Spain may not be the first place you'd think of for a skiing holiday.
But with sun, snow and sangria on tap, what's not to love?
Cruise snowsure slopes, soak up the sunshine, and enjoy delicious tapas by the mountain load!
If you like the sound of high-altitude skiing, views of the Mediterranean Sea, and warm bluebird days, nowhere else compares to Spain’s Sierra Nevada. While the exclusive resort of Baqueira-Beret in the Spanish Pyrenees, with its epic intermediate runs and authentic Spanish vibe, is a favourite of the Spanish Royal Family.
KEY INFORMATION
Good to Know
Currency
Euro
Language
Spanish
Travel Time (APPROX)
2 hours
Dublin
Timezone
GMT+1
Spain ski holidays Your questions answered by our Spanish ski holiday expert
Alexander Blunt (Co-Founder)
What are the best family ski resorts in Spain?
Sierra Nevada is super family-friendly if you're bringing the grommets to the mountains. The ocean-themed fun kids' area will keep mini skiers entertained, and the snow creche is well set up for the littluns. Plus, there are loads of apres activities to enjoy. Head to the Mirlo Blanco amusement park to hurtle down a toboggan track or slip and slide on inflatable snow tubes. Scream if you wanna go faster!
What are the best beginner ski resorts in Spain?
Spain is a great place to learn how to ski for the first time. Sierra Nevada offers a wide variety of slopes for all levels and is excellent for beginner skiers. Newbies can practise their snow ploughs on numerous gentle greens before building confidence on mellow blues. Plus, there are plenty of ski lessons to choose from, including private tuition and group classes.
What are the best high altitude / snowsure ski resorts in Spain?
You may be surprised to learn that Spain’s Sierra Nevada is one of Europe's highest ski resorts. Climb over 3000 metres to find the best snow and catch some sweet views of the Mediterranean Sea. Súper! With high-altitude slopes and snow cannons on standby, the resort is usually open from November to April. Get up early to make first tracks and carve down gloriously well-groomed slopes all season.
What are the best ski resorts for food and drink in Spain?
If you're partial to a feast of tasty tapas and sweet sangria, skiing in Spain is where it's at! Baqueira-Beret boasts a fantastic foodie scene. After a big day on the slopes, sip a glass of fizz at the Moet Lounge, or savour an ice-cold San Miguel on a sunny piste-side terrace. Then head into town to sample delicious Spanish cuisine and sumptuous local wines. ¡Qué rico!
what are the best apres ski resorts in Spain?
The apres ski in Spain's ski resorts offers something for everyone in your tribe. Families will love the Mirlo Blanco amusement park and the railed toboggan rides in Sierra Nevada. Or, if you're keen to party after a fun day in the mountains, Baqueira-Beret's late-night bars will have you dancing till dawn. ¡Salud! Fancy a more chilled vibe? Jump on a snowmobile to explore nearby ancient villages.
What are the best off-piste skiing resorts in Spain?
If Spain isn't already on your radar for off-piste skiing, add it to your bucket list now. When the snow is dumping, Baqueira Beret is prime for epic backcountry adventures. Dropping from 2500 metres to 1400 metres, you'll have plenty of challenging verticals, forested trails and legendary powder bowls to play with. Plus, with heliskiing readily available, there are no limits. Send it!
What are the best ski resorts for weekends or short breaks in Spain?
Looking for a quick ski getaway? Travelling to Spain's ski resorts is simple! Put your out-of-office on, hop on a plane to Malaga and catch the train or bus to Sierra Nevada for a long weekend adventure. Or, for a short break in Baqueira-Beret, fly to Toulouse airport and enjoy a picturesque drive into the Spanish Pyrenees mountains.
What are the best ski resorts for groups in Spain?
There's a great variety of different runs across Spain's ski resorts, meaning groups of mixed abilities will have a blast in both the Pyrenees and the Sierra Nevada. Baqueira-Beret is sprawling with intermediate runs, but mellow blues offer easier options, and thrillseekers can get their kicks on off-piste terrain and heliskiing adventures. Travelling with other families? Sierra Nevada is your best bet for kiddie-friendly bunny slopes and cushty blue and red runs.
What is the best time to ski in Spain?
With plenty of high-altitude slopes and an army of snow cannons across the main runs, Spain's ski resorts typically run a long season from November through to April. If you want to avoid the crowds at half term, the Spanish schools don't have a holiday at this time of the year, so the slopes will be quieter. And don't miss out on the FIS Snowboard Cross World Cup in Sierra Nevada in March. ¡Vamos!
Most popular ski resorts in Spain
Here are just some of our top ski resorts. To find the perfect one for you, speak to one of our specialists.
Sierra Nevada
Skiing in Spain’s Sierra Nevada mountains is a surreal experience. As one of Europe’s highest ski resorts, the lifts reach dizzying heights of more than 3000 metres.
La Molina, located in the Catalan Pyrenees in northeastern Spain, is a must-visit ski destination with a rich history and modern facilities. As part of the Alp 2500 Ski Domain, La Molina, together with Masella, offers a vast combined ski area of 121 km, suitable for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, including the largest super pipe in the Pyrenees.
Baqueira-Beret is a hidden gem of a skiing resort in the Spanish Pyrenees - its unique charm is only enjoyed by those in the know. A favourite of the Spanish Royal Family and loved by locals.
Formigal in the Pyrenees offers a unique Spanish ski holiday experience with 143km of slopes suitable for families and intermediate skiers. With a blend of character, great value accommodations, and a diverse culinary scene, it's an ideal destination for both on-piste and off-piste adventures.
Masella is a scenic ski resort in the Pyrenees Mountains, only 90 minutes from Barcelona. With around 70km of pistes and part of the expansive Arc 2500 area, it offers a total of 145km of skiing opportunities, complemented by north-facing slopes and reliable snowmaking.