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When you think of staying in Spain, you probably think of sun, sea and beach. You may not think of white mountain peaks and long ski slopes. Yet you can also ski well in Spain, in areas normally known for their hot summers. For example, there are fantastic ski resorts close to Valencia, as well as in the Costa del Sol.
Where to ski in Spain?
As winter approaches, the change of season often evokes fond memories of snowballs, ski slats and hot chocolate. If you are a Spain lover, you don’t have to look at a vacation in Austria, France or Switzerland to relive such memories. A pleasant surprise to many, Spain is a great place for good winter sports. Read on to discover our favorite ski resorts in Spain, all suitable for true ski fanatics.
Costa del Sol: Sierra Nevada - skiing with a sea view
We start in the south. No doubt you have heard of the Sierra Nevada, the southernmost ski resort in Europe with the highest peaks in Spain. The Sierra Nevada is just 27 kilometers from the city of Granada and 100 kilometers from the coast. Moreover, if you choose to spend the ski season here, you will be able to enjoy skiing with a sea view!
Above all, Sierra Nevada is a first-class destination for ski lovers. The resort covers a whopping 108 kilometers divided into 115 slopes. These 115 slopes are divided into 16 green, 40 blue, 50 red and 9 black runs. In addition, Sierra Nevada has two more ski circuits for cross-country skiing.
Should you need ski lessons, the resort offers 15 schools for all levels. Also be assured that the slopes are exceptionally well maintained, with as many as 350 artificial snow canons. All in all, this is a fantastic destination for skiing in Spain.
Valencia: Teruel - skiing an hour and a half from the city
Less known but no less enjoyable are the ski resorts of Javalambre and Valdelinares, in the Teruel region. You’ll find this beautiful ski resort just a 90-minute drive from Valencia’s city center. Perfect for a week, weekend or even just a day of skiing! These two excellent ski resorts are both well worth a visit. This is also the ski resort closest to the Costa Blanca, should you be looking for a ski resort from there.
Javalambre is at an altitude of 1650 to 2000 meters and has 15 kilometers of ski slopes and 7 elevators. There are mostly blue runs (14 kilometers) and one kilometer of red ski runs. Planning a longer trip? Book an overnight stay in the nearby town of Camarena de la Sierra.
Teruel’s other gem is the resort of Valdelinares, where you can find a few more red runs than in Javalambre. Located at an altitude of 1737 to 1979 meters, Valdelinares has nine elevators and 17 kilometers of ski slopes, of which 10 kilometers are blue and 7 kilometers are red. You can spend the evening enjoying the Spanish version of après-ski in Valdelinares, located at an altitude of 1692 meters.
Read more about skiing in Valencia.
Costa Brava: Catalan Pyrenees - ski like a royal
You can also enjoy a ski vacation in northern Spain, on the border with France, in the Catalan Pyrenees. Here you will find yourself on some of the best ski slopes in Spain. Even the most experienced skiers will have a fantastic time. Moreover, you can be sure to find yourself in good company, as these ski slopes are favorites of famous skiers and the Spanish royal family.
If you want the best of the best, we recommend Baqueria-Beret for a luxurious excursion in the snow. This area is considered the very best in Spain. You can enjoy 155 kilometers of ski slopes, with 103 runs to choose from – 6 green, 42 blue, 39 red and 16 black, accessed by a total of 34 elevators. The slopes are also exceptionally well maintained with a whopping 629 snow cannons! Looking for a challenge? Try the boardercross circuit with exciting jumps and slopes. Skiing with glamour? Baqueira-Beret is the place to be!
Near Baqueria-Beret, you can also visit the Boi Taull Ski Resort. Here you can get your ski heart racing on 41.3 kilometers of ski runs on 32 slopes. Enjoy 10 kilometers of blue, 22.7 kilometers of red and 8.6 kilometers of black runs. Don’t forget to visit the La Molina / Masella ski resort, located in the region of Girona a little closer to the Costa Brava coast. Here you can take advantage of the 42 elevators to use 141 kilometers of ski slopes. Enjoy 76 kilometers of blue, 47 kilometers of red and 18 kilometers of black ski runs – another great place for ski lovers.
By the way, the Pyrenees area in Andorra is also a wonderful place for winter sports. You can find no less than 303 kilometers of slopes here. In short, skiing in the Pyrenees is highly recommended.
Spanish ski season
Depending on weather conditions, you can enjoy snow in Spain from early November to late April. Prices vary by area, but generally you can expect to spend between €27 and €55 for a day of skiing. However, most ski areas also offer season passes that are cheaper.
You can also usually rent ski equipment and take advantage of the ski schools offered in the various areas. In short, the ski resorts of Spain promise to meet all your needs during the ski season.
Buying a house in Spain close to (winter) activities? We can advise you on the very best resorts and ensure you live your Spanish dream life all year round. Contact us for more information.
