As Spain is Europe’s second most mountainous country it is not surprising that it is the ideal destination for your next ski holiday. There are 33 ski resorts situated across the country; offering quality snow and plenty of winter sun, plus there are heaps more reasons to choose Spain for your next skiing holiday.
Ski Trekking to work? Campo de las Naciones, Madrid
If you are a ski junkie and you haven’t already skied in Spain, then read on. If you have skied in Spain, you should also read on. Spain has a long ski tradition and provides excellent facilities for all levels of skier and as the country is so large and landscape and climate so varied, you can be guaranteed that you are going to find a ski resort that suits you right down to the ‘pista’. All you have to do is choose one.
What rocks your ski boots?
The excellent infrastructure of the winter resorts in Spain means that whatever rocks your ski boots, you’re going to find here. There are ideal resorts for beginners, smaller resorts offering easy runs, perfect for family ski holidays and your first attempt at this exhilarating sport.
For more experienced skiers, never fear, there are plenty of resorts for you too. Whether you are into downhill, cross-country, Nordic skiing or snow boarding. The choice is unparalleled and what’s more, whichever, destination you choose, you are also going to be surrounded by the historic and artistic heritage of the local towns and villages.
Here is a selection of some of the best Spanish slopes you can visit:
The hills are alive.... with lots of skiers!
Snow, sun and fun!
Even in Winter the sun can shine in some parts of Spain, so if you are looking for a winter ski and sun holiday, then head to the Sierra Nevada in Andalusia. Here you can enjoy the wonderful slopes in the morning and a stroll along the beaches of the Costa Tropical in the afternoon. Plus you can take time out to visit the beautiful city of Granada and the Alhambra Palace. You are truly spoilt.
As Sierra Nevada (Snowy Moutain Range) is fairly popular with the Brits and other foreigners who live in the his neck of the woods, it is well equipped to cater for English-speaking visitors. There is even a British Ski Centre in the main plaza. If your little ones are just too little to try the slopes there is a Snow Garden crèche. Very cute.
Sierra Nevada is a real mixed level resorts, with just over 100 kilometres of piste runs, including a snowboard park, there are a total of 115 runs: 9 black runs, 50 red runs, 40 blue runs and 16 gree runs. Plus there are a serious of free-style parks and illuminated night skiing.
The ski terrain is delightful and as it is one of Europe’s highest ski resorts, at 3300m you can pretty much guarantee ‘good’ snow all through the season. The pistes are overlooked by the awesome jagged glacier-formed Valeta Peak. Check out our self-catering accommodation in Sierra Nevada and Granada province.
Baquiera Beret in the Pyrenees, home of the gods.
The Majestic Pyrenees
The Pyrenees Mountains is the place to head for if you are looking for a magical setting for your ski holiday. Set in the Lleida Pyrenees, Catalonia; amongst the Val D’Aran (Aran Valley) and the Les Valls d’Aneu (Aneu Valleys) is the wonderful Baqueira Beret ski resort. The landscape is surrounding, set in a valley surrounded by peaks, some 3,000 metres above sea level, with over 200 lakes in the local region. There are extensive forests of pine, fir and beech trees.
In total there are over 120 kilometres of ski pistes: 78 runs, with 7 black runs, 29 red runs, 36 blue runs and 6 green runs. There is also an illuminated piste for night skiing, for those of you mad enough to want to do so.
The resort is renowned for its quality of snow and the extensive assortment of Après-ski activities, including: snow shoe excursions through the forests, dog-sledge rides, horseback riding, the thermal aths of Banys de Tredos, heli-skiing and panoramic helicopter flights, and golf.
Plus this whole region is littered with charming medieval villages, set in stunning landscapes. Check out self-catering holiday apartments in Lleida province.
Formigal Ski... Cut.. hold on where's the snow? Beautiful in the summer too, no?!
Ski Aragon – in the land that time forgot
Set in the central Pyrenees in the stunningly natural region of Aragon is the Formigal Ski Resort. It has been called ‘formidable’ by skiers and over the past few years has undergone much renovation and improvement to become one of the best ski resorts in Spain.
Its main pistes are set across four valleys, over 130 kilometres, and are ideal for both Alpine and Cross-country skiing. There are a total of 97 runs, with 38 black runs, 33 red runs, 19 blue runs and 7 green runs. There is also an illuminated piste for night skiing, for those of you mad enough to want to do so. This is definitely a resort, which will suit the more advanced skier.
Again, due to its location in the heart of one of the most beautiful landscapes in Spain, not only can you enjoy skiing, you can also take part in heaps of other alpine and adventure sports, including: an ice rink, 4×4 excursions, helicopter rides and golf. I think I will stick to the hot chocolate bar. Sounds right up my street.
You can stay within the resort, or alternatively you could stay in the region’s historical capital of Zaragoza, where you can buy flexible ski passes. Check out self-catering accommodation in Aragon.
Candanchú: Mum I need hot chocolate NOW!
Can you in Candanchú?
Again set in the in the Aragón Pyrenees, in an area of outstanding beauty, is a ski resort, which guarantees you will come away having had an unforgettable ski holiday. Hopefully it won’t be because you broke a leg!
Set at the mouth of the Aragon River, not too far from the Somport pass, within the Pyrenees National Park. Candanchú is Spain’s longest-established ski resort, dating back to 1928! It is an excellent destination for all levels, with a wide range of slopes and a complete network of ski lifts to reach each slope. It’s also offers excellent amenities and access, being just 28 kms from the town of Jaca and 111 kms from the beautiful and historic city of Huesca.
Candanchu is a smaller resort with just over 39 kilometres of slopes. It’s an ideal destination for families and beginners, with the emphasis on the easier pistes. There are a total of 44 runs, with just 5 black runs, 17 red runs, 12 blue runs and 10 green runs. There is also a sledging slope, a snow park and snowshoeing slopes. A magical, winter wonderland!
Yes it’s a ski for all in Spain. Boom, boom, had to get that one in. But, seriously, whichever resort or region you choose, you are going to have a snowball of a time skiing in Spain. Enjoy!
Image credits @FlickR: ferper / jnelas / javi sas / santi martin / heidi vilppola
