Study Spanish in Spain !

Skiing and Snowboarding in Spain

Skiing and snowboarding is not something which readily springs to mind when thinking about Spain. Isn’t it beaches and sunshine?  But Spain is not only a Mediterranean country, it is also a high one (in fact its average height is second in Europe only to Switzerland). So skiers have a number of possibilities, from the Sierra Nevada to the Pyrenees.

However Spain is not just good for sun & sand, it is fantastic for skiers of all abilities and ages. From beginner slopes to the most challenging of black runs. In many resorts, a variety of other snow sports are available, such as ice skating, snowmobiles and dog sleighs.

Wherever you live in Spain you are never far from a ski resort. If you study in Madrid there are slopes within easy reach, in the mountains to the north of the city. So it's possible to go for a day's skiing. Valdesquí & Navacerrada serve day trippers from Madrid. The same applies to the mountainous area to the northwest of Valencia, where you can find two ski stations providing a range of facilities for skiers and snowboarders. Again, they cater for day trippers rather than holidaymakers.

In the south you can have the best of both worlds! If you study Granada the slopes are only 30 minutes away, and even from the Costa de Sol it is only 1 ½ hours! Ski or snowboard at Sierra Nevada and take the short drive to Malaga to do some sunbathing on the Costa del Sol beaches. The Sierra Nevada, soars to 3,481 m (11,425 ft). "Sol y Nieve "Sun and Snow” is the name of the ski resort here! It is the most southerly ski resort in Europe and is small in comparison to other European resorts. Even so, the resort hosted the 1996 world ski championships. Skiing here can be great and the good weather makes it even more enjoyable. But be warned that it suffers from overcrowding at weekends and particularly Easter, when the combination of numbers of people and lateness of the season can make a frustrating experience. We recommend January to early March. There is an surprisingly active nightlife in the Sierra Nevada resort. Spaniards have a reputation for being 'night owls' and this can be witnessed at the skiing resort.

One of the most prestigious ski resorts is Baqueira-Beret, in the Pyrenees west of Andorra. This is the playround of the rich and famous with excellent facilities and a flourishing après-ski scene. Other resorts in the Pyrenees include Vielha, Salardu, Candanchu, Cerler, Formigal, Panticosa and La Molina, all offering good skiing/snowboarding and a variety of evening entertainment. Masella & Super Espot, also in the Pyenees, are very popular with young people. The majority of Spanish schools have ski trips and these are some of the favourite resorts for them.

Andorra in the Pyrenees, straddling the border between Spain and France, is a skier's paradise. It has a number of superb ski stations, each one with its own character, and offers absolutely everything you could wish for. The combining of Pas de la Casa, Grau Roig, El Tarter and Soldeu has resulted in Europe's largest ski resort, Grandvalira. Beginners are well catered for, as are the serious and dedicated skiers. There is a wide variety of winter and snow sports and a lively night scene. You can stay at the foot of the slopes or in one of the bustling towns with the many duty free shops. In Andorra there is something for everyone and is a popular venue for both the French and Spanish. Those driving up from Barcelona in Spain mingle with the many visitors taking longer  holidays.

Map of Main Ski Field Areas in Spain

Study Spanish in Spain !

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