Holidays in Spain are not only about beautiful beaches and sunny summers. If you ask me, “Does it snow in Spain?” the answer is yes!

Some of the most beautiful cities and towns in Spain receive snow in the winter.

There are also great ski resorts all around the country. Find information about them here and start planning your next winter holiday in the Iberian Peninsula.

1. Does it Snow in Spain?

Yes, it does snow in Spain. In fact, Spain experiences snowfall in several regions of the country.

2. Where Does it Snow in Spain?

The city with the most snowfall is Burgos, which is located at an elevation of 2,952 feet (900 m) in northern Spain. We are talking, however, about an average of twenty days of snow per year, mostly in January. Still, when comparing this amount with other European cities, it’s actually not that substantial.

Burgos is a prominent city in the north of Spain, known to all pilgrims who cross it while walking the Camino Francés on their way to Santiago de Compostela. Burgos is particularly famous for its spectacular 12th-century Gothic Cathedral of Saint Mary.

Less than two hours west of Burgos, we have Leon. This is another beautiful city, also on the route to Santiago de Compostela. Its ancient Cathedral and Old Town offer a magical view when covered in snow.

Other Spanish cities that also experience snowfall include Soria, Ávila, Segovia, Teruel, Pamplona, and Cuenca.

Lanuza, located in the Pyrenees of Huesca, is a tranquil town situated at an altitude of 4,212 ft (1284 m). In the 1990s, it was repopulated following the construction of a reservoir.

Two hours west of Barcelona, in northern Spain, you’ll find Lérida (known as Lleida in Catalan), home to an exclusive ski resort, Baqueira Beret.

Not far from the resort, a charming town called Arties surprises with its beautiful churches and medieval castle.

Close to Madrid, there is the Guadarrama Mountain Range, where snowfall is common in its mountainous regions, especially in the north, similar to the Pyrenees.

Among the most prominent winter snow destinations is the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range in Granada, located in the south of Spain.

Baleares and Canary Islands

Another great place to see snow is the idyllic town of Valldemossa, situated to the west of Mallorca. This place was already considered “the most beautiful place on earth” by Chopin in the 19th century.

In the Canary Islands, where warm temperatures prevail almost year-round, you are unlikely to experience snowfall. In Tenerife, snow falls between January and February for approximately ten days in total.

Snow covers the top of the highest peak in Spain, Mount Teide, which stands at 12,198 feet (3,718 meters).

3. When is the High Season for Skiing in Spain?

The high season for snow skiing in Spain is primarily considered to be in February.

While snowfall begins in earnest in December, some of the ski slopes may still be closed. Many people in Spain take advantage of the national holidays between the 6th and 8th of December to go skiing, as well as during Christmas and Easter.

Most of the ski slopes are already open in January. However, the harsh cold can be a disadvantage for ski fans. Therefore, the best time is in February.

You can continue to enjoy the ski season in March because the spring snow is good for skiing. In April, it starts getting warmer, but you can still ski in the highest areas.

4. Ski Resorts in Spain

4.1 Baqueira Beret

Baqueira-Beret is located in Lleida, approximately 98 miles (158 km) west of Barcelona by car. It is not only a top ski resort in Spain but also globally renowned, attracting celebrities and even members of the Spanish Royal House.

Baqueira Beret offers a variety of après-ski options, family-friendly activities, and snowshoe walks.

With 170 skiable kilometers and 116 mostly red slopes, it’s like a winter wonderland. Divided into three areas, Beret is for beginners, Baqueira is for cross-country skiers, and Bonaigua is for experts.

4.2 Candanchú Ski Station

It was awarded the title of Best Ski Station in Spain by the World Ski Awards in 2022. This station is the oldest one in the country.

Candanchú ski station is situated in the Pyrenees mountain range, approximately 100 km north of the city of Huesca in northern Spain, and it’s just 0.62 miles (1 km) from the French border. Huesca is 236 miles (380 km) to the west of Barcelona.

The station features 63 skiable miles (101 km) and has 102 ski slopes.

Candanchú is great for beginners. Whether you’re a beginner or want to improve your skiing, Candanchú Ski School offers courses for all ages.

The station features iconic slopes like El Tobazo and La Tuca Blanca, offering stunning snow-filled landscapes when you reach its 7,784 ft (2,400 m). Experienced skiers can also enjoy challenging runs, such as the tough Tubo de la Zapatilla, set in rocky terrain.

