Residents of Seville rarely experience a true winter, but the desire to escape to snowy slopes persists even in Spain’s sunniest region. For those not willing to spend an entire day on the road, there are several stations nearby where you can savor the taste of winter adventure. These destinations let you swap the cityscape for mountaintops and open up new opportunities for short yet eventful trips.
Sierra Nevada
Sierra Nevada stands out as the undisputed leader among ski resorts in southern Europe. From Seville to the slopes of Granada is just a three-hour drive, and the scale and infrastructure of the station impress even seasoned skiers. Here, you’ll find runs for every skill level, and the elevation guarantees a stable snow cover for most of the season. In addition to skiing, guests enjoy modern hotels, restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife. Its proximity to Granada means you can combine sports with cultural discoveries, making the trip especially appealing for families and groups of friends.
La Covatilla
Those seeking a more tranquil atmosphere should consider La Covatilla in the province of Salamanca. The journey takes about four hours, making it more suitable for a long weekend. The resort is located in the Béjar mountains and is known for its cozy, almost homelike atmosphere. There are rarely queues at the lifts, and most slopes cater to beginners and those just learning to ski or snowboard. The infrastructure is more modest than in Sierra Nevada, but that’s exactly what attracts visitors tired of the bustle who want to enjoy the peace of the mountains.
Serra da Estrela
Portugal’s Serra da Estrela is a little-known alternative for Spaniards, but it offers an entirely different approach to winter recreation. The drive from Seville takes about five hours, but once there, you’ll find not only ski slopes but also unique natural landscapes. The station is small, the number of slopes is limited, and the snow cover depends on the whims of the weather. However, for those who just want to play in the snow, go sledding, or have a picnic against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks, this place will be a real discovery. Serra da Estrela is ideal for families with children and for those looking for new experiences outside of Spain.
Puerto de Navacerrada
Puerto de Navacerrada in the Guadarrama mountains is another option for those undaunted by a long drive. Five hours by car will take you to the very heart of the Madrid mountains, where short but well-maintained slopes await both beginners and experienced skiers. The resort is popular with residents of the capital, so weekends can be crowded. Nevertheless, the variety of runs and convenient rail or flight connections to Madrid make Navacerrada appealing to people from Seville, especially if you want to combine skiing with a stroll through the capital.
Where to Find Snow
Those dreaming of simply seeing snow don’t necessarily have to head to ski resorts. During particularly cold winters, a white blanket sometimes appears in the Sierra Norte or on the slopes of Sierra de Aracena, although such appearances are brief and unpredictable. The most reliable option remains Sierra Nevada, where the snow lasts the longest. Around Pradollano and in the mountain villages of the Alpujarra, you can not only enjoy winter landscapes, but also discover local traditions. For those looking for unusual routes and wanting to expand their winter travel geography, it’s worth considering unexpected locations for winter recreation in other regions of Spain, where snow becomes a real event.
Sierra Nevada is not only the largest ski resort in southern Europe, but also a unique destination where sport, culture, and nature come together. The slopes reach almost 3,500 meters in altitude, ensuring stable snow cover even during warm winters. The resort is known for its well-developed infrastructure, modern lifts, and a wide range of runs for every skill level. International competitions are regularly held here, and its proximity to Granada allows visitors to combine skiing with tours of historic sites. Sierra Nevada has long been a symbol of winter recreation for residents of Andalusia and all of Spain.
