Skiing in Madrid is a favourite winter entertainment. North of Madrid, the mountains of Sistema Central of Mecheta rise to 2,400 meters above sea level. To the west, they reach a maximum height of almost 2,600 m and continue westwards up to Portugal. Despite its subtropical location, these ridges have many glaciers, and the highest peaks are covered with snow for 6-7 months a year. The best resorts of the Central Mountain System are La Pinilla, Valdesquí, and Puerto de Navacerrada. These ski resorts offer a wide choice of routes for athletes of different levels of training, and the developed infrastructure of winter resorts provides fascinating leisure time before and after skiing.
The Puerto de Navacerrada located in the Sierra de Guadarrama Mountains is the closest resort to Madrid. It has a friendly, family atmosphere, as well as nearly 10 kilometres of trails, many of which pass through pine forest.
Nearby is Valdesquí, another ski resort that at one time wanted to combine with Navacerrada. Here you can count 21 km of marked trails, which makes it one of the largest ski resorts in the chain "System Center." This is a great place for snowboarders. Valdesquí is not meant for advanced professionals: most slopes offer easy trails for beginners.
La Pinilla is a quiet resort, not too busy but still lively. There are many red trails there, and also excellent ski schools for beginners. Dog sledging, snowmobiling, and snow racing are also available.
Ski season varies depending on snowfall, but normally resorts operate from early December through early April.
Practical info
What is the recommended time of year to visit Madrid for skiing and snowboarding?
The ideal time of year for skiing and snowboarding near Madrid is between early December to early April. The area around Madrid doesn't get much snow, but the high peaks of Sistema Central of Mecheta remain snow-covered for up to seven months a year. The best resort near Madrid is Puerto de Navacerrada which offers about 10 kilometers of ski trails and a family-friendly environment. Each season's length depends on the amount of snowfall. Show more
Which locations near Madrid are recommended for skiing?
La Pinilla, Valdesquí, and Puerto de Navacerrada are the recommended locations for skiing near Madrid. These are located in the Sistema Central of Mecheta, which is quite popular among skiers of different skills levels. Puerto de Navacerrada is situated closest to Madrid providing the shortest distance, while Valdesquí comes with over 21 km of marked ski trails and is one of the biggest in the 'System Center' chain. La Pinilla is relatively smaller with fewer crowds, a perfect place for intermediate skiers, and it offers additional winter activities such as snowmobiling and dog sledging. Show more
What is the difficulty level of the ski trails in Valdesquí?
Valdesquí is a great ski resort for visitors who want to have fun snowboarding, with over 21 km of marked ski trails. However, the ski trails are mainly suitable for beginners, so advanced skiers might find it easy. Valdesquí is recommended for family outings and beginners since there are many ski schools to facilitate learning. In addition to skiing, visitors to Valdesquí can relax and take in the beautiful views of the nearby mountains and other facilities like cafes, bars, and restaurants. Show more
Apart from skiing, what other winter activities are available at La Pinilla?
La Pinilla offers several winter activities apart from skiing, such as dog sledging, snowmobiling, sledging, and snow racing. These activities are open to both kids and adults, and they guarantee visitors unforgettable experiences. Apart from being lively, La Pinilla is a popular resort for beginners since there are numerous ski schools. The ski trails are regarded as intermediate level and have fewer crowds. La Pinilla located in the Sistema Central of Mecheta is one of the best ski resorts in the area. Show more
What is the typical duration of the ski season around Madrid?
The ski season around Madrid usually spans from early December to early April; however, the exact duration varies based on the region. The mountain ranges in Madrid, such as Sierra de Guadarrama and Sistema Central of Mecheta, enjoy snow from December to May, making them the perfect destinations for winter sports enthusiasts. Skiers and snowboarders will find many nearby resorts with excellent infrastructure to cater to their skiing needs. Resorts like La Pinilla, Valdesquí, and Puerto de Navacerrada remain popular among tourists all year long. Show more
