Spain’s ski resorts are spread over a large part of the country. Although it may come as a surprise,Spain is an ideal place for skiing, thanks to the peninsula’s low winter temperatures and orography. You can enjoy the snow in the mountains of the autonomous communities ofAragon, Catalonia, Asturias, Cantabria, Castile-Leon, Galicia, Andalusia, Madrid and La Rioja, all of which have at least one ski resort in their mountains.
Although Spain is known for its beaches, the length of the peninsula’s mountain ranges (4,885 km) is slightly greater than that of its coastline (4,872 km), and almost every high-altitude mountain range has a ski resort.
Spain isn’t just about the sea. It’s also the mountains. And what a mountain!
Spain is, in fact, one of the most mountainous countries in Europe. It’s home to some real giants that dominate the landscape and offer exceptional conditions for mountain sports and skiing.
Here are the three highest peaks in Spain:
- Le Teide – 3,718 metres
Located on the island of Tenerife, in the Canary archipelago, Le Teide is not only Spain’s highest point, but also the highest peak in the Atlantic. This majestic volcano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dominates the lunar landscapes of the national park that bears its name. - The Mulhacén – 3,479 metres
In the Sierra Nevada region of Andalusia stands the Mulhacén, the highest peak on the Iberian Peninsula. It sits at the heart of a massif that is also home to one of Europe’s most southerly ski resorts, offering the chance to ski while gazing out over the Mediterranean Sea. - L’Aneto – 3,404 meters
Located in the Aragonese Pyrenees, in the heart of the Posets-Maladeta natural park, the Aneto is the highest peak in this emblematic mountain range. It is surrounded by glaciers and spectacular scenery, much sought-after by mountaineers and nature lovers alike.
Beyond these iconic peaks, Spain boasts a network of modern ski resorts, spread across the Pyrenees, the Cordillera Cantabria, Sierra Nevada and even the mountains of the Iberian system. Ski areas such as Baqueira Beret, Formigal and Sierra Nevada rival the best European resorts, combining sunshine, snow quality and top-level infrastructure.
Are you ready to discover Spain’s ski resorts?
Below you’ll find the ski resorts in Spain, classified by autonomous region, where you can enjoy downhill skiing, snowboarding and other snow sports.
For more information, please click on the links corresponding to the various Spanish ski resorts.
Table of Contents
List of Spanish ski resorts
SKI RESORTS IN ARAGON
Aragon is one of the autonomous regions with the largest number of ski resorts in Spain. Candanchú, Astún, Formigal, Panticosa and Cerler in the Huesca Pyrenees and Javalambre and Valdelinares in Teruel are the resorts where you can ski or snowboard in winter. If you’re wondering which is the biggest resort in Aragon, look no further: the largest ski area in Aragon is Formigal, with 138 kilometers of pistes.
Astún
32 kilometers from Jaca, at the northern end of the Aragon valley, lies the ski resort of Astún. The altitude of its ski area and its privileged orientation mean that the Aragonese resort enjoys abundant snowfall during the winters. Astún, although only 50 km long, offers ski runs for all levels. Its highest point, La Raca (2,300 m), offers magnificent views of the Aragonese Pyrenees and 650 metres of vertical drop on wide, fun-filled slopes. Astún’s proximity to the Candanchú ski resort and its Nordic area makes the Canfranc valley one of Aragon’s most popular and accessible snow destinations.
Candanchú
The ski resort of Candanchú is located in the municipality of Aísa and, like its neighbor Astún, borders France at the Col du Somport. One of Spain’s oldest ski resorts, Candanchú was inaugurated in 1928. The lower ski area of Tobazo-Pista Grande has low-gradient slopes for easy learning.
However, Candanchú is an ideal resort for advanced skiers, given the many very difficult runs it offers. It’s not for nothing that Candanchú offers one of Spain’s most famous off-piste itineraries: the Tubo de la Zapatilla and the Loma Verde. Its steep slopes and mountain shapes make Candanchú one of the most beautiful ski resorts in Aragon.
Cerler
Cerler (Sarllé in patois or Benasque) is the highest village in the Aragonese Pyrenees (1,540 m) and belongs to the municipality of Benasque. The Cerler ski resort offers one of the longest and most spectacular runs on the peninsula. Cerler offers 77 km of pistes, and another of its charms is its close proximity to the enormous karst formation that is home to the highest peak in the Pyrenees: the Aneto.
