When you think 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 usually known for their warm summers. For example, there are fantastic ski resorts close to Valencia, as well as in the Costa del Sol.
Where to ski in Spain?
Skiing in Spain may sound surprising, but the country has several well-equipped ski resorts, often within driving distance of popular coastal regions. This makes it easy to combine the mild winter by the sea with a day on the slopes. From the Costa del Sol, you can drive to Sierra Nevada in the province of Granada. From the Valencia region and the Costa Blanca North, Javalambre and Valdelinares in Aragón are within easy reach. And if you are staying on the Costa Brava, you can reach the larger ski resorts in the Pyrenees, such as La Molina, Masella and Baqueira Beret. This gives you the unique opportunity in Spain to combine beach, city and snow in one season – and sometimes even in one day.
Below you will find the main ski resorts linked to well-known coastal regions, so you can quickly see which areas belong to which parts of Spain.
Costa del Sol: Sierra Nevada (Granada, Andalusia)
From the Costa del Sol (including Málaga, Marbella, Nerja, Estepona), the Sierra Nevada ski resort is about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive away. This is the largest and most famous ski resort in southern Spain, with modern facilities and wide slopes.
- Altitude: up to ± 3,300 metres
- Season: December to April
- Atmosphere: sunny, relaxed, many terraces
- Type of area: medium to large, suitable for all levels
- Special feature: on clear days, views of the sea and sometimes even Africa
- Driving time: ± 1.5 – 2 hours from Málaga / Marbella / Nerja
If you choose to spend the ski season here, you will be able to enjoy skiing with a view of the sea!
Above all, the Sierra Nevada is a first-class destination for ski enthusiasts. The resort covers no less than 108 kilometres spread over 115 slopes. These 115 slopes are divided into 16 green, 40 blue, 50 red and 9 black slopes. In addition, Sierra Nevada has two cross-country skiing circuits.
If you need skiing lessons, the resort offers 15 schools for all levels. You can also be sure that the slopes are exceptionally well maintained, with no fewer than 350 artificial snow cannons. All in all, this is a fantastic destination for skiing in Spain.
Valencia / Costa Blanca: Javalambre & Valdelinares (Teruel, Aragon)
From the Valencia region (including Valencia city, Jávea, Dénia, Altea, Moraira, Benidorm), the Javalambre and Valdelinares ski resorts in the province of Teruel are a 2 to 2.5-hour drive away.
- Altitude: ± 1,650 – 2,000 metres
- Season: December to early March (depending on cold fronts)
- Atmosphere: small-scale, relaxed, Spanish village feel
- Type of area: ideal for beginners, families and recreational skiing
- Special feature: day trip-friendly – no need to plan a weekend away
- Driving time: ± 1.5 – 2.5 hours from Valencia, Jávea, Moraira, Dénia, Altea
These two ski resorts are only a 90-minute drive from Valencia city centre. Perfect for a week, weekend or even just a day of skiing! This is also the closest ski resort to the Costa Blanca, if you are looking for a ski resort from there.
Javalambre is located at an altitude of 1,650 to 2,000 metres and has 15 kilometres of ski slopes and 7 lifts. There are mainly blue slopes (14 kilometres) and one kilometre of red slopes. Planning a longer trip? Book an overnight stay in the nearby town of Camarena de la Sierra.
The other gem of Teruel is the Valdelinares resort, where you will find a few more red slopes than in Javalambre. Valdelinares is located at an altitude of 1,737 to 1,979 metres and has 9 lifts and 17 kilometres of ski slopes, 10 kilometres of which are blue and 7 kilometres red. You can spend the evening enjoying the Spanish version of après-ski in Valdelinares, located at an altitude of 1,692 metres.
Read more about skiing in Valencia.
Costa Brava: Pyrenees (Catalonia & Aragon)
From the Costa Brava (including Barcelona, Platja D’aro, Girona), the Pyrenees are within a 1.5 to 2.5-hour drive.
Here you will find larger and mountainous ski areas such as Baqueira Beret, La Molina / Masella and Port del Comte. These areas have more of an Alpine feel, but with Spanish atmosphere, cuisine and hospitality.
- Altitude: ± 1,600 – 2,500 metres (depending on the area)
- Season: December to April
- Atmosphere: more mountain villages, wooden chalets, cosy restaurants
- Type of area: medium to large, also suitable for advanced skiers
- Special feature: more Alpine feel, but with Spanish hospitality
- Travel time: ± 1.5 – 2.5 hours from Barcelona / Platja D’aro / Girona
Even the most experienced ski enthusiasts will have a fantastic time here. You will see why these slopes are a favourite with 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.
Useful information about skiing in Spain
Depending on weather conditions, you can enjoy snow in Spain from early November to late April.
Prices vary by area and by day, but on average, a day pass in Spain costs between €35 and €65. Smaller areas such as Javalambre and Valdelinares are generally cheaper, while larger areas such as Sierra Nevada and Baqueira Beret charge higher rates. Most ski resorts also offer season passes and multi-day passes, which are relatively cheaper if you go skiing more often.
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.
