The arrival of winter in Spain and the start of the snowy season opens up a world of possibilities for lovers of skiing and winter sports. In Spain there are several ski resorts that are world-renowned for their great facilities, the quality of the snow and the beauty of their natural landscapes. The Catalan and Aragonese Pyrenees are two of the favourite destinations for ski fanatics, due to their privileged location in the Pyrenees, their mountainous environment prone to snow accumulation and their great extension that allows a wide variety of slopes of different levels. However, there are also other ski slopes and resorts with a great reputation spread throughout Spain. Here is a list of the best ski resorts in Spain.

1. Sierra Nevada, Granada

Sierra Nevada is the leading ski resort in southern Spain, located in Granada, Andalusia. Its location in the Penibetica mountain range makes it the most southerly resort in Europe, which allows for an exceptional combination of sun and snow. Its altitude has peaks of over 3,000 metres, guaranteeing a long ski season from November to May. The Sierra Nevada resort has 380 hectares of skiable area, with 131 pistes spread over 110 kilometres: 19 green, 45 blue, 53 red and 7 black. The snow-capped mountains, pine forests and panoramic views of the Mulhacén create a spectacular backdrop for all kinds of winter activities. In addition, in recent years, significant financial investment has been made to equip the resort with state-of-the-art infrastructure, such as ski lifts, chair lifts and ski lifts. It also offers accommodation options, restaurants and off-piste activities for a complete experience.

2. Baqueira Beret, Val d’Aran

The Baqueira Beret resort has 112 pistes spread over an area of more than 165 kilometres. Located in the Val d’Aran, in the province of Lleida, Catalonia, it is situated on the northern slopes of the Pyrenees. In Baqueira Beret you will find an incredible natural landscape, with peaks over 3,000 metres high, such as Aneto and La Maladeta. The resort is one of the most prestigious in Spain thanks to the high quality of its slopes and the daily care that keeps them in optimal conditions. Baqueira Beret has 6 green, 43 blue, 46 red and 17 black pistes. The resort is not only known for its skiing, making it a winter destination for sportsmen and women as well as for people looking for a fun getaway with family or friends. Baqueira Beret’s gourmet restaurants, cosy bars and exclusive shops create a sophisticated and relaxed atmosphere after a day on the slopes.

3. Formigal – Panticosa, Huesca

The Fromigal – Panticosa ski resort is located in Huesca, in the Aragonese Pyrenees, next to the French border. With more than 180 kilometres spread over 147 slopes of all levels, it is the largestski resort in Spain. Formigal – Panticosa has 11 green, 38 blue, 54 red and 41 black pistes. It also has 5 itineraries or unmarked slopes for expert skiers only. The merger of the two stations has created a renowned resort that is a favourite winter destination for many skiers. The two stations complement each other perfectly. Formigal is known for its wide slopes and lively atmosphere, while Panticosa offers a quieter environment with slopes surrounded by forests and stunning natural scenery. Formigal-Panticosa has modern services including state-of-the-art ski lifts, ski schools, equipment hire and a wide range of restaurants and bars. The infrastructure is designed to provide comfort and facilitate the stay of winter sports enthusiasts.

4. La Molina, Girona

La Molina is a ski resort located in the Catalan Pyrenees, specifically in the province of Girona, with a skiable surface area of 72 kilometres. La Molina is one of the best known and most emblematic ski resorts in Spain. With more than a century of history since its opening in 1909, the resort has steadily evolved to become one of the most popular winter destinations for skiing enthusiasts. The resort has a wide variety of slopes to suit skiers of all levels: 20 green, 18 blue, 22 red and 6 black. There is also an area exclusively for snowboarders or freestylers with acrobatics. La Molina has invested in modernisation and innovation. Lift infrastructure such as chairlifts and other services have been upgraded to provide a more comfortable and efficient experience for visitors. Visitors to La Molina can enjoy a variety of complementary activities, such as sledging, snowshoeing and mountain walks, making the resort attractive for the whole family.