The ski area tops out at El Gallinero, at 2,728 meters above sea level, with magnificent views of mythical peaks such as Aneto, Perdiguero, Posets, Monte Perdido, Rincón del cielo, Cogulla, Basibé, Cibollés and Turbón. Younger skiers will love the enchanted forest of the Cota 2000 sector and Spain’s longest trail, which reaches 9 km and features sections of blue and red difficulty. If you’re an experienced skier, you can test your technique on the black pistes of Marmotas or La Canal.
Formigal
Formigal is the largest ski resort in Aragon and one of the liveliest in Spain, day and night. It boasts 143 km of slopes, modern lifts and very homogeneous, wide pistes. The ski area is divided into four different zones: Sextas, preferred by beginners, Izas/Sarrios, where you’ll find challenging runs, Anayet and its family-friendly services and finally the Portalet area for those looking for wide-open spaces and off-piste skiing.
The foot of the slopes is linked to the urbanization of Formigal, where you’ll find apartments, hotels, equipment rentals, stores and restaurants. If you’re looking for something a little different, you should try the Formigal Ski-Ratrack, which provides access to the Pipos red run via a groomer in the Portalet valley. Also worth mentioning is the summit of the Tres Hombres peak (2,276 m), one of Formigal’s most emblematic slopes. Finally, there’s La Marchica: the flagship of the après-ski scene in the Tena Valley, one of the liveliest ski resorts in Spain. Every winter, this venue at the foot of the slopes plays host to some of the best DJs on the international scene. If, at the end of Marchica, you’re still in the mood to party, nightlife awaits you at El Grajo (urbanization).
Formigal, Spain.
Panticosa
In the Alto Gállego region, north of the province of Huesca, you’ll find one of Spain’s most authentic and familiar ski resorts. Crowned by Pico Sabocos, Peña Roya and Peña Blanca, Panticosa is a Pyrenean village that has preserved the charm and tradition of the last century. The resort is located in an idyllic mountain setting, at the confluence of the Caldarés and Bolática rivers. Its nutrient-rich waters have given rise to a brand-new spa 8 km from the town.
Panticosa is a very comfortable resort appreciated by families, as it offers a direct connection to the slopes by cable car. Panticosa is an urban mountain resort determined not to depend on winter and snow, offering new activities such as the Caldares footbridges or Europe’s longest toboggan run on rails. It’s also close to one of Spain’s most important thermal and leisure centers: the Panticosa thermal baths. A curiosity? The Aragonese ski resort is twinned with the French resort of Cauterets.
Javalambre
The Sierra de Javalambre is one of the most important mountain ranges in the Iberian system. This Aragonese mountain range, located in the south of the province of Teruel, boasts peaks of over 2,000 metres. The resort offers two sectors, Sabina and Lapiaz, from which you can contemplate some of Teruel’s most beautiful landscapes, such as the Albarracín region, Jiloca, Gudar-Javalambre…
For intermediate skiers, the 2.5 km Amanaderos run at over 2,000 meters above sea level is a fun and intense descent.
If you like to see and photograph the stars at night, the Gúdar and Javalambre sierras are one of the best areas in Europe for stargazing.
Valdelinares
In the Valdelinares ski resort, you can enjoy wide slopes with breathtaking views of the Gúdar mountain ranges, or descend through its dense forest. An ideal place for beginners and families, thanks to the Bujarones green run. Almost 2 kilometers long, it’s the perfect place for families to enjoy a safe descent. If you’re looking for more thrills, head for the Chaparrilla or Monegro slopes, which you can ski down without stopping? In Valdelinares, you can not only ski, but also ice-skate at an altitude of 2,000 metres, take a snowmobile tour or do some pirouettes in the Villarejo Snowpark.
A curiosity about Valdelinares?
The province of Teruel has the largest number of villages on the list of the most beautiful villages in Spain , including Calaceite, Valderrobles, Mirambel, Cantavieja, Albarracín, Puertomingalvo, Rubielos de Mora…
SKI RESORTS IN CATALONIA
In Catalonia, you’ll find 10 downhill ski resorts with almost 700 km of pistes. The most accessible from Barcelona are Port del Compte, Masella and La Molina. Catalonia’s biggest ski resort is Baqueira Beret.
