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Spain isn't most people's first choice when it comes to skiing. But with ski resorts in five distinct regions of the country, skiing in Spain has got the right stuff. For the winter sports and skiing enthusiasts Spain currently offers some 1000 kilometres of quality marked trails and slopes situated in over 36 superb ski resorts half of which are proud owners of the Q awards for their quality tourism facilities and services offered. The main skiing regions of Spain are located in Aragon and Catalonian Pyrenees , the Cantabrian, Iberian and Central mountains and the Penibetico mountain range in the south. The Aragonese and Catalonian Pyrenees in Northern Spain, along the border with France, is home to most of this countries leading ski resorts and the Sierra Nevada located in the heart of Andalucia in Southern Spain ranks amongst one of the most popular, because of the sheer novelty of being able to ski and go to the beach all in the same day. There are also ski resorts near Madrid, in the north-west of Spain (in Galicia, Leon and Cantabria), La Rioja and Teruel. Each year Spanish ski resorts undergo continuous renovation, with work on lifts, pistes, infrastructure, machinery, access, accommodation and services. Investments of millions of Euros are made each year, to improve on what are already resorts of the highest quality. Spanish resorts are ideal for beginners and experienced skiers alike. Many of them are small resorts with easy runs, and ideal if you want to learn as a family and make your first forays into this winter sport, whether in downhill, cross-country or Nordic skiing. The sun in Spain shines even during the cold winter months. It is not unusual to ski with mild temperatures and bright sunshine. In addition to the good weather, you'll find excellent cultural and leisure activities as well, with unparalleled historic/artistic heritage, a host of complementary activities that ensure fun for all, and lively nightlife at the resorts themselves with restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Above Granada in Andalucia is the Sierra Nevada which in spite of its sunny climate has hosted the World Alpine Ski Championships. It is Europe's most southerly ski resort and offers some spectacular runs with views as far as the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Accessible from both Malaga and Almeria airports Sierra Nevada is considered to be the number one tourist destination for skiers coming to Spain. The Sierra Nevada is located just two hours away from the Costa Del Sol. This resort has the best snow and the longest season in the country and avid skiers often see more than 5 months of skiing each year. The resort also boasts the best groomed snow in Europe and with the resort being just 30 minutes away from Granada you can play golf in the morning and ski or snowboard at the top in the afternoon. Spain also boasts one of the largest indoor ski resorts in Europe allowing you to ski 365 days a year no matter what the weather or ability level. Spain may not presently be in the league of the some of the Swiss, Austrian French and even some Italian resorts however the tide is definitely turning as Spain becomes one of the best value ski destinations in the EEC. Value for money with resorts offering quality slopes, trails, facilities, snowmaking equipment, ski schools, winter sports activities, accommodation and food are slowly making this country a hot spot and we're not referring to the long sunny days you'll become accustomed to.
Ski Resorts: Aragonese Pyrenees Catalan Pyrenees
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