You may not spot a single snowflake in Valencia all winter, but that doesn’t mean skiing or snowboarding is off the table. Just a short journey away, several ski resorts are ideal for a weekend break – or even a day trip if you start early. Find out where to ski near Valencia and enjoy the snow without travelling too far.
Javalambre
Javalambre is a popular ski resort with Valencians. Set in the mountain range of the same name in the province of Teruel, it’s arguably the most convenient option from the city of Valencia, with a driving time of around 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic and where you set off from.
While Javalambre can’t compete in size with the major Pyrenean resorts, it more than makes up for it with its easy-going, comfortable atmosphere and its suitability for learners. The resort offers wide green and blue runs that are ideal for beginners and intermediate skiers, along with a handful of red runs.
At Javalambre, you’ll find ski and snowboard hire at the foot of the slopes, ski and snowboard schools, sledging areas and rest spaces for non-skiers. Snowmaking is also generally reliable, helping to ensure good conditions throughout the season.
Valdelinares
Valdelinares is the other main ski resort near Valencia. Also in the province of Teruel and at a similar distance to Javalambre (around two hours by car), it has a more alpine feel, with pine forests and a striking landscape that’s especially beautiful after fresh snowfall.
When it comes to skiing, Valdelinares offers a good mix of gentle slopes for beginners and slightly more demanding runs than Javalambre, making it a solid choice if you already have some experience. There are green runs for first-timers, enjoyable blue runs and a selection of red runs.
The resort features a ski and snowboard school, equipment hire and several restaurants. For those looking to stay longer, nearby villages offer tourist flats, rural guesthouses and small mountain hotels.
La Muela de San Juan
Less well known than Valdelinares or Javalambre, La Muela de San Juan lies in the municipality of Griegos, in the Sierra de Albarracín (Teruel). The area is devoted to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, thanks to its wide plateaus and gentle slopes.
There are no large ski lifts or long queues here. Instead, you’ll find a calm, unspoilt setting in which to enjoy cross-country skiing at an easy pace. It’s ideal for anyone seeking a quieter alternative or keen to try a less demanding, more contemplative way of enjoying the snow.
More ski resorts near Valencia
If you’re happy to travel a little further, the range of skiing options from Valencia increases significantly. Within a five-hour drive, you can reach some of Spain’s most important ski resorts. In addition to those already mentioned, the closest include:
- Sierra de Guadarrama: the Madrid resorts of Navacerrada and Valdesquí are around four and a half hours away by car, making them ideal to combine with a city break in the capital.
- Formigal–Panticosa: one of the flagship resorts of the Aragonese Pyrenees, offering kilometres of slopes and a lively atmosphere. It’s just under five hours from Valencia.
- La Molina and Masella: located in northern Catalonia, these two resorts link up to form the large Alp 2500 ski area, with runs suitable for all levels.
- Port Ainé and Espot Esquí: in the Pyrenees of Lleida, they tend to enjoy good snow conditions and a quieter feel than some of the busier resorts.
- Port del Comte: set in the Pre-Pyrenees of Lleida, this family-friendly resort offers a good variety of slopes and a more relaxed atmosphere. It’s a great choice if you want to avoid the crowds, at around 4 hours and 45 minutes from Valencia.
