Sponsired by PDM travel
If you fancy a skiing trip with a difference that’s good value, easy to get to and a tad out of the ordinary, why not consider Spain?
You may equate it with sun, sea and sand, but as the second most mountainous country in Europe (behind only Switzerland), Spain offers excellent skiing despite its relatively southern latitude. Spanish ski resorts abound not only in the Pyrenees along the northern border, but also near the major cities, including Madrid and Barcelona, and as far south as the Sierra Nevada in the south.
The most elite skiing in Spain tends to be in the Pyrenees. The ski slopes outside Madrid, however, while less advanced, can be reached easily in less than an hour through public transportation, car or regular buses operated by ski clubs, such as Club Amistad and equipment can easily be rented for those travelling without their own.
Compact
Sierra Nevada is the most southerly ski resort in Europe and is small in comparison to other European resorts, despite this, the resort successfully hosted the 1996 world ski championships. Despite the compact nature of the resort, the facilities are excellent and the views of Africa from the mountain top are spectacular.
At over 9,000 feet (there are ski runs from 3,500 metres down to 2,000 metres) it is one of the highest resorts in Europe and, with 70km of runs and 45 pistes, there is more than enough variety to suit all levels and skiing desires.
As if that wasn’t enough or if the white stuff proves elusive, 300 snow cannons have been placed along the runs to supplement the natural snow, there’s an international ski school available on site, which even offers the option of night skiing by floodlight and, as the resort is so far south, many skiers are pleasantly surprised to find the air temperature usually warmer than other resorts.
