Serra da Estrela Skiing in Portugal 2024-2025

Serra da Estrela is the only place in Portugal where you can go skiing, offering a unique winter experience in the country. This mountain range, part of the Central Cordillera, is located in central Portugal and extends southward, ending in the Sintra Mountains. Serra da Estrela holds a special place for Portuguese families, who often bring their children here to experience winter firsthand. Situated around 20 km from Covilhã, the Serra da Estrela Ski Resort sits at the highest point in Portugal, providing picturesque views and a cozy spot for skiing and winter activities.

Ski Season

Open from December to April, Serra da Estrela Ski Resort offers the ideal winter season for skiing and snowboarding in Portugal. During these months, the resort maintains ample snow, creating excellent conditions for winter sports enthusiasts.

Estância de Ski da Serra da Estrela

Ski holidays in Serra da Estrela are popular, with Estância de Ski da Serra da Estrela being the top choice. Located near Loriga on Torre Mountain, the highest point of mainland Portugal at 1,993 meters (6,539 feet), this resort offers a well-rounded experience for skiers of all levels. The nine ski pistes, totaling 7.7 km (4.8 miles), vary from green to black, with difficulty levels suited to beginners and intermediates, while experienced skiers can tackle the challenging red piste. For added convenience, ski lifts are available, and snowboarders can enjoy a dedicated snow park, making Serra da Estrela an excellent winter destination.

Ski Passes & Rentals

At Estância de Ski da Serra da Estrela, skiing costs vary by season. During the peak season, typically weekends, holidays, and vacation periods, a one-day ski pass costs €25, while in the low season, it’s €15. Multi-day passes, or group discounts bring the price down, with a five-day pass in the low season costing €65 for an adult. Equipment rental ranges from €11 to €25 per day, depending on age and season. A deposit is required for rentals: €150 for skis or snowboards, €100 for boots, and €25 each for poles and helmets if paying by credit card.

SkiParque Serra da Estrela

Another popular spot for skiing in Serra da Estrela is SkiParque, also known as SkiParque Manteigas, located near the town of Manteigas. Set within the Glacier Valley of Serra da Estrela, this park is accessible via the N232 road and lies about 8 km from Manteigas village. Positioned on a scenic slope at 580 meters above sea level, SkiParque offers visitors an immersive experience in one of the region’s most beautiful natural settings. SkiParque is designed to appeal to a variety of interests, from adrenaline seekers to those simply wanting to unwind and enjoy good food in a picturesque environment.

Ski Passes & Rentals

At SkiParque Serra da Estrela, visitors can enjoy the slopes without the hassle of bringing their equipment, as all necessary gear is available for rent at reasonable rates. For one hour, rentals cost €14, with prices increasing to €17 for two hours, €20 for three hours, €23 for four hours, and €26 for five hours or more. Children under 7 years old are charged €8 for 30 minutes. Interestingly, SkiParque only allows rental equipment, meaning personal gear is not permitted within the park. Open daily from 10 am to 11 pm; the facility offers ample time to explore the slopes and enjoy the beautiful setting.