skiing in Sierra Nevada Andalucia
The Sierra Nevada nestles high in the Penibetic mountain range, some 32 kilometres from the historic city of Granada, and is the southernmost ski resort in Spain. If you are thinking of skiing in Granada, Sierra Nevada offers excellent facilities for winter sports enthusiasts and a good selection of high-quality slopes for skiers of all levels.
It also has an excellent cross-country track, and the old saying that it can snow in the morning and spend the afternoon tanning yourself on a sun-kissed beach is absolutely true; some of the best beaches and resorts are only a stone's throw away, along with the Granada, Almeria and Malaga coastlines.
For nature lovers, the Sierra Nevada is a must-visit destination with picturesque scenery and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
The Sierra Nevada can get very crowded during weekends and public holidays, so if you can try to avoid the slopes on those days, your enjoyment of the slopes will be much more satisfying.