Baqueira Beret
Its privileged location in the Aran and Aneus valleys (Lérida), its 2,200 hectares covered by 167 kilometers of slopes divided into four zones, its more than 20 restaurants, its modern lifts and its meticulous customer service make Baqueira Beret the best ski resort in Spain on its own merits.
Baqueira Beret is the only Spanish ski resort on the northern slopes of the Pyrenees. Some of the Iberian Peninsula’s most emblematic mountains, such asAneto and Maladeta, can be admired from its peaks. Baqueira Beret’s distinctive landscape and alpine architecture, its wide range of hotels and gastronomy, as well as its wide range of services and activities, offer visitors a unique experience in the Catalan Pyrenees.
Curiosity? Baqueira Beret is one of the Spanish ski resorts that has hosted the most stage finishes in the Tour of Spain or the Tour de France? The climb from Vielha to the Col de Bonaigua has been a stage finish five times in the Vuelta a España (1992, 1995, 1999, 2003 and 2008) and once in the Tour de France (2006).
Boí Taüll
The ski resort of Boí Taüll is located in the Catalan Pyrenees, in the Bohí Valley (Spain). It has the highest altitude of any Spanish ski resort in the Pyrenees. Inaugurated in 1991, it boasts a 550-hectare ski area and 47 slopes for enjoying winter sports to the full.
The summit offers views of Pallars Jussá and the famous Pic de l’Orri, bordering the neighboring ski resort of Port Ainé. It also boasts a 1,500-space parking lot, restaurants, cafeterias, a ski school, a ski and snowboard equipment rental service, an equipment repair service, a heliport, a medical service, a children’s area and an area dedicated exclusively to the snowpark. On November 18, 2018, it was named Spain’s best ski resort at the World Ski Awards.
Tavascan
The ski resort of Tavascan, also known as“Pleta del Prat“. It is located in the Alt Pirineu Natural Park in the Lleida Pyrenees. Downhill skiing has been possible at Tavascan since 1991, and since then the Refugi de la Pleta del Prat, at the foot of the slopes, has offered services such as ski pass sales, equipment rental, cafeteria, restaurant, accommodation, infirmary, ski and snowboard school.
At Tavascan, you can enjoy all kinds of activities in both winter and summer, and another of its strong points is that it is suitable for people with reduced mobility. What’s more, you’ll have the chance toexperience the incredible SnowRatrac and climb the snow-covered hills of Tavascan in the company of a snow groomer. The natural environment of Pleta del Prat is a feast for the eyes, surrounded by forests and breathtaking scenery.
Vall De Nuria
The Vall de Núria ski resort is a spectacular valley of incredible scenery and natural beauty, located in the municipality of Queralbs. The only way to reach the resort is by the famous cogwheel train or by mountain trails. The resort is located in the Pyrenees, in northern Catalonia, at Girona, close to the border with France.
It lies at 1964 meters above sea level, surrounded by peaks rising to almost 3,000 meters, from which numerous springs and rivers flow. Its eleven ski runs are suitable for all levels, with a total of 7 km of marked trails and several freeride itineraries for experts. Vall de Nuria is an attractive mountain destination in both winter and summer, with the Vall de Núria leisure park, Cau de la Marmota, the route of historic bridges and the cable car. In winter, you can enjoy skimo routes, various guided mountain hikes, outings with the Ratrac machine or even dive under the ice of a high-altitude lake.
Vallter 2000
The Vallter 2000 ski resort is located in the Catalan Pyrenees in Girona (Spain). This small ski resort is located in the Camprodom valley and is very welcoming. Thanks to the depth and quality of the snow throughout the season, you’ll have no trouble enjoying the 10 km of skiable slopes. After skiing, you can go tobogganing like a child at the Vallter 2000 leisure park, where you’ll find a special tobogganing area. If you don’t have a toboggan, head to the Trolls store, where you can rent everything you need to have fun.
