As in the case of Greece in our last article, you may not immediately associate Spain with skiing, and yet, it is quite a popular ski destination. There are plenty of high-quality resorts with excellent facilities, pretty settings, and wonderful views to choose from. And, if you don't want to spend a whole winter break in Spain skiing, you could even base yourself in a nearby town or city, soak up the culture, try out the local restaurants, visit various cultural institutions and just set aside a day or two for some day trips to a resort. It's all very flexible and perfect for designing just the right winter getaway of your dreams. We have rounded up a list of ten excellent resorts to visit around Spain so what are you waiting for? Get planning your winter break in Spain today!
1. Baqueira Beret
Located in the Spanish Pyrenees, Baqueira Beret, is the resort of choice of the Spanish royals and is where King Juan Carlos has a sumptuous holiday home. Highly regarded and well-reviewed, it was opened in 1964 and, despite being so beloved, is still a more budget-friendly option than many other resorts across Europe. It also boasts some of the best and most consistent snow cover of any European ski resort and is in three main areas across six peaks, stretching over 146km. A must for those taking a winter break in Catalonia.
2. Sierra Nevada
Sierra Nevada is one of Spain’s most famous ski resorts and is located in Granada on the northern slopes of Veleta. It is also the most southerly ski resort in Europe, the highest ski resort in Spain, and boasts a season that can last from late November all the way until until early May. With over 100km of alpine ski runs, a spa, ice skating, night skiing until 10pm with passes, and more, it has a lot to offer but, even more interestingly, as the Mediterranean coast is a relatively short drive away, one can swim and ski in the one day if you time it right! An amazing adventure for those who have found a vacation rental in Granada.
3. Navacerrada
If you want to visit the capital of Madrid this winter but would like to fit in a spot of skiing, this resort is ideal, located 52km outside of the city and perfect for a day trip. With areas for intermediate/difficult pistes, intermediate pistes, a slalom stadium and a ski jump, it is perfect for those with a bit more experience. Just find a vacation rental in Madrid and plan for a day on the slopes!
Located in the Spanish Pyrenees, Baqueira Beret, is the resort of choice of the Spanish royals and is where King Juan Carlos has a sumptuous holiday home. Highly regarded and well-reviewed, it was opened in 1964 and, despite being so beloved, is still a more budget-friendly option than many other resorts across Europe. It also boasts some of the best and most consistent snow cover of any European ski resort and is in three main areas across six peaks, stretching over 146km. A must for those taking a winter break in Catalonia.
2. Sierra Nevada
Sierra Nevada is one of Spain’s most famous ski resorts and is located in Granada on the northern slopes of Veleta. It is also the most southerly ski resort in Europe, the highest ski resort in Spain, and boasts a season that can last from late November all the way until until early May. With over 100km of alpine ski runs, a spa, ice skating, night skiing until 10pm with passes, and more, it has a lot to offer but, even more interestingly, as the Mediterranean coast is a relatively short drive away, one can swim and ski in the one day if you time it right! An amazing adventure for those who have found a vacation rental in Granada.
3. Navacerrada
If you want to visit the capital of Madrid this winter but would like to fit in a spot of skiing, this resort is ideal, located 52km outside of the city and perfect for a day trip. With areas for intermediate/difficult pistes, intermediate pistes, a slalom stadium and a ski jump, it is perfect for those with a bit more experience. Just find a vacation rental in Madrid and plan for a day on the slopes!
4. La Molina
La Molina, meanwhile, is a great option for those who have found a vacation rental in Barcelona, at a less than two hour drive from the city. A popular spot, it is steeped in history is home to both Spain's first ski-lift and ski-school and some of the top modern winter sport facilities in the country which were built back in 2011 to host the Snowboarding World Championships, including the biggest halfpipe in the Pyrenees.
5. Benasque
This resort is an especially picturesque spot, nestled in the Posets-Maladetas Nature Reserve in the Spanish Pyrenees. It is particularly regarded for its cross country skiing that winds through lovely forests of oak, birch and beech trees, which is free of charge. Once you've found a base in Catalonia, you can pop over into Aragon and visit.
