❄️ Xanadu Ski: The First Step Towards the Real Mountain
Xanadu Madrid SnowZone was for years the largest indoor ski slope in Europe, located in Arroyomolinos (Madrid). Although it closed its doors in 2020, its legacy remains: thousands of Madrid residents learned to ski on its 250-meter indoor slope before venturing into the real mountains.
If you were looking for Xanadu to learn to ski or practice near Madrid, we present the best alternatives of real ski resorts where you can live the authentic snow experience with our equipment rental service.
🎿 What Was Xanadu Ski?
- Location: Xanadu shopping center, Arroyomolinos (Madrid)
- Slope: 250 meters long, 60 meters wide
- Vertical drop: 25 meters
- Temperature: -2°C constant all year round
- Capacity: Up to 500 people simultaneously
- Closure: 2020 (for economic reasons)
🏔️ Real Alternatives to Xanadu: Ski Resorts Near Madrid
If you were looking for Xanadu because of its proximity to Madrid, these real ski resorts are less than 2 hours away and offer the authentic experience of skiing in the mountains:
1. Navacerrada: Closest to Madrid (1 hour)
Puerto de Navacerrada is the oldest and most accessible resort from Madrid, perfect for those who wanted Xanadu’s convenience but want real snow.
- Distance from Madrid: 60 km (1 hour)
- Slopes: 11 runs (2 green, 4 blue, 4 red, 1 black)
- Altitude: 1.860m - 2.280m
- Ideal for: Beginners and Madrid families
- Atmosphere: Traditional, historic, very popular with Madrid locals
- Lift pass: ~35€/day (cheaper than Xanadu)
🎿 Ski Rental in Navacerrada:
Reserve your complete equipment (skis + boots + poles) for Navacerrada and enjoy quality gear without hassle.
👉 Ski Rental Navacerrada Madrid
2. Valdesquí: Modern and Family-Friendly (1 hour)
Valdesquí is the most modern resort near Madrid, with renovated facilities and a family atmosphere similar to what Xanadu users sought.
- 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 than Navacerrada
- Lift pass: ~42€/day
- Snow coverage: 80% of the domain covered
Perfect for former Xanadu users: Valdesquí offers gentle slopes for beginners and more technical areas to progress, all just 1 hour from Madrid.
3. La Pinilla: Weekend Getaway (1h 30min)
La Pinilla in Segovia is ideal for those who were looking for a complete weekend experience at Xanadu.
- Distance from Madrid: 120 km (1h 30min)
- Slopes: 20 varied runs
- Altitude: 1.500m - 2.273m
- Ideal for: Families, weekend getaways
- Atmosphere: Quiet, less crowded
- Lift pass: ~38€/day
- Plus: Nearby Riaza village with budget accommodation
4. Sierra Nevada: The Best in the South (4h 30min)
If you are looking for a top-level ski experience, Sierra Nevada is the most complete resort in southern Europe.
- Distance from Madrid: 450 km (4h 30min)
- Slopes: 107 km skiable, 132 runs
- Altitude: 2,100m - 3,300m (the highest in Spain)
- Ideal for: Ski vacations, all levels
- Advantages: Sun and snow, longer season (Nov-May), lively atmosphere
- Pass: ~54€/day
🎿 Services in Sierra Nevada:
We offer ski rentals and lessons to make your experience in Sierra Nevada perfect.
5. Formigal: The Largest Domain (3h 30min)
For those who want the most complete experience, Formigal-Panticosa offers 180 km of skiable terrain.