Candanchú offers a family-friendly environment. Kids aged two to seven can play in its acclaimed 2,700-meter snow garden.

This is also the only space in Spain where Biathlon competitions take place. This winter sport combines cross-country skiing with rifle shooting, and competitions are held here at the Spainsnow Station.

4.3 Aramón Cerler Ski Station

Aramón Cerler ski resort is located in Cerler, in Huesca, in the Spanish Aragonese Pyrenees. This alpine ski destination offers well-prepared slopes for all skill levels and boasts the highest skiable point in Aragon at 8,628 ft (2,630 m), including the renowned Gallinero.

This ski station is only 5 kilometers from the town of Benasque and offers stunning natural beauty. It’s surrounded by over 60 peaks over 9,842 ft (3,000 m) high.

This resort has been named the “best ski resort in Spain” four times at the World Ski Awards. With 49 miles (79 km) of skiable terrain, it’s the highest in the Aragonese Pyrenees, including a nine-kilometer uninterrupted descent.

4.4 Formigal – Panticosa

Formigal, located in the Aragonese Pyrenees, is 56 miles (91 km) from Huesca and is Spain’s largest ski resort. It boasts an impressive 87 miles (140 km) of ski tracks. It also includes Panticosa, although these areas are not interconnected.

The resort is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, complete with dedicated tracks for children and experienced instructors.

Formigal offers diverse skiing areas, including special slopes like the Snow Park, Video Slalom, and Tubers, along with beginner-friendly zones in Sextas, Anayet, and Portalet.

4.5 Sierra Nevada Ski Resort

This resort in Granada is one of the most popular destinations for ski holidays in Spain. It’s situated only 25 miles (40 km) from the city center.

The resort features 68 skiable miles (110 km) and 133 ski slopes. It’s famous for its striking slope of 3,900 ft (1,200 m).

To ski at this resort, you can purchase a ski pass, also known as a forfait. This pass acts as your special ticket to access all the ski lifts at the ski resort for a limited time.

If you buy your forfait in advance, you can enjoy discounts of up to 30%. Purchasing early also comes with additional benefits such as night skiing, summer season passes, and discounts on rentals, restaurants, and parking, depending on your choice and the timing of your purchase.

How to Arrive to Sierra Nevada Ski Resort from Granada center

By Car:
For the most flexibility, use a private car. You can come and go as you like and explore the area after skiing. To reach the station from Granada, take the A-395 road, which is 38 kilometers and about 45 minutes, but be cautious on the curvy route, especially in icy or snowy conditions.

By Taxi:
Taking a taxi offers a mix of comfort and flexibility, but the cost can vary. In regular weather, it might be around 70-80 euros, but it can be over 100 euros if it snows. Sharing the taxi with others is a good way to split the cost.

By Bus:
Look for Tocina company buses departing from Granada. They run seven days a week. On weekdays during the ski season, there are three outbound buses at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., and 5 p.m., with three return buses at 9 a.m., 4 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. Weekends offer up to four trips in each direction. Tickets cost 5 euros for one way and 9 euros for a round trip if purchased together. Buses start and end at Pradollano’s outdoor parking area.

How to Arrive by Train

If you are in the nearby Malaga, a train will take you in just one hour, with prices starting at €20.45. Additionally, it’s accessible from Madrid with a journey of slightly over three hours, starting at €21.20.

5. Best Tours in the Snow

During a winter holiday, you can enjoy not only skiing but also go on a snowshoe walk or a guided snowy hike. The following are some popular activities to engage in during a winter holiday:

Enjoy the snow in Sierra Nevada with a guided hike at 2,500 m. Delight in stunning views, easy and safe paths, and the chance for memorable photos The tour includes hiking sticks, snowshoes, professional photos, an instructor, and optional transfer from Granada. Duration: 3 hours.

Read more and book your Sierra Nevada Snowshoe Hiking Tour here

Enjoy the Pyrenees in Huesca with a guided snowshoe walk and an experience guide. Keep an eye out for majestic wildlife like bearded vultures and royal eagles. Receive tour photos to share on social media. The package includes guided snowshoeing, transport, gear, a hot drink, and insurance. Suitable for all levels. Duration: 4 hours.

Read more and book your Ordesa National Park Guided Snowshoeing Tour here