Snow in Alicante 2026: Where to Ski Nearby? Complete Guide + Alternati – Caranva

❄️ Is There Snow in Alicante for Skiing?

If you are looking for snow in Alicante to ski, we have to be honest: there are no ski resorts in the province of Alicante. Alicante's Mediterranean climate, with its mild winters and hot summers, does not allow enough snow accumulation to practice winter sports.

However, not all is lost! From Alicante, you have access to excellent ski resorts at reasonable distances. We tell you all the options so you can enjoy the snow without going too far.

🏔️ Does it Snow in Alicante? The Reality of the Climate

Occasional Snowfalls in Alicante

Although it is extremely rare, it can snow in Alicante, but only in exceptional weather situations:

Last significant snowfall: January 2017 (very unusual phenomenon)
Areas where it can snow: Mountainous interior (Aitana, Puig Campana)
Frequency: Once every 10-15 years in low areas
Duration: Few hours, snow melts quickly
Thickness: Insufficient for skiing (1-5 cm max)

💡 Conclusion: Seeing snow in Alicante is an extraordinary event, but there is no infrastructure for skiing.

⛷️ Ski Resorts Near Alicante - Your Best Options

🥇 Option 1: Sierra Nevada (Granada) - THE BEST FROM ALICANTE

Distance from Alicante: 380 km (3h45 by car)

Sierra Nevada is the closest and most accessible resort from Alicante. It’s the perfect choice because:

✅ Direct access via highway A-7 and A-92
✅ 300 days of sun per year - Climate similar to Alicante
✅ 110 km of skiable slopes - Wide variety of runs
✅ Longer season - November to May
✅ Altitude up to 3,300m - Guaranteed snow
✅ Mediterranean atmosphere - You’ll feel at home
✅ Ski + beach - Combine snow and the Tropical Coast

🎿 Rent your Equipment in Sierra Nevada

If you come from Alicante, don’t carry your equipment. Rent your skis in Sierra Nevada with Caranva Sports

✅ Direct pickup in Pradollano
✅ Premium state-of-the-art equipment
✅ Competitive prices from 20€/day
✅ Book online and save time

Also available:

How to Get from Alicante to Sierra Nevada

Route	Distance	Time	Tolls
By car	380 km	3h45	~25€
Bus	-	5h30	30-45€
Train + bus	-	6h	40-60€

Recommended driving route: Alicante → A-7 → Granada → A-395 → Sierra Nevada

Weekend Budget from Alicante

Gasoline (round trip): 50-60€
Tolls: 25€
Accommodation (2 nights): 120-180€
Lift pass (2 days): 90€
Ski rental (2 days): 40€
Meals: 60€
TOTAL: 385-455€ (for 2 people sharing a car)

🥈 Option 2: Pyrenees Resorts

Distance from Alicante: 550-650 km (5h30-6h30)

Farther but with excellent options:

Formigal (Huesca)

Distance: 580 km (6h)
Advantages: 176 skiable km, the largest in Spain
Disadvantage: Much farther than Sierra Nevada

Baqueira Beret (Lleida)

Distance: 650 km (6h30)
Advantages: Premium resort, quality snow
Disadvantage: More expensive and farther away

La Molina / Masella (Girona)

Distance: 550 km (5h30)
Advantages: Alp 2500 (145 km), closer than others in the Pyrenees
Disadvantage: Still 2h farther than Sierra Nevada

📊 Comparison: Which to Choose from Alicante?

Station	Distance	Time	Skiable Km	Recommendation
Sierra Nevada	380 km	3h45	110 km	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ BEST OPTION
La Molina/Masella	550 km	5h30	145 km	⭐⭐⭐ Good
Formigal	580 km	6h	176 km	⭐⭐⭐ Good
Baqueira	650 km	6h30	167 km	⭐⭐ Far

🗓️ Best Time to Go from Alicante

High Season (December - March)

Advantages: Guaranteed snow, all slopes open
Disadvantages: More expensive, more crowded
Ideal for: Christmas, Easter, long weekends

Mid Season (November, April)

Advantages: Lower prices, less crowding
Disadvantages: Fewer open slopes
Ideal for: Weekend getaways

Spring (March - May in Sierra Nevada)

Advantages: Ski + beach, good weather, low prices
Disadvantages: Wet snow in the afternoon
Ideal for: Unique ski and beach experience

💡 Tips for Alicantinos Going Skiing

1. Prepare your Car

Mandatory chains: Always carry them (mandatory in Sierra Nevada)
Antifreeze: Check levels
Tires: Check pressure and tread
Full tank: More expensive gas stations in the mountains

2. Appropriate Clothing

In Alicante we are not used to extreme cold:

Thermal layers: Thermal shirt + fleece + jacket
Gloves and hat: Essential
Sunglasses: The sun on the snow is very intense
Sunscreen factor 50+: Guaranteed burns without it

