SKI VACATION IN SPAIN
When thinking about Spain, snow and skiing might not be top of the list but should it?
We decided to take a closer look into the many ski resorts in Spain to give you a better insight in all they have to offer, and for those of you who decide to come for a winter vacation to help you choose the correct resort for you.
Baqueira Beret is the largest ski resort in Spain with very high quality slopes and a fair amount of snow all winter. It is located in the Catalan Valley of Val d’Aran and is famous for its extreme track with a slope that hosts a 37 degree angle.
With a length of 110 km divided into 71 slopes in three different ski areas (Baqueira, Beret, and Bonaigua) you won’t run out of slopes to choose from any time soon. The slopes also come in a variety of difficulties accommodating both the experienced professional as well as the family vacationers, with the majority being average speed blue and red slopes that are perfect for the enthusiast and amateur. Altitude ranges from 1500 to 2510m.
Whatever you are interested in; reeriding, heli-skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding freely or in halfpipe you will find it here. The resort also has a large ski school, sports center, swimming pool, ice rink and bowling alley to further the active vacation.
Perhaps the most well known ski resort in Spain, Sierra Nevada, located in Andalusia, 32 km from Granada. This is the highest average mountain range hosting a ski resort in continental Europe, and what is more, palm trees and sandy beaches by the sea can be found only 20 km from the snowy peaks.
Being a very famous destination does mean that a lot of people visit as a weekend trip though, so there can be a long queue on the lifts. What is more, the royal family of Spain frequently vacation here which is reflected in the quality of the resort’s infrastructure.
Due to its high altitude (about 2100 m), the skiing season in Sierra Nevada lasts longer than any other resort in Spain despite its southern geography, and season often extends all the way until the end of May. The total length of the slopes in the ski resort of Spain Sierra Nevada exceeds 110 km with a 6 km long Aguila track that is considered the best slope for skiing in Spain. There are lighted trails for night skiing. There is also a children’s park for young guests. Sierra Nevada can be divided into 6 ski resorts and the international biosphere reserve Sierra Nevada National Park.
A younger resort on our list is Port del Comte, the youngest ski resort in Spain, opened in 1972. It is located 132 km from Barcelona and is divided into 2 zones: Ostal Sucre and Estivella. Port del Comte is popular for families and beginner skiers, it has a ski school and a children’s snow park. The resort has 36 tracks that are evenly distributed according to speed and difficulty. The total length of the slopes is 41 km and the height ranges from 1700 to 2400 m.
Skiing in Spain is not the only winter fun. In these ski resorts there are opportunities for many other sports and activities, for example: in the Sierra Nevada there is an ice skating rink, mountain bike routes and toboggan runs. Lastly when in Spain many combine skiing with relaxing on the beach, during the fall and the spring, the beginning and end of the season. There is no better afterski than a dip in the ocean and drinking fruity cocktails by the beach.