Vallter offers 4 snowshoeing itineraries for all levels, starting from the parking lot at 1910 m and covering the entireUll de Ter area up to the resort’s 2550 m altitude. It’s worth mentioning that the resort has been the final stop on several editions of the “Volta a Catalunya“. It also offers a host of activities: children’s playground, ski and snowboard school, cafés, restaurants and medical service, as well as the aforementioned sledges and snowshoes, not to mention paragliding, zip-lining, archery and horseback riding in summer. Everything you need for an unforgettable vacation at any time of year.
Port Ainé
The ski resort of Port Ainé is located in the municipality of Rialp (Lérida, Catalan Pyrenees). Port Ainé is located in the Orri massif (2,440 m.) in the Alt Pirineu natural park, and benefits from a special microclimate that has made it famous for its powder snow. With 30 km of pistes and a vertical drop of over 800 m, this Catalan resort is one of the most sporty in the Pyrenees. For family skiing, we recommend taking the JET-CIM detachable chairlift down the 3 km Bellavista green run, which offers one of the most beautiful views of the Alt Pirineu natural park. If you’re looking for a thrill, head for the snowpark or the two boardercross courses. The little ones can also have fun on the tubing track, in the tree adventure park or on a snowshoe circuit.
The Spanish ski resort of Port Ainé boasts thehighest hotel in the Pyrenees, at an altitude of 2,000 meters, the three-star Port Ainé 2000 hotel, where you’ll also find apartments and hostels, a ski and snowboard school, equipment rental, cafeterias and restaurants, a crèche and children’s playground, a games room with billiards, table soccer, games machines, table tennis and even a mini-bowling alley…
Port Del Comte
Port del Comte is a ski resort located in the Port del Comte massif, in the province of Lérida. The resort was founded in 1973 and is divided into 3 sectors. Its slopes range in altitude from 1730 to 2290 meters. It has around 50 km of skiable slopes, divided into a total of 36 winter sports trails. A special feature of the resort is that most of its slopes run through a lush pine forest, lending a special charm to the descent. At the foot of the resort’s slopes, you’ll find most of the services, such as equipment rental, ski and snowboard school, cafeteria/restaurant, medical center, etc. What’s more, you can’t miss the “Mirador de Port del Comte”, a unique experience that will put you in touch with the environment.
If you come in summer, you can enjoy a 150-meter tubing track, trampolines, archery, a climbing wall… If you like walking, you can drive to the parking lot at an altitude of 2,100 m and climb the “Edró dels Quatre Batlles” (2,388 m) for a magnificent view of the Pyrenees. What’s more, from the Port del Comte vantage point, you can admire the view and the local birds, such as bearded vultures, birds of prey and eagles that live in this area of Querol. Finally, if you like heights, head for the Port del Comte adventure park (from age 5), with tree courses and a fun 170-meter zip line.
Espot
The ski resort of Espot enjoys a privileged position in the Pyrenees, as it is the only resort located close to a national park,“Aigüestortes” and“Sant Maurici“. Its slopes are set amid lush black pine forests, and its maximum altitude is over 2,500 m. Espot esquí boasts 20 km of ski runs and 1,000 m of vertical drop, ideal for incredible descents. Thanks to investments made in artificial snow, Espot esquí has guaranteed snow cover for over 60% of its ski area, reinforced by a production system of 163 snow cannons. It also has 3 FIS-approved slopes, ideal for thrill-seeking skiers, and a recreational park at level 2,000, ideal for families.
The resort also has a large beginners’ area and a play park with tubing trails. It also offers beautiful views of mountains over 3,000 meters high, giving skiers the impression of being in the heart of alpine nature. Espot, a family ski resort for all those seeking thrills on the snow and the warmth of a typical Alpine village.
La Molina
La Molina ski resort is located in the Catalan Pyrenees, in the province of Girona. The resort opened in 1943 and was one of Spain’s pioneering ski resorts. Its 71 km of skiable terrain are ideal for downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, skimo runs and even Segway rides. The resort offers magnificent views from its high peaks, including La Tosa peak (2,536 m) and Cap del Serrat Gran (2,402 m). It also boasts the Alabaus snowpark for freestyle enthusiasts and the largest super pipe in the Pyrenees. La Molina is linked by pistes to the emblematic Masella resort, with which it shares a common ski pass. La Molina is very versatile and has always been highly regarded for all levels, from beginners to advanced skiers who can enjoy black runs such as Isards, Els Cingles, Els Coms or Barcelona. Ideal for family vacations thanks to the snowpark and children’s playground.
