4 tips for enjoying skiing, and especially après-ski in 2025

By Elena Muñoz

She discovers who she is and who she wants to be while travelling. A journalist with a digital heart who loves to report what she sees and how she makes her feel in each destination. They are passionate about telling stories between their suitcases and talking to everyone they can.

For skiing fans, there is one key event we must not miss: - ski activities! A chance to relax and enjoy yourself with your loved ones after a day full of adrenaline and effort. That’s why we want to help you plan a ski trip that perfectly combines the winter sport with the most entertaining activities.

Combining sport, nature and leisure is also an ideal way to get away from it all. And, once you have had fun climbing up and down the mountain, then this is the best thing! après-ski. It is an art in which the wide range of options you have can never end. From relaxing in a spa or visiting a restaurant to try local delicacies, to having a glass of wine by the fireplace, attending an outdoor party once the slopes are closed, or even swimming in a sleigh at night. Infinite plans to do with friends, family or as a couple will make your ski trip an unforgettable experience. Discover with us some of the best places in Spain for skiing including the wonderful world of après-ski activities, authentic experiences that will enhance your skiing experience.

1. Choose a ski resort based on your taste, level and your goals

It’s true, we could give you a ranking of the best Spanish ski resorts, but as we have said before, we would like to tell you 4 tips to keep in mind to enjoy the sport like never before. So let's start with the first of all: Don’t just choose the first ski slope that comes to your mind.

It is important that you decide what your level is, who you are planning on skiing with and what you would like to do. Knowing this will make it much easier for you to get the best decision.

For example, for beginners to skiing, resorts such as La Molina-Masella and Vall de Núria (Girona) or Valdelinares (Teruel) are ideal for beginners as they have great green and blue slopes to learn with specialist areas and a much more relaxed ambience. If you already have an intermediate level, resorts such as Formigal (Huesca) or Sierra Nevada (Granada) combine varied slopes with moderate challenges and stunning scenery. And if you are an expert or advanced skier, there are technical challenges in Baqueira Beret and Boí Taüll (Lleida) or Astún-Candanchú (Huesca), both with black slopes, snowparks and off-piste skiing options.

The type of trip also influences the choice of resort. For families, La Molina-Masella or Valdezcaray (La Rioja) offer adapted activities for kids and a welcoming ambience. For a romantic trip, Espot Esquí (Lleida) or Boí Taüll are magical resorts that exude exclusivity and peacefulness. If you are traveling with friends, resorts such as Formigal or Baqueira Beret offer a lively atmosphere, events with live music and après-ski options, perfect both on and off the slopes. And if you prefer sunshine and relaxation, Sierra Nevada combines beautiful mountain views with exclusive services such as spas and chill-out terraces which you can find at the Meliá Sol y Nieve or Meliá Sierra Nevada. Incredible, right?

a man and woman holding skis and snowboards

2. Start with the first steps: equipment and rental

Our second tip, which we are going to tell you about so you can make the most of your ski trip, is: Do today what you can avoid tomorrow.

There are many things to take into account when organizing a skiing trip, so buying or booking will help you avoid unnecessary queues, prepare for unexpected events and also save you a little money.

Start by being clear about the equipment you need: coat, trousers, leggings and thermal t-shirts, fleece, hat, gloves, ski goggles... The important thing is to fit in as well as onion! Everyone has a different body temperature, so you can take off layers depending on how hot or cold you feel throughout the day.

Next comes the technical equipment with which we will do our sport: boots, helmets, skis or boards, poles... For me, booking a booking will be the best alternative for beginner skiers or occasional skiers. You can do the training in the ski resort itself or in rental shops in the surrounding cities or towns. Sometimes there are full packages that help you save a little. And if you’re a regular skier and do it several times a year, my recommendation would be that you buy a pair of boots as they are the key to making your skiing much more comfortable and safer.

Finally, you have to buy your lift pass, a daily pass to the ski resort and a card that allows you to get around the different slopes using the lifts. Get your discount as soon as possible to avoid any unnecessary queues on the first day you start skiing. And it’s even better! There are already stations that allow you to buy lift passes online.

a woman in a gold coat with a fur hood on a snowy mountain

3. Discover your best “après-ski look”: Comfortable, cool and sustainable

Would you like to enjoy a beer without changing your outfit? Do it, but: Dress for every occasion combining fashion, comfort and functionality.

Sometimes you will have time to stop at the hotel to take a shower and change your clothes, but at other times you will have time for après-ski activities just as you leave the slopes. That’s why we recommend you wear multifunctional clothing so you’re ready for all the après-ski activities that may arise.

Throughout the resorts you can find everything from casual looks to the latest trends in snowwear. Come on! a full-fledged fashion show. So when you choose an outfit for skiing, our recommendation is that you choose comfortable clothes but with a touch of cool. Go for timeless clothing that you can wear outside the après-ski environment.

Also choose warm clothes in case you are outdoors. oversize jumper or thick-knit jumper made in merino wool, organic cotton or recycled blends, thermal trousers or joggers, fitted or roomy ... There is a such a great choice of garments! Your outfit should include light and comfortable clothing such as a jacket or fleece just in case you have to take off your coat. Après-ski boots, waterproof and lined with wool or vegan materials and non-slip soles, are a must for working in the snow or on slippery surfaces.

Don’t forget other great accessories such as thick woolen stockings