Best ski resorts in Spain
What do you know about Spanish ski resorts? Which are the best ski destinations in Spain? Are the resorts able to rival that of France, say? Let's find out!
If you are a seasoned skier or boarder from Europe, then you most likely know the Alps and it’s many incredible resorts like the back of your hand. You may even have your favourites that you frequent every year. However, there does become a point when you know some resort’s piste map like it’s your route to work and you know all the mountain restaurant’s menu like it’s your local cafe.
We don’t know about you, but we need some excitement, some variety, and something unique. So, this is why we suggest you mix up your usual winter break, think slightly outside the box and head to the beautiful mountains in Spain. This is not completely rogue as it’s still Europe, but Spain could add some much-needed vibrancy to your holiday.
Typically, when we think of Spain, we think of beautiful hot weather, long stretches of coastline resorts and the Costa Del Sol. But, what Spain also has is the Pyrenees mountains which can rival the altitude of the French resorts and the snow of the Austrian resorts. Take the incredible food, wine, people and good weather of Spain, but put all that on top of a snowy mountain- sounds perfect
Although, the snow coverage is not as guaranteed and as deep as the Alps, but you will find cheaper prices, fewer tourists and smaller crowds. In that case, we’re sold! So to make it easy for the Spain novices, we have listed our 5 picks of the top ski resorts in Spain, which will have you cracking open the Cava in anticipation!
Gear up
Getting ready for Spain's unique ski destinations? Head over to Ridestore and elevate your style with our latest ski jacket and ski pants. Combining comfort, warmth, and latest trends, our collection - featuring popular brands like Dope Snow and Montec - ensures you're perfectly prepared for Spain's thrilling slopes. Get suited up for your Spanish ski adventure today!
Quick find navigation
Skiing in Spain - Getting there
The beauty of visiting the Spanish resorts , rather than the Alps is that it won’t add on too much time onto your regular journey. The main airport to access The Pyrenees is Huesca. From mainland Europe such as Paris or Berlin, the average flight time is only around 2 hours and this is similar from the UK.
If flying from Sweden, the flight time is around 6 and half hours, which does seem rather long for a winter break, but our tip would be to make the most of being in Spain and double up and make it a city break for a few days. You can also fly into France, such as Lourdes airport and drive over the border, which adds very little onto the travel time.
Once at the airport, hiring a car or booking a transfer bus is probably the easiest way to get resort. You are also only looking at around 2 hours to get to the mountains, even when coming from France. This is a lot quicker than accessing some of the resorts in the Alps.
Baqueria Beret ski resort
Get to know Baqueria Beret
Where: The Pyrenees, Valley D’ Aran, Lieda
Getting there: Nearest airport is Lourdes in France and is only 1 hour and 50 minutes from resort, but its also only a few of hours or so away from Barcelona.
Ski-Able Terrain: 60km 29 lifts
Elevation: 1500m -2610m
Baqueria is a famous ski resort and its easy to see why it is so loved. It is even a place the Spanish Royals see fit to have a holiday home in. If wining and dining is your thing, then you will be showered in local eateries all serving incredible Spanish dishes and wine all for a reasonable price. The ski resort itself may not be the prettiest but the skiing makes up for it, with 60km of ski runs across 3 areas all adjoining in the town.
More about the resort
Ridestore Recommends: Heliskiing is legal here and is probably some of the cheapest heli rides you will find in Europe. Take a look at pyreneesheliski.com for prebooking and prices.
Formigal ski resort
Get to know Formigal resort
Where: The Pyrenees, Province of Huesca, Aragon
Getting there: The airport in Huesca is the nearest, 104km away and also only a couple of hours from the French border.
Ski-Able Terrain: 137km 16 lifts
Elevation: 1500m -2610m
If you are looking for extensive piste range, then Formigal is the ideal one for your ski holidays in Spain, with the largest skiable terrain in Spain. Formigal is also part of the Aramon ski area which gives you access to a whopping total of 259km of slopes. Formigal prides itself on its state of the art facilities such as its modern lift system and snowmaking, so you can be assured you will be able to enjoy this location to its fullest. Once back down in resort, you can soak up the rustic centre with traditional chalet-like buildings, giving the resort an Alpine charm.
Ridestore recommends: For night time entertainment book in at La Glera Cottage for a 5* dinner at 2000m high on the mountain accessed only by a piste basher.
Candanchu ski resort
Get to know Candanchu
Where: Western Pyrenees, Province of Huesca, Aragon
Getting there: The nearest airport is Huesca and is under 2 hours away, but also again easily accessible from France or the multiple airports under 3 hours drive, such as Biarritz and Pau airport.
Ski-Able Terrain: 52km 21 lifts
Elevation: 1514 m – 2236 m
Candanchu is Spain's oldest ski resort dating back to 1928, so expect some old school charm. Up on the mountain, the skiers and boarders enjoy this resort for its steep pistes and extent of red and black runs. There are 13 black runs in the resort, which are marked but mostly ungroomed. This is enough expert pistes to keep most advanced snow sports enthusiasts occupied and challenged.
Ridestore recommends: Switch the ski or board for snow shoe’s and try follow their designation snowshoe trail.
Cerler
Get to know Cerler
Where: Benasque Valley, The Pyrenees, Huesca
Getting there: The nearest airport is Huesca, around 2 hours and 15 minutes away, but is also close to the border of France and Andorra, so easy access from there too.
Ski-Able Terrain: 81km 13 lifts
Elevation: 1505 m – 2630 m
Cerler has been voted the "Best Ski Resort in Spain" on multiple occasions and it is easy to see why. It is one of the highest in Spain and is blessed with glacial slopes and awesome snow, that sticks around for a long and lucrative season. Once you have worked up an appetite on the 81km of pistes, back down in the ski resort you can experience the traditional cuisines of the Benasque Valley. Cerler is a hub for great local cuisine and is even hosts a Gourmet Festival each year.
Ridestore recommends: The snowpark, which is one of the largest in Spain and hosts regular competitions.
La Molina/Masella
Get to know Masella
Where: The Pyrenees, Girona, Catalonia
Getting there: Barcelona airport is 2 hours away and can also be accessed from France in 2 and a half hours.
Ski-Able Terrain: 141km 27 lifts
Elevation: 1616 m – 2531 m
La Molina- Masella is two sister resorts that are joined by a gondola at the summit, to make one epic ski area referred to as Alp 2500. Combined these two resorts have an awesome and varied ski area, which caters to the beginners through to the freeride experts. Those who are looking for a thrill, the Alp 2500 area has bowls and couloirs which will excite any level of freeride and off-piste enthusiast. Due to the high elevation, the snow is often ample, so ideal for those who are looking for a ski break in November or May.
Ridestore recommends: After a long day skiing, make sure to wind down at one of lively apres bars in Masella.
FAQs
What is the best time to ski in Spain?
The ski season in Spain typically runs from early December to mid-April, with the best conditions usually seen in February and March.
Are Spanish resorts suitable for novice skiers?
Absolutely. Many resorts offer a range of terrains suitable for beginners through to advanced skiers. Always check the specific resort for beginner facilities and ski schools.
Wrapping up
So there we have our top 5 ski resorts in Spain. These resorts can rival some of those in The Alps- with altitude for good snow and great slopes and have the terrain to keep even the fastest skiers and boarders entertained for their trip!
The Pyrenees are very accessible and the prices are nice and friendly. The food will be amazing and the atmosphere will be vibrant, but without the crowds and pretentiousness of some places in the Alps.
We’re tired of the same destinations, we need a bit of spice to our winter getaways, and we know that Spain will be the answer to these prayers.
Related Reading