The competitive atmosphere can be felt on La Molina’s slopes and in its extensive experience of international events such as the Alpine Skiing World Cup in 2008, the Snowboarding Championships in 2011 and the Disabled Championships in 2013.
Masella
The Masella ski resort was opened in 1967 and is located in Tosa d’Alp, in the province of Girona. Together with the well-known resort of La Molina, it forms the Alp 2500 ski area with a single ski pass. The resort boasts one of the largest artificial inivation systems in the province of Girona. Masella has three main access points, the most developed of which is the Pla de Masella ( 1,500 m.), although it is also possible to drive to La Pla ( 1,700 m.) or Coma Oriola (1,950 m.).
More experienced skiers can practice freestyle skiing at the La Pleta snowparl or descend the black pistes of Tub, Extrema, Pista Fonda, La Canal or Desferracaval. Masella also offers a host of services including a ski and snowboard school, equipment rental, a hotel, restaurants and cafés located in the center and close to the slopes for added convenience. If you visit Masella, you can’t leave without trying night skiing. You can access the illuminated slopes at night by taking the Masella TGV chairlift. The resort inaugurated night skiing with the illumination of part of the slopes, making it one of the few resorts in the Pyrenees to offer this possibility.
Image: Masella ski resort (Cerdagne)
SKI RESORTS IN ASTURIAS
Fuentes De Invierno
Fuentes de Invierno is an alpine ski resort located in the town of Aller, in the Principality of Asturias, in the heart of the Cantabrian Mountains. Just over an hour’s drive from Oviedo, Gijón and Avilés, “Fuentes” is one of the most beautiful natural environments in the Asturias region.
Thanks to its incomparable geographical location, it avoids strong winds and offers optimal conditions for snow sports. The Fuentes de Invierno ski resort in Asturias offers 8.76 kilometers of groomed runs with a vertical drop of 450 meters.
The Fuentes de Invierno ski resort in Spain has 3 green runs for beginners and 3 blue runs for first-time skiers. This Asturian ski resort has a total of 3 chairlifts, 1 drag lift and a conveyor belt for first-time skiers, with the capacity to move 8,200 people per hour.
Valgrande Pajares
The Valgrande Pajares ski resort is located in Spain’s Cantabrian Mountains, near the Asturian municipality of Lena, close to Asturias and Leon.
It is considered one of the most important ski resorts in the Cantabrian Mountains. The winter resort in the municipality of Lena has a long history behind it, but that doesn’t prevent it from facing the future with optimism, managing to improve its infrastructure, services and slopes year after year, with the aim of satisfying its unconditional clientele.
After more than 50 years of existence (inaugurated in 1954), the Valgrande/Pajares resort is well connected to the main cities of Asturias and Leon. Thanks to Jesús Valgrande, one of its main promoters, who gave it its name, the resort has been a breeding ground for good alpine skiers throughout its existence and has recently become an obligatory point of reference for Nordic ski enthusiasts.
SKI RESORTS IN CANTABRIA
Alto Campoo
Alto Campoo is the name given to the winter resort and mountain of the same name. Located in Cantabria, 24 kilometers from Reinosa, the head of the Campoo valley, hence the name. Brañavieja lies between the Sierra de Híjar and the Sierra del Cordel. It’s a place that, as well as referring to the winter ski resort, also gives its name to the village in which it’s located. A small village rich in tradition which, in 2012, counted just 19 inhabitants.
The resort’s privileged location in the Campoo Valley offers breathtaking views of land, sea and air. From the Pico Tres Mares, for example, you can see the vast lands of Castile, Picos de Europa and the Cantabrian Sea in the background.
Alto Campoo is therefore located in an area of exceptional scenic and cultural interest, making it an attractive destination for post-ski tourism. The Cantabrian resort boasts 14 blue or green runs and 9 red runs. From its highest point, 2,125 meters above sea level, you can enjoy magnificent views of the Cantabrian mountains and the region’s most beautiful peaks, such as Peña Labra, Cuchillón and Tres Mares. A resort that breathes snowboarding, thanks to its brand-new snowprak and its historic commitment to freestyle, which began when it hosted the first Spanish snowboard championships. Finally, freeride enthusiasts will find their playground at Hoyo Sacro or by SkiRatracking from the El Chivo refreshment point to the summit of El Cornón (2,340 m.).