- Distance from Madrid: 350 km (3h 30min via Zaragoza)
- Slopes: 180 km skiable, 146 slopes
- Ideal for: Ski holidays, groups, all levels
- Advantages: Maximum area, lively après-ski in Marchica
- Pass: ~54€/day
🎿 Formigal Season Pass:
👉 Formigal Season Pass 2025/2026
📊 Comparison: Xanadu vs Real Resorts
| Characteristic | Xanadu (closed) | Navacerrada | Valdesquí | Sierra Nevada |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distance from Madrid | 20 km | 60 km (1h) | 75 km (1h) | 450 km (4h30) |
| Slopes | 1 indoor slope | 11 slopes | 27 slopes | 132 slopes |
| Snow | Artificial indoor | Natural + artificial | Natural + artificial | Natural + artificial |
| Season | All year round | Dec-Apr | Dec-Apr | Nov-May |
| Price per day | ~30€ | ~35€ | ~42€ | ~54€ |
| Experience | Indoor, limited | Montaña Real | Montaña Real | Montaña Real |
🎿 Why Skiing at Montaña Real is Better than Xanadu?
Advantages of the Royal Resorts
- Authentic snow: Real sliding sensation and variable conditions
- Spectacular landscapes: Mountain views, nature, fresh air
- More terrain: Kilometers of slopes vs 250 meters at Xanadu
- Variety: Slopes of all levels and difficulties
- Complete experience: Après-ski, mountain gastronomy, lodging
- Real progression: You learn in real mountain conditions
- Similar price: Real resort lift passes comparable to Xanadu
What Xanadu Offered (and You No Longer Need)
- Comfort all year round: Now resorts have long seasons (Nov-May)
- Close to Madrid: Navacerrada and Valdesquí are just 1 hour away
- For beginners: All resorts have beginner areas
- Without depending on the weather: Snowmaking guarantees snow at real resorts
💡 Tips for Former Xanadu Users
If You Learned at Xanadu
- Start in Navacerrada or Valdesquí: Gentle slopes, close to Madrid
- Take a lesson: Real snow is different, a refresher will help
- Rent quality equipment: Proper gear makes the difference
- Go during the week: Fewer people, better experience
- Check the snow report: Choose days with good conditions
If You Never Went to Xanadu but Wanted To
- Better straight to the mountain: The real experience is incomparable
- Navacerrada to start: Perfect for beginners, 1h from Madrid
- Book beginner class: Learn from the start on real snow
- Complete rental: We provide you with all the equipment
🎿 Our Ski Rental Service
We offer complete equipment rental at the main ski resorts near Madrid and throughout Spain:
What Does the Rental Include?
- Skis: Adapted to your level (beginner, intermediate, advanced)
- Bindings: Adjusted to your weight and level
- Boots: Comfortable and your exact size
- Poles: Proper height
- Technical check: All equipment checked before delivery
Advantages of Renting with Us
- Online booking: No lines, pick up directly
- Competitive prices: Better price than at the resort
- Quality equipment: Leading brands renewed every season
- Free exchange: If the gear doesn't convince you
- Advice: We help you choose the right equipment
📅 Plan your First Mountain Outing
Step 1: Choose your Station
- First time: Navacerrada or Valdesquí (close, easy)
- Weekend: La Pinilla or Sistema Central
- Holidays: Sierra Nevada or Formigal (full experience)
Step 2: Reserve Your Gear
- Check our rental products
- Book online in advance
- Receive confirmation and pickup point
Step 3: Prepare Your Day
- Clothing: Waterproof jacket and pants, thermal layers
- Accessories: Gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Lift pass: Buy it online (10-15% discount)
- Arrive early: Better snow in the morning
🏔️ From Xanadu to the Real Mountains
Although Xanadu Ski closed in 2020, its legacy continues: it showed that Madrilenians have a passion for skiing. Now is the time to take the leap to the real mountains, where the experience is infinitely superior.
With resorts like Navacerrada and Valdesquí just 1 hour from Madrid, you don’t need an indoor slope. The real mountain awaits you with spectacular landscapes, authentic snow, and the true thrill of skiing.
Ready for your first real snow adventure? Book your rental gear and discover why skiing on the mountain is an experience Xanadu could never match.
📱 Practical Information
- Best time: January-February (best snow near Madrid)
- Early booking: Save on lift pass and rental
- Check snow reports: Before you go, verify conditions
- Transport: Own car or buses from Madrid
Xanadu was the beginning, but the real mountain is the destination. We await you on the slopes.
