SKIING
Yes, you have read correctly! You'd never think in a city that
experiences hot summers (up to 40oC), you'd be able to find a ski
resort within an hour. Heading out to Navacerrada, north of Madrid, you will
find ski stations focused mostly to downhill ski placed over 2000m height.
Navacerrada station has nine kilometres of ski slopes where you'll find your place whether you are a skilled skier or you have just a few hours of snow under your skis. Another option for skiing in Madrid is Valdesquí station where you can enjoy more kilometres of slopes: up to 22, that have been also recently renovated and upgraded to facilitate access to skiers and the snow lovers. A total of 27 tracks: three red ones, fifteen blue ones and nine green ones, and fifteen ski lifts. It has mounted a large sun terrace from which you will enjoy a magnificent panorama: from the tracks to peak Peñalara, the highest point in the Community of Madrid. It also has two cafes for a rest after the bustle, a snowpark and a seating area. Both are a wonderful option if you want to improve your style or want to learn to ski or snowboard. Those places are also a good for snowshoeing trips and country skiing.
If you wish to stay closer to the capital, and ski indoors,
then you should choose the Snow Park in the south of the city. This place
has a ski slope of 250 metres with two very different runs, the main one for
experienced skiers and another for beginners and is open all year round. It is
open all the year around and situated within a shopping centre complex and
there are many shops, bars and restaurants. So, there you can go shopping while
your family fun.
Besides, if you miss your “north country activities”, you can go
ice-skating to one of the several indoor ice-rink buildings near Majadahonda.