SKI RESORTS IN CASTILLA Y LEON
La Pinilla
The ski resort of La Pinilla is located in the Sierra de Ayllón, in the Sistema Central. It is part of the municipality of Riaza, in the province of Segovia, and offers 23 runs. It is located in the province of Segovia, an hour and a quarter from the city of Madrid. It enjoys good communications with the center and northeast of the peninsula, as it is very close to the I national road.
The resort is equipped with a detachable chairlift for a rapid ascent to the Gran Plató, at an altitude of 1,800 m. La Pinilla also has a cable car (T.C. Pico del Lobo), but for technical reasons it has not been operational for ten years, and the line has been dismantled. Experienced skiers can enjoy the steep slopes of the Mirador area.
The Portillo or Pico del Lobo ( 2,229 m) is one of the resort’s most famous freeride routes, due to its difficulty, steepness and spectacular views over Madrid and Segovia, all the way to the summit of the Cervinal (2,194 m). In fact, if you’re into skimo, you can also climb to Pico de las Mesas (2,257 m) and ski down the red runs of the Pinilla I and II lifts. The Segovian resort has been fighting seasonality for years and has developed a Bike Park that gains in prestige and followers year after year.
La Pinilla is a place of devotion to the sport of skiing. In 1975, when the sport was still limited, La Pinilla was the scene of a European Ski Cup event. It is without doubt one of the most fun and challenging ski resorts in the Madrid region. If you finish skiing early, we recommend a visit to Riaza, less than 10 km from the resort, and the Montejo beech forest: a 250-hectare beech forest in the foothills of the Sierra de Ayllón, close to the La Pinilla ski resort.
Punto de Nieve Santa Inés
Located at an altitude of 1,753 meters, between the Urbión and Cebollera mountain ranges, the Santa Inés Snow Point resort is the only ski resort in the province of Soria and one of the smallest in Spain, but also one of the most authentic. It is located in Puerto de Santa Inés, halfway between Vinuesa and Montenegro de Cameros, and forms part of the Laguna Negra and Urbión Glacial Cirques Natural Park, an area of high ecological value. With approximately 1.8 kilometers of skiable slopes and heights reaching 1,832 meters, it offers a local snow experience designed for families, beginners, and schools. It is managed by Juan Carlos Abad, under a concession model shared between the City Council of Soria and the Association of 150 Villages, which reinforces its public vocation and social function as a driver of local development.
Despite its modest size, Santa Inés has managed to diversify its offering to attract a wide audience. It has beginner slopes, a covered conveyor belt, ski lifts, a snow park area, and spaces equipped for sledding and snowshoeing. In 2025, the Provincial Council of Soria approved an investment of €1.13 million to renovate its infrastructure, including the installation of photovoltaic solar panels and the modernization of its ski lifts, with the aim of reducing its environmental impact and ensuring its future viability. During the summer, the area is transformed into a natural paradise for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife watching, with trails leading to Laguna Negra, the Picos de Urbión, and Laguna Verde. With its blend of authenticity, sustainability, and accessibility, Punto de Nieve Santa Inés symbolizes a model of balanced mountain tourism, where snow is enjoyed in harmony with the land and its inhabitants.
Lunada
Lunada is Spain’s smallest winter resort. Its facilities are closed pending a takeover by an investor. It is located in the heart of the Cantabrian Mountains, in the province of Burgos, in the autonomous community of Castilla y León, Spain. It had four lifts and a conveyor belt (telecuerda). In the mid-1980s, Lunada enjoyed a boom period. Because of its proximity to a major center of economic activity like Bilbao, the resort was packed weekend after weekend, to the point where the avalanche of people was excessive. It was a different era, one of prosperity. Subsequently, the resort fell into oblivion, and years with little or no snow (low snowfall) meant that Lunada disappeared from the winter panorama for many skiers.
In any case, Lunada holds the record for the place where you can ski at the lowest altitude on the Iberian Peninsula with lifts. Specifically, the minimum altitude is 1,280 metres and the maximum 1,440 metres.