6. Candanchú
A good resort for beginners, this is actually the oldest ski resort in Spain. Located in the Aragonese Pyrenees, very close to the French border, it is also regarded for its off-track routes that will challenge the more experienced skiiers. With something for both the skilled and beginners, it is great for a mixed group of levels and another must for those holidaying in the Aragon area or nearby regions.
7. Formigal
Formigal is the best option for those who have found a vacation rental near Aragon and want to party. While you can ski from 3pm to 9pm and also try out snow bikes, dog sledding, and tubing, the real party quite literally kicks off at night...
La Molina, meanwhile, is a great option for those who have found a vacation rental in Barcelona, at a less than two hour drive from the city. A popular spot, it is steeped in history is home to both Spain's first ski-lift and ski-school and some of the top modern winter sport facilities in the country which were built back in 2011 to host the Snowboarding World Championships, including the biggest halfpipe in the Pyrenees.
5. Benasque
This resort is an especially picturesque spot, nestled in the Posets-Maladetas Nature Reserve in the Spanish Pyrenees. It is particularly regarded for its cross country skiing that winds through lovely forests of oak, birch and beech trees, which is free of charge. Once you've found a base in Catalonia, you can pop over into Aragon and visit.
6. Candanchú
A good resort for beginners, this is actually the oldest ski resort in Spain. Located in the Aragonese Pyrenees, very close to the French border, it is also regarded for its off-track routes that will challenge the more experienced skiiers. With something for both the skilled and beginners, it is great for a mixed group of levels and another must for those holidaying in the Aragon area or nearby regions.
7. Formigal
Formigal is the best option for those who have found a vacation rental near Aragon and want to party. While you can ski from 3pm to 9pm and also try out snow bikes, dog sledding, and tubing, the real party quite literally kicks off at night...
8. Masella
Masella is another resort that isn't too far from Barcelona and perfect for skiing day trips. It is located on La Tosa, has 74km of track, and also boasts some of the most beautiful scenery of any of the other options on this list.
9. Cerler
Cerler is one of the highest resorts of the Pyrenees and has 72km of marked pistes stretched across two mountain valleys, top quality facilities and truly stunning surroundings. In addition, there are 65 pistes of different difficulties: 7 for beginners, and 16 easy, 25 intermediate and 14 expert pistes. There are three ski schools, 2 rental shops, and a pretty village. If you're looking for everything at your fingertips, just head to this resort in Aragon.
10. Boí Taull
Claiming to have the highest slopes of the Pyrenees, Boí Taull promises quality snow, a large number of services close to the slopes, lots of intermediate pistes, and a pretty decent day rate for those who are holiday in Catalonia over the winter and want to go skiing for a day.
So, armed with all that knowledge, isolate the right resort for you and get planning a fun and festive winter getaway in Spain!
Masella is another resort that isn't too far from Barcelona and perfect for skiing day trips. It is located on La Tosa, has 74km of track, and also boasts some of the most beautiful scenery of any of the other options on this list.
9. Cerler
Cerler is one of the highest resorts of the Pyrenees and has 72km of marked pistes stretched across two mountain valleys, top quality facilities and truly stunning surroundings. In addition, there are 65 pistes of different difficulties: 7 for beginners, and 16 easy, 25 intermediate and 14 expert pistes. There are three ski schools, 2 rental shops, and a pretty village. If you're looking for everything at your fingertips, just head to this resort in Aragon.
10. Boí Taull
Claiming to have the highest slopes of the Pyrenees, Boí Taull promises quality snow, a large number of services close to the slopes, lots of intermediate pistes, and a pretty decent day rate for those who are holiday in Catalonia over the winter and want to go skiing for a day.
So, armed with all that knowledge, isolate the right resort for you and get planning a fun and festive winter getaway in Spain!
Photo credits
Picture 1: Faras / CC BY-SA 4.0;
Picture 2: Manuel Velazquez / CC BY 3.0;
Picture 3: Ensopegador / CC BY-SA 3.0
Picture 1: Faras / CC BY-SA 4.0;
Picture 2: Manuel Velazquez / CC BY 3.0;
Picture 3: Ensopegador / CC BY-SA 3.0