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Today there are many options. The most important of these are the following:

Alpine skiing
This began in the Alps, hence the name. In competition the aim is to get down in the shortest possible time, following a winding route laid out with special markers called gates.

Nordic skiing
In Nordic skiing trials competitors have to cover large distances sliding over the snow on their skis. Men’s competitions range from 15 to 50km, while those for women are from 5 to 15km. There are also cross-country skiing races in relay format.

Snowboarding
This is the most widely-practised extreme sport in the world today. A snowboard is used to slide down a slope partly or wholly covered in snow. The basic equipment consists of a deck, snowboard bindings and boots.

Other techniques which are rapidly gaining in popularity include:

Dog sled
What began as a necessary means of transport in the Nordic countries has today become a sport which combines adventure, experiencing nature and the chance to enjoy some unique surroundings. Dog sledding is also known as mushing. There are different categories depending on the number of dogs, which generally range from 3 up to 10 or 12.

Ice skating
In figure skating the skates are usually white for women and black for men, both of them with a wooden heel. It takes place on a sheet of ice which may be natural or artificial. So-called “synthetic ice” rinks have recently been gaining in popularity.

Roller skiing
Rollerski races are competitions which take place on tarmac or similar surfaces. The Rollerski is specifically designed for training on flat or uphill terrain. Going uphill uses the same techniques as either cross-country or ski mountaineering. The techniques involved are in general very similar to those of skiing.

Snowmobile
These are designed to be used on snow and ice, without needing a road or track of any kind. Most snowmobiles are driven by a two-stroke engine, though four-stroke engines are becoming increasingly popular. Although they are not designed for this, snowmobiles can also be driven over the surface of water if the speed is high enough.

Snowshoes
Their purpose was originally entirely practical, as means of moving about for the inhabitants of cold regions. Today it has become a way of moving over the snow quickly and easily, especially for those not used to getting around on skis.

Take advantage of the Destinos Vía T offer we’ve prepared for you and get exclusive discounts at the following ski resorts.

Choose the best route thanks to our route finder and before you leave check out map showing the state of traffic on all Spanish roads.

Grandvalira (Andorra)
This is the largest skiing area in the Pyrenees, with 193 kilometres of slopes. Constant investment and innovation have made Grandvalira an ideal place for winter sports of all kinds. There are six points of access, at Pas de la Casa, Soldeu, El Tarter, Grau Roig, El Canillo and Encamp. There are 110 slopes with room for nearly 100,000 skiers per hour and 64 lifts. It also has three freestyle areas, 8 FIS slopes, 4 snowshoe routes and a mini-stadium for competitions.

This complex in Andorra also offers a wide range of restaurants on the slopes, featuring igloos, dog sleds, a circuit for children and the Mickey Snow Club.
www.grandvalira.com

Vallnord (Andorra)
This stands out for its 70 slopes, 3 no-limits Freeride and Freestyle areas and 3 ski schools with more than 250 instructors. You can choose to try mushing, snowmobiles, snowshoes, sledging, skibikes, speedriding, panoramic flights, heliski, diving under the ice, hikes and fondues in the evening. And for the smallest members of the family, there are three Baby Clubs and 3 snow gardens.
www.vallnord.com

Vallter (Girona)
Located in the Ripollès area of Girona province, it is the most easterly resort in Catalonia and its slopes run through open countryside amid the high peaks of the Pyrenees. It has high-quality slopes and lifts to cater for 5,200 skiers per hour. Its top slope is known as El Xalet.
www.vallter2000.com

Vall de Nuria (Girona)
This stands out for its exceptional location, incredibly rich in nature and landscape, located in the eastern Pyrenees, in the municipality of Queralbs, overlooking one of the highest points in the Ribes valley.

Apart from the slopes for downhill skiing and snowboarding in Vall de Núria, most of which run over one side of the 2,420-metre high Pic de l’Àliga, the best thing about this resort is the range of activities and areas set aside for children.
www.valldenuria.com

Madrid Snow Zone (Arroyomolinos)
An indoor ski centre with 18,000m2 of space, open 365 days a year and situated within the Xanadú shopping centre.

It has two slopes, one for experts and the other for beginners in the sport. Classes are available all year round for you to learn to ski and improve your technique.
www.madridsnowzone.com

Puerto de Navacerrada (Madrid)
This ski station in the heart of the Guadarrama mountains is very busy at this time of year as it is a good way of spending a fun day skiing just a short distance from Madrid. It has a wide range of possibilities, ranging from simple slopes for beginners to another high-level area with more challenging black and red slopes to satisfy the most demanding skiers.

Practical lessons are on offer at the ski school, and there are a range of restaurants, cafeterias and hotels. You can also take the chance to experience the natural setting of the Guadarrama mountains.
www.puertonavacerrada.com

Sierra de Béjar – La Covatilla (Salamanca)
A recent, modern resort which is still growing. Its slopes, wide and with gentle gradients, make it ideal for enjoying with all the family.

It has a skiing and snowboarding school, crêche, restaurant area and a wide range of hotels, rural guesthouse accommodation and inns to stay in. You can also take the chance for some country tourism, by visiting some of the villages in these hills: Candelario, Bejar or those of the Batuecas-Sierra de Francia area such as La Alberca, Mogarraz, Sequeros, Miranda del Castañar or San Martín del Castañar.
www.sierradebejar-lacovatilla.com

Valdezcaray (La Rioja)
This lies in the Demanda mountains in La Rioja. It is designed primarily for learning and practising skiing in a relaxed family atmosphere. The excellent connections to the nearest provincial capitals make it especially suitable for one-day skiing trips.

It is well worth taking the chance to visit nearby places of interest like the monastery of San Millán de la Cogolla or the village of Ezcaray itself, at a crossing of the river Oja.
www.valdezcaray.es

Driving in the snow

The main problem with driving when there is snow on the road surface is reduced grip.

Recommendations:

• Drive with your headlights dipped and within road markings to avoid the shaded areas where sheets of ice often form at dawn and dusk.
• Avoid braking and accelerating hard and press the brake pedal down gently, as far in advance as possible.
• Slow down well in advance of bends and go round them smoothly, at a constant speed.
• Check the state of your tyres. Use chains if there is a lot of snow or the authorities advise it.
• Do not obstruct the work of snowploughs.
• If there is ice you must avoid braking and accelerating hard and press the brake pedal down gently, as far in advance as possible.