San Isidro
The San Isidro ski resort is located in the Cantabrian Mountains, in the northern part of the province of León. The facilities are located in the towns of Puebla de Lillo and Valdelugueros, which belong to the Alto Porma and Alto Curueño valleys.
From the 1960s onwards, San Isidro’s trajectory began with the León government’s decision to enter the snow business.
At the end of the 1970s, the San Isidro ski resort opened its first ski lift in the Salencias area, a lift barely powered by a petrol engine and equipped with only two poles. This is the lower zone of the resort, where the roads to Felechosa (Asturias), Puebla de Lillo (León) and Cebolledo cross. However, the 1980s were a veritable golden age for the resort, as throughout the decade numerous infrastructures were built in San Isidro. Today, the Cebolledo and Requejines sectors offer a wide variety of possibilities, with magnificent views of Pico de la Cuerna (2,115 m), Pico de Agujas (2,155 m) and Pico Toneo (2,095 m). Finally, the RioPinos sector offers a magnificent black run, ideal for more experienced skiers.
Sierra de Béjar – La Covatilla
The Sierra de Béjar – La Covatilla ski resort is located in the central system of the province of Salamanca, in the autonomous community of Castilla y León, Spain.
It’s an ideal place for beginners and families.
In the lower sector of La Covatilla, there are wide, moderately steep runs, ideal for beginners, but also areas with steeper slopes. This is clearly shown on the piste map, where there are a total of 24 ski runs, divided into three green, eight blue and 13 red. The quality of the latter means that many ski enthusiasts consider them to be blue runs. In addition, there are 21 artificial snow cannons covering 20% of the skiable area.
Most of the pistes have not changed the mountain’s slopes one iota, as is common in other winter resorts.
SKI RESORTS IN GALICIA
Manzaneda
The mountain resort of Manzaneda is the only ski resort in Galicia and the most westerly ski resort in Spain. From 1,500 m to 1,800 m, Manzaneda offers pistes for all levels, just a few kilometers from the border with Portugal. Also known as Cabeza de Manzaneda, it is located in the eastern part of the province of Orense (Spain), in the municipalities of Manzaneda and Puebla de Trives, making it an ideal location for winter sports in a spectacular natural setting. It’s a privileged location. Its more than 15 km of runs are mainly of blue and red difficulty.
Trails for advanced skiers are Os Corzos 1 and 2, Esquíos and Cancereixo and Pluviómetro, with its only black run called “training”.
The Manzaneda ski resort is surrounded by a vast pine forest of over 2,000 hectares, which makes it very beautiful, especially in winter. Although it doesn’t have a large number of slopes, for those who know the area it offers great off-piste descents through the forest, surrounded by pine trees. Manzaneda is also a lively mountain resort in summer, offering a multitude of sporting activities in its sports center, swimming pool, spa, soccer and tennis courts, hiking, go-karting, archery and climbing wall.
SKI RESORTS IN ANDALUSIA
Sierra Nevada
Thanks to its location and exceptional environment, Sierra Nevada is one of the most unique ski resorts in the world, and one of the Spanish resorts with the greatest number of kilometers of ski runs. Its mountain system, the Penibetic system, is dominated by the Mulhacén (3,481 m) and Veleta (3,398 m) peaks. Located in the Sierra Nevada National Park in Andalusia (Spain), it is Europe’s southernmost ski area. The Sierra Nevada ski resort is the highest in Spain, with a maximum altitude of 3,300 meters. Its summit is clearly visible from the emblematic city of Granada.
This vast ski area crowns the heart of the Penibé system, in the municipalities of Monachil and Dílar. In the latter, the Sierra Nevada is home to one of the most prestigious snow parks on the Iberian Peninsula, both for its size and for the wide variety of modules and jumps it offers.
In summer, the Sierra Nevada offers two open lifts to Borreguiles (cable car) or La Veleta (chairlift). Electric mountain bike routes are becoming increasingly popular in the Sierra Nevada, and currently offer a wide variety of itineraries ranging from the simplest (150 m. ascent) to the most complex (1,350 m.), with an ascent to the Veleta itself from where you can see the Cordillera Penibética, the sea and southern Africa.