3. Rent the Equipment

It doesn't make sense to buy if you go 1-2 times a year:

Save space in the car
Equipment always up to date
No maintenance or storage
Try different equipment

👉 Book your ski rental in Sierra Nevada

4. Book in Advance

Accommodation: 1-2 months in advance (especially holidays)
Lift pass: Online with 7 days = 15% discount
Equipment: Book online and pick up at the resort

5. Leave Early from Alicante

Avoid traffic in Granada
Arrive before 9:00 AM for the first lifts
Better snow in the morning
Make the most of the full day

❓ Frequently Asked Questions - Snow in Alicante

Is there a ski resort in Alicante?

No, there are no ski resorts in the province of Alicante due to the Mediterranean climate. The closest resort is Sierra Nevada (Granada) 380 km away (3h45 by car).

When was the last time it snowed in Alicante?

The last significant snowfall in Alicante city was in January 2017. In inland areas like Aitana it can occasionally snow in winter, but without enough accumulation for skiing.

Does it snow in the Sierra de Aitana?

Yes, it occasionally snows in the Sierra de Aitana (1,558m), especially on Puig Campana. However, the snow lasts only a few hours and there is no infrastructure for skiing. It is more for enjoying the snowy landscape.

Which is the closest ski resort to Alicante?

Sierra Nevada (Granada) is the closest and most accessible:

380 km (3h45 by car)
Direct access via highway
110 km skiable
Snow guaranteed November-May

Is it worth going from Alicante to Sierra Nevada?

Absolutely! Many Alicante locals go regularly:

Comfortable trip via highway (3h45)
You can go and return in one day (although not recommended)
Ideal for a weekend (Friday afternoon - Sunday)
Unique experience: skiing in the morning, beach in the afternoon (spring)

How much does a ski weekend from Alicante cost?

Approximate budget for 2 people (2 days/1 night):

Transport: €75-85
Accommodation: €120-180
Package: €180 (2 people x 2 days)
Rental: €80 (2 people x 2 days)
Meals: €120
TOTAL: €575-645 (€287-322 per person)

Are there buses from Alicante to Sierra Nevada?

Yes, there are bus options:

Alicante → Granada: ALSA (4h30, €25-35)
Granada → Sierra Nevada: Tocina Coaches (1h, €10)
Total: 5h30-6h, €35-45 per trip

Can I learn to ski if I go from Alicante?

Of course! Sierra Nevada is ideal for beginners:

Ski schools with certified instructors
Wide and safe green slopes
Classes from €40 (2 hours group)
Relaxed and sunny atmosphere

👉 Book ski lessons in Sierra Nevada

🎿 Unique Experience: Skiing and Beach on the Same Day

One of the advantages of going from Alicante to Sierra Nevada is that you can experience a unique experience in Europe:

Ski + Beach Plan (March - April)

8:00h: Departure from Alicante
12:00h: Arrival at Sierra Nevada, skiing until 16:00h
16:30h: Descent to the Costa Tropical (30 min)
17:30h: Swim at Salobreña or Almuñécar beach
20:00h: Dinner at a beach bar
21:00h: Return to Alicante (3h45)

💡 Tip: This experience is only possible in spring (March-April) when the weather is good on the coast.

🌟 Alternatives if You Don’t Want to Go So Far

Snow Experiences Near Alicante

If you can’t go to Sierra Nevada but want to enjoy the snow:

Snowy Aitana: Go up to see the landscape when it snows (no skiing)
Ice rinks: Alicante has ice skating rinks
Snowzone Madrid: Indoor ski slope (450 km, 4h30)
Organized excursions: Agencies offer 1-day trips to Sierra Nevada

📅 Plan your Getaway from Alicante

Perfect Weekend (Friday - Sunday)

Friday:

17:00h - Departure from Alicante
21:00h - Arrival in Granada/Pradollano
Dinner and rest

Saturday:

9:00h - First lifts, skiing all day
17:00h - End of skiing
Night in Granada (tapas and illuminated Alhambra)

Sunday:

9:00 AM - Half-day skiing
2:00 PM - Lunch and return to Alicante
6:00 PM - Arrival in Alicante

🎯 Conclusion: From Alicante to the Snow

Although there is no snow for skiing in Alicante, you have excellent access to Sierra Nevada, the southernmost resort in Europe and perfect for Alicante residents:

✅ Only 3h45 by highway car ride
✅ Sunny climate similar to Alicante
✅ Guaranteed snow from November to May
✅ Unique possibility of skiing + beach
✅ Mediterranean and welcoming atmosphere

Don’t let distance hold you back. Thousands of Alicante residents enjoy the snow in Sierra Nevada every year. It’s an experience totally worth it.