The closure of the most accessible resort didn’t spell the end for winter sports enthusiasts in Santander. Despite unpredictable weather and challenging terrain, several destinations within a couple of hours by car remain open for those not ready to say goodbye to the snow. Each of these resorts has its own character, level of service, and atmosphere—the choice depends solely on personal preference and your willingness to travel.
In recent years, demand for short winter getaways has grown, and many Cantabria residents are searching for new ski routes. In this context, Valencia’s experience—where snow is a rarity—proved revealing: unexpected spots for winter recreation become a real discovery even for seasoned skiers. Northern Spain offers no less variety, and proximity to the mountains lets you choose from different ski styles and difficulty levels.
Alto Campoo
Alto Campoo is the undisputed favorite among Santander locals. Located in the heart of the Cantabrian Mountains, just 80 kilometers from the city, the resort offers over 27 kilometers of slopes suitable for both beginners and confident skiers. Panoramic views of Pico Tres Mares and the feeling of true mountain altitude make trips here especially memorable. In good weather, the drive takes just over an hour, and the infrastructure makes it easy to spend a full day on the slopes without any hassle.
In 2026, a day pass for adults costs 42 euros, while for children it is 27 euros. For those planning to ski frequently, a season pass is a more economical option. Alto Campoo is known not only for its slopes but also for the convenience of returning home quickly without wasting time on long journeys.
Valdezcaray
Valdezcaray in La Rioja is a top choice for those who appreciate long, comfortable slopes. The resort is nearly three hours from Santander, but makes up for it with modern lifts and thoughtful organization. There are about 22 kilometers of pistes here, and the atmosphere is notably family-friendly. Convenient parking and streamlined logistics make Valdezcaray appealing to those who prefer to avoid crowds and queues.
The landscapes of Sierra de la Demanda add a special charm to the trip, and the variety of slopes allows you to choose the best route for any skill level. Despite its distance, many people return here again and again for the tranquility and the quality of the pistes.
Fuentes de Invierno and San Isidro
In Asturias, in the Aller area, lies the compact yet well-maintained Fuentes de Invierno resort. With only 8–9 kilometers of pistes, the slopes are always in excellent condition thanks to their favorable orientation. The drive from Santander takes about two and a half hours, and for even more variety, you can combine your visit with a trip to the nearby San Isidro resort.
San Isidro, located in León, is one of the oldest and largest resorts in the Cantabrian Mountains. It features several sectors, a wide range of slopes for all levels, and well-developed infrastructure. The road to get here isn’t the easiest, but experienced skiers value San Isidro for its spaciousness and the chance to escape the crowds.
Astún-Candanchú
For those ready for a longer journey, Astún and Candanchú in the Aragonese Pyrenees are worth considering. Four hours behind the wheel brings alpine views, dramatic elevation changes, and a completely different level of skiing. These resorts are ideal for those seeking new experiences and willing to spend extra time on the road for a truly mountain atmosphere.
Astún-Candanchú offers not just vastness, but also a wide variety of slopes, modern lifts, and developed infrastructure. Here, you can feel like part of a real skiing adventure, not just spending a weekend on the slopes.
What’s happening with Lunada
The Lunada resort, once the closest to Santander, has not operated for skiers for several years now. Over its history, it has undergone many transformations: from a classic ski resort to a snow tubing park and a launch point for mountain hikes. However, unstable snow cover and high maintenance costs have made its operations irregular. Today, Lunada is more associated with outdoor activities off the slopes than with traditional skiing.
As familiar routes become unavailable, residents of Santander and visitors to the region are increasingly discovering new destinations. The variety of stations in the Cantabrian Mountains and beyond allows winter enthusiasts to continue enjoying the season, even when their usual spots are closed.
Alto Campoo is more than just a station – it is a symbol of winter recreation for the people of Cantabria. Its story began in the mid-20th century, when the first enthusiasts started exploring the slopes of Pico Tres Mares. Over the decades, Alto Campoo has transformed into a modern ski resort with developed infrastructure, welcoming thousands of visitors each year. Competitions are held here, schools for beginners operate, and locals consider the station part of their cultural identity. Even amid a changing climate and growing competition, Alto Campoo remains the region’s main winter attraction.