SKI RESORTS IN MADRID
Navacerrada
60 km from the capital, on the border between the autonomous regions of Madrid and Castilla Leon, lies the Puerto de Navacerrada ski resort.
One of Spain’s first ski resorts, it has two slopes, separated by the M-601 road. Facing west, theAlto de Guarramillas awaits you, with 300-metre-high red runs offering breathtaking views of the Sierra de Guadarrama, Madrid and Castilla y León.
On the other side, you’ll find a more sheltered environment with a very special charm. The Telegraphe and Showcase slopes are simple, accessible runs that have been and will continue to be a place where hundreds of skiers learn to ski. But Navacerrada isn’t just for beginners: the Red Forest run is for intermediate to advanced skiers and is probably the best run in the Sistema Central.
Valdesquí
In the north-east of the Community of Madrid, in the municipality of Rascafría and bordering the Puerto de Navacerrada ski resort on the Bola del Mundo side, lies the Valdesquí ski resort. Accessible via the M-601 and M-611 via Rascafría, the resort is protected from the wind and has a special magnet for heavy snowfall. Valdesquí offers 23 kilometers of wide slopes with views of Segovia, Madrid and the Sierra de Guadarrama.
Freestyle enthusiasts can enjoy a well-maintained snowpark with several lines, jumps and modules. If you want to take a break, you can do so at 2,000 m on the “El Mirador” terrace with views of the Bola del Mundo and the tube, or enjoy the “La Pausa” fireplace at the foot of the slopes.
Madrid Snow Zone – Indoor
In the municipality of Arroyomolinos, 30 km from the center of Madrid, you’ll find the only shopping center and ski resort open 365 days a year in Spain. SnowZone is considered a “cradle of skiers” due to the large number of schoolchildren who learn to ski on its two slopes. The only non-natural ski resort in Spain, it boasts over 18,000 m2 of snow-covered surface and a constant temperature of -3ºC.
Beginners can ascend the easiest slope, on a conveyor belt, before descending the 100-meter run. Advanced skiers can take a chairlift or drag lift to the main run, where they can enjoy a 250-metre descent equivalent to the length of two soccer pitches. Madrid’s indoor ski resort modifies the main run to suit different uses, transforming it into a mogul run, a stadium or a brand-new snowpark with jumps and modules for different levels.
LA RIOJA SKI RESORTS
Valdezcaray
In La Rioja’s Sierra de la Demanda, the Valdezcaray ski resort covers 300 hectares dedicated to winter sports. Its 22 kilometers of runs on the northeastern slopes of La Rioja’s highest peak, Pico de San Lorenzo, offer magnificent views over the valley and neighboring peaks such as Collado Ormazal, Cerro Colocobia, Siete Puentes and the traditional village of Ezcaray. Valdezcaray is a resort with easy pistes for beginners, but it also offers off-piste itineraries of great difficulty.
From the 2020-2021 season, the Riojan resort will offer downhill skiing, which will allow skiing in areas previously reserved for cross-country skiers, such as the south face of Pico San Lorenzo. In recent years, the resort has invested in modernizing its lifts and making them more seasonal, offering more than the traditional hiking itineraries, a huge 300-meter zip line or the creation of a new BikePark for the summer.
Nordic ski resorts in Spain
In Spain, you’ll also find Nordic ski resorts. You can read about the difference between downhill and cross-country ski resorts in this article, where we talk about the different skiing disciplines.
Aragon’s cross-country ski res orts are Oza-Gabardito, Lizara and Linza in Aragon’s western valleys, Llanos del Hospital in Benasque, Pineta in Monte Perdido, Fanlo, the Balneario de Panticosa in the Tena valley and La Muela de San Juan in the Sierra de Albarracín.
Navarre’s Nordic ski resorts are Irati-Abodi and Larra-Belagua.
Cross-country ski resorts in Catalonia include Aransa, Baqueira Beret, Guils Fontanera, Lles de Cerdanya, Sant Joan de l’Erm, Tuixent-La Vansa and Virós Vallferrera.
In the central Iberian system, you’ll find the cross-country ski resorts of La Muela de San Juán, Navafría and Puerto de Cotos.
Andalusia’s only cross-country ski resort is Puerto de la Ragua.