5. Vall de Núria, Girona

The Vall de Núria ski resort is also located in the Catalan Pyrenees and stands out for its landscape and natural surroundings. Although it is a smaller resort compared to the others on this list, Vall de Núria has 11 downhill ski runs spread over just 8 kilometres: 3 green, 3 blue, 3 red and 2 black. The Vall de Núria resort stands out for its relaxed, family atmosphere. The resort is perfect for those looking for a quiet escape in the middle of nature, away from the crowds and the hustle and bustle. Despite its small size, the Vall de Núria resort has special areas, such as sledging slopes, snowshoe itineraries, an exclusive slope for snowboarders and a play park for children. It is also equipped with infrastructure such as ski lifts, gondola lifts, chair lifts and a conveyor belt.

6. Alto Campoo, Cantabria

Alto Campoo is a ski resort located in the Cantabrian municipality of Hermandad de Campoo de Suso, at the head of the Campoo valley. The resort has several peaks over 2,000 metres high, such as Pico Tres Mares and Cuchillón, among others, offering a unique natural setting. Alto Campoo is surrounded by a stunning natural environment, which makes it a perfect place for hiking enthusiasts. In winter, snowshoe hiking trails are a great way to explore the beauty of the mountains. The resort has around 23 kilometres of skiable slopes. Although it is one of the smallest resorts in Spain, it offers a complete experience with slopes for all levels, from beginners to advanced skiers, with 4 green, 9 blue and 10 red slopes. For those who are taking their first steps in skiing, Alto Campoo has a learning area and a ski school with qualified instructors, making it an ideal place for beginners.

7. Boí Taüll, Lleida

The Boí Taüll resort is located in a unique setting, at the gates of the Aigüestortes National Park and Sant Maurici Lake, in the Catalan Pyrenees and the Vall de Boí, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The resort has around 45 kilometres of skiable slopes, distributed in different levels of difficulty. From beginner slopes to challenging descents for advanced skiers, the resort offers options for all levels: 10 green, 7 blue, 26 red and 9 black. The Boí Taüll resort has the highest altitude among the ski resorts in the Pyrenees: 2.035 metres of minimum altitude at Pla de Vaques and 2,751 metres of maximum altitude at Puig Falcó, and a northerly orientation that favours the quality of the snow.

8. Astún – Candanchú, Huesca

Astún – Candanchú are two ski resorts which, although independent, are connected by a joint ski pass, which means that visitors can enjoy both resorts with a single pass. Both resorts are located in the Aragonese Pyrenees, in Huesca, near the border with France. The location in the Pyrenees offers visitors breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The natural scenery creates an unrivalled backdrop for winter sports. Astún – Candanchú offers around 100 kilometres of skiable slopes in total, with slopes for all levels: 15 green, 30 blue, 42 red and 22 black. Astún stands out for its wide slopes and family atmosphere, while Candanchú offers more challenging terrain and is known for being one of the oldest resorts in Spain. The combination of the two provides options for all tastes. The resorts have been modernised in recent years, achieving high-quality facilities with all kinds of services and efficient ski lifts, with the aim of satisfying the needs of all visitors.

9. Valdesquí, Madrid

The Valdesquí ski resort is located in the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range, which belongs to the Central System that crosses the Central Plateau, near the city of Madrid. The resort has around 22 kilometres of skiable slopes. Although it is a moderate-sized resort, it offers a variety of slopes for skiers of different levels, from beginners to experts: 7 green, 16 blue and 5 red. Although it is a small resort, Valdesquí has a minimum altitude of over 1,800 metres. The ski season in Valdesquí generally runs from December to April, depending on weather conditions. The resort has snow production systems to guarantee optimal conditions throughout the season. Although there is limited accommodation available directly at the resort, there are options in nearby towns. In addition, restaurants offering local gastronomy can be found in the area.

10. Valdezcaray, La Rioja

The Valdezcaray ski resort is located in the Iberian System and is the only ski resort in the autonomous community of La Rioja. The resort has 22 kilometres of skiable slopes. Although it is smaller compared to some resorts in the Pyrenees, it offers a complete experience with slopes adapted to skiers of all levels: 6 green, 6 blue, 10 red and 2 black. It also has two itineraries with unmarked routes for expert skiers. The resort has made improvements to its facilities in recent years, including modern lifts that facilitate access to the different ski areas. Services such as equipment rental and ski schools are available to visitors. Valdezcaray offers complementary activities such as winter hiking and snowshoeing. These options allow visitors to enjoy the natural surroundings of the Sierra de la Demanda.

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