❄️ Snow in Madrid: The Best Ski Resorts 1 Hour from the Capital
When snow falls in Madrid or in the Sierra de Guadarrama, Madrilenians are lucky to have several ski resorts less than 1 hour from the capital. Whether you want to enjoy a day of skiing with family, learn to ski, or simply enjoy the snow, the resorts near Madrid offer the perfect getaway without the need for long trips.
🏔️ Ski Resorts Near Madrid with Snow
The Sierra de Guadarrama and the Central System offer several options for skiing near Madrid when there is snow:
1. Puerto de Navacerrada: The Closest (60 km)
Navacerrada is the oldest and most accessible ski resort from Madrid, perfect for day trips when it snows.
- Distance from Madrid: 60 km (1 hour by car)
- Slopes: 11 runs (2 green, 4 blue, 4 red, 1 black)
- Altitude: 1.860m - 2.280m
- Ideal for: Beginners, families, day trips
- Atmosphere: Traditional, very popular with Madrilenians
- Lift pass: ~35€/day
- Season: December - April (depending on snow)
🎿 Ski Rental in Navacerrada:
Reserve your complete equipment to enjoy the snow in Navacerrada without hassle.
👉 Ski Rental Navacerrada Madrid
2. Valdesquí: Modern and Family-Friendly (75 km)
Valdesquí is the most modern resort near Madrid, with excellent facilities and quality snow.
- Distance from Madrid: 75 km (1 hour)
- Slopes: 27 runs (4 green, 8 blue, 11 red, 4 black)
- Altitude: 1.860m - 2.280m
- Ideal for: All levels, families
- Advantages: Modern facilities, less crowded
- Lift pass: ~42€/day
- Snow coverage: 80% of the domain covered
3. La Pinilla (Segovia): Weekend Getaway (120 km)
La Pinilla in Segovia is ideal for weekend getaways when there is snow in the mountains.
- Distance from Madrid: 120 km (1h 30min)
- Slopes: 20 varied runs
- Altitude: 1.500m - 2.273m
- Ideal for: Families, weekend
- Atmosphere: Quiet, less crowded
- Lift pass: ~38€/day
📅 When Does It Snow in Madrid and the Sierra?
Snow Season in the Sierra de Madrid
- December - January: First snowfalls, opening of resorts
- January - February: Best time, abundant and quality snow
- March: Spring snow, longer and sunnier days
- April: Season closing, variable snow conditions
Check the Snow Report
Before going skiing, always check the updated snow report:
- Navacerrada: Official website with webcams and slope conditions
- Valdesquí: Daily updated snow report
- La Pinilla: Real-time information
🎿 Ski Rentals for Snow in Madrid
If you want to take advantage of the snow in Madrid and the mountains, you'll need to gear up. We offer full ski rentals for all resorts near Madrid.
What Does the Rental Include?
- Skis: Adapted to your level (beginner, intermediate, advanced)
- Bindings: Adjusted to your weight and skiing level
- Boots: Comfortable and your exact size
- Poles: Height suitable for your stature
- Technical check: All equipment checked before delivery
Advantages of Renting with Us
- Book online: No lines, pick up directly at the resort
- Competitive prices: Better price than renting on the slopes
- Quality equipment: Leading brands renewed every season
- Free exchange: If the gear doesn't convince you
- Advice: We help you choose the right equipment
🌨️ Snow in Madrid City: What to Do?
When it snows in Madrid city (somewhat less frequent), the city transforms. Although you can't ski in the city, it's the perfect time to plan your getaway to the mountains:
Take Advantage of the Snow to Ski
- Reserve your equipment: Get ahead and book ski rentals
- Buy lift pass online: Save 10-15% vs ticket office
- Plan your route: Avoid traffic jams by leaving early
- Check road conditions: Chains required on snowy days
🏔️ Ski Getaways from Madrid
If you are looking for options beyond the Sierra de Guadarrama when there is snow:
Sierra Nevada (Granada) - 4h 30min
The most complete resort in southern Europe, perfect for ski vacations:
- Distance: 450 km (4h 30min from Madrid)
- Slopes: 107 km skiable, 132 runs
- Altitude: 2,100m - 3,300m (the highest in Spain)
- Season: November - May (the longest)
- Advantages: Sun and snow, lively atmosphere, guaranteed snow
🎿 Services in Sierra Nevada:
We offer ski rentals and lessons for your trip to Sierra Nevada from Madrid.
Andorra - 6h
The ski paradise in the Pyrenees, ideal for vacations:
- Distance: 600 km (6h from Madrid)
- GrandValira: 210 km skiable, the largest in the Pyrenees
- Vallnord: 93 km skiable, family-friendly atmosphere
- Advantages: Duty-free, wide variety of hotels, après-ski
👉 Ski Trip to Andorra for Groups
💡 Tips for Skiing with Snow in Madrid
Before You Go
- Check the snow report: Verify there is enough snow
- Check road conditions: M-601 and M-604 may require chains
- Leave early: Avoid traffic jams and take advantage of the best snow
- Book lift pass online: Save money and time
- Rent equipment in advance: Avoid queues at the resort
Necessary Equipment
- Technical clothing: Waterproof jacket and pants
- Thermal layers: First and second layer
- Gloves and hat: Essential
- Sunglasses: UV protection on snow
- Sunscreen: Factor 50+ (the sun burns more on snow)
- Chains: Mandatory on snowy days
At the Resort
- Arrive early: Parking fills up from 10:00 AM on weekends
- Warm up before skiing: 10 minutes of stretching
- Stay hydrated: Altitude dehydrates more
- Respect FIS rules: Safety for everyone
- Ski according to your level: Don’t risk it on difficult slopes
📊 Comparison: Ski Resorts Near Madrid
| Station | Distance from Madrid | Slopes | Lift Pass | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Navacerrada | 60 km (1h) | 11 | ~35€ | Beginners, day |
| Valdesquí | 75 km (1h) | 27 | ~42€ | All levels |
| La Pinilla | 120 km (1h30) | 20 | ~38€ | Weekend |
| Sierra Nevada | 450 km (4h30) | 132 | ~54€ | Holidays |
🌨️ Snow Forecast in Madrid 2026
When to Expect Snow?
- December 2025: First snowfalls in the mountains
- January 2026: Month with most snow, best time
- February 2026: Abundant snow, high season
- March 2026: Spring snow, good weather
Resources to Follow the Snow
- AEMET: Official weather forecast
- Station webcams: Real-time conditions
- Snow apps: Snowfall alerts
- Resort social media: Updated information
🎿 Plan your Snow Day from Madrid
Option 1: Day in Navacerrada
- 07:00: Departure from Madrid
- 08:00: Arrival at Navacerrada, equipment pickup
- 09:00: First runs (best snow)
- 14:00: Meal on the slopes
- 17:00: End of day, equipment return
- 18:00: Return to Madrid
Option 2: Weekend in Sierra Nevada
- Friday afternoon: Departure from Madrid (4h 30min)
- Saturday-Sunday: Skiing in Sierra Nevada
- Sunday afternoon: Return to Madrid
❄️ Take Advantage of the Snow in Madrid
When snow falls in Madrid or in the Sierra de Guadarrama, it’s the perfect time to enjoy skiing without long trips. With resorts like Navacerrada and Valdesquí just 1 hour from the capital, Madrilenians are lucky to ski during the day and return home at night.
Ready for your snow day from Madrid?
Snow in Madrid and the mountains is a unique opportunity to enjoy skiing close to home. Check the snow report, book your equipment, and experience the thrill of skiing in the Madrid mountains.
