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Expat Exchange - Best Places to Ski in Spain
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San Sebastian, Spain


Best Places to Ski in Spain

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Innoinsure
Innoinsure

Summary: Are you eager to hit the slopes in Spain? Our detailed guide showcases the best places to ski in Spain. From the most thrilling runs for avid skiers to welcoming family areas, and from dining options to additional leisure activities, we cover it all for the ultimate ski trip.

Spain is not just a country of sun and beaches; it's also a fantastic destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Expats and digital nomads who find themselves in Spain during the winter months have a variety of excellent ski areas to choose from. Whether you're a beginner looking to take your first ski lessons or an expert seeking challenging slopes, Spain offers a diverse range of ski resorts that cater to all ability levels. Here are some of the best ski areas in Spain that you should consider visiting.

Sierra Nevada

Ability Level: All ability levels.
Location: Near Granada in the Andalusian region.
Family Friendly: Yes

Sierra Nevada boasts the highest peaks in the Iberian Peninsula, offering breathtaking views and a long ski season, often extending into April. With over 100 kilometers of slopes, it caters to all skill levels and includes a snow park for freestyle enthusiasts. The resort is also known for its sunny days, making it a unique spot to enjoy skiing and snowboarding under the warm Spanish sun.

We Recommend: La Antorcha Restaurante. Located at the heart of the resort, this restaurant is known for its delicious local cuisine and cozy atmosphere, perfect for warming up after a day on the slopes.

Baqueira-Beret

Ability Level: All ability levels.
Location: In the heart of the Pyrenees in Catalonia.
Family Friendly: Yes

Baqueira-Beret is considered one of the premier ski resorts in Spain, with a royal seal of approval as the Spanish royal family often frequents it. The resort offers a wide range of runs, modern facilities, and a beautiful setting. It's particularly well-suited for families, with plenty of ski schools and leisure activities.

We Recommend: Ticolet Baqueira. This charming eatery is a favorite for its fusion of traditional Catalan dishes with modern twists, all served in a warm and inviting setting.

Formigal

Ability Level: All ability levels.
Location: In the Aragonese Pyrenees.
Family Friendly: Yes

Formigal is part of the Aramon group and offers a vast ski area with a variety of slopes to suit all levels. The resort is known for its lively après-ski scene and family-friendly facilities, including a children's snow park and ski schools. The scenic beauty of the surrounding Pyrenees makes it a picturesque spot for winter sports.

We Recommend: Vidocq. A popular spot in Formigal, Vidocq is known for its excellent tapas and lively atmosphere, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day on the mountain.

Cerler

Ability Level: All ability levels.
Location: In the Benasque Valley, Aragon.
Family Friendly: Yes

Cerler is the highest resort in the Aragonese Pyrenees and offers stunning views along with a family-friendly environment. It has a good mix of runs for all abilities and is less crowded than some of the larger resorts, providing a more relaxed skiing experience.

We Recommend: El Molino de Cerler. This restaurant is a gem in the area, offering traditional mountain cuisine with a modern touch, and is especially known for its meats and homemade desserts.

La Molina

Ability Level: All ability levels.
Location: In the Catalan Pyrenees.
Family Friendly: Yes

La Molina is one of the oldest ski resorts in Spain and has a rich history of hosting international competitions. It's a family-friendly resort with a wide range of slopes and a dedicated area for beginners. The resort is also well-equipped for snowboarders and freestyle skiers.

We Recommend: El Torb Restaurant. Known for its cozy ambiance and excellent mountain dishes, El Torb is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, offering a taste of authentic Catalan cuisine.

Alto Campoo

Ability Level: Beginner to intermediate.
Location: In the Cantabrian Mountains, near Reinosa.
Family Friendly: Yes

Alto Campoo is a lesser-known gem in the Cantabria region, offering a more intimate skiing experience. It's particularly suitable for families and those new to skiing, with gentle slopes and a relaxed atmosphere. The resort also provides beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

We Recommend: La Pista. This slope-side restaurant offers a variety of hearty dishes to refuel skiers, with a focus on local ingredients and traditional Spanish flavors.

Valdesqui

Ability Level: Beginner to intermediate.
Location: In the Sierra de Guadarrama, close to Madrid.
Family Friendly: Yes

Valdesqui is a convenient option for those living in or visiting Madrid, as it's just a short drive from the capital. The resort is particularly good for beginners and families, with a range of easy to moderate slopes and a friendly atmosphere.

We Recommend: El Asador de la Sierra. This restaurant is known for its traditional roasted meats and cozy mountain lodge feel, making it a great spot to relax after a day of skiing.

Candanchu

Ability Level: All ability levels.
Location: In the Aragonese Pyrenees, near the French border.
Family Friendly: Yes

Candanchu is one of Spain's oldest ski resorts and is renowned for its beautiful alpine scenery and variety of slopes. It's particularly good for cross-country skiing and has a dedicated area for beginners, making it a versatile choice for all types of skiers and snowboarders.

We Recommend: La Zapatilla. This cozy restaurant offers a warm welcome with its traditional Aragonese dishes and a selection of fine local wines, perfect for a post-ski meal.

Remember to check the current COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines before planning your trip, as they may affect the availability and operation of ski resorts. Enjoy the slopes and the unique Spanish après-ski culture!

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


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San Sebastian, Spain

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SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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