Skiing in Spain might not be your first thought for a ski holiday...
But with sun, skiing and sangria, it's time to discover this hidden gem (before everyone else does).
Why choose a Spain ski holiday?
Sunshine siestas, snowy slopes, and sangria on top
Uncrowded and quiet - a real hidden gem!
Fantastic for families, groups, and beginners
Sure, the mountains of Spain might not have been your first thought when it came to a European skiing holiday, but trust us, the snowy slopes of España are nothing short of excelente...
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.
Meanwhile, 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 Spain ski holiday expert
Sarah Runnacles
Is Spain a good destination for a ski holiday?
Yes. Holidays in Spain aren’t just beaches and sangria. Skiing in Spain means reliable Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada snow totals, warm spring days, and some of the best food on the slopes.
With plenty of fantastic Spanish ski resorts to choose from and flights departing the UK daily, it’s an excellent destination for families and groups seeking ski weekends and short breaks just a hop, skip, and jump from the UK.
What is the best time to book a Spain ski holiday?
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 that the slopes will be quieter. And don't miss out on the FIS Snowboard Cross World Cup in Sierra Nevada in March. ¡Vamos!
What is the biggest ski resort in Spain?
Baqueira-Beret in the Pyrenees is the largest ski resort in Spain, with modern lifts and facilities, plenty of accommodation options, and over 160km of slopes to explore.
Are Spain ski holidays expensive?
No. Spanish skiing tends to be more affordable than neighbouring France and Switzerland, with lift passes and accommodation costing less per person. That being said, top resorts like Baqueira-Beret can be pricier, especially around peak times.
What are the best beginner ski holidays in Spain?
Sierra Nevada offers a wide variety of slopes for all levels, making it an excellent choice for beginner skiers. Newbies can practise their snow ploughs on numerous gentle greens before building confidence on heaps of mellow blues. Plus, there are plenty of ski lessons to choose from, including private tuition and group classes.
What are the best family ski holidays in Spain?
Sierra Nevada is super family-friendly if you're bringing the grommets to the mountains. The ocean-themed kids' area will keep mini skiers entertained, and the snow creche is well set up for the little ones. Plus, there are numerous après 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 high altitude / snowsure ski holidays in Spain?
Surprisingly, 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 as late as May. Get up early to make first tracks and carve down gloriously well-groomed slopes all season.
What’s the highest ski resort in Spain?
Sierra Nevada is the highest ski resort in Spain, with a top altitude of 3,300m. It’s actually one of southern Europe’s most snow-sure destinations.
What are the best off-piste skiing resorts in Spain?
Baqueira Beret is prime for epic backcountry adventures. When the snow is dumping, try dropping from 2,500 metres to 1,400 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 Spain ski resorts for weekends and short breaks?
Sierra Nevada offers the perfect ski weekend. Looking for a quick getaway? Put your out-of-office on, hop on a plane to Malaga and catch the train or bus to the Sierra Nevada slopes for an epic 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?
Baqueira-Beret is sprawling with intermediate red runs for groups. There are also mellow blues for beginners, while 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 for the parents.
What are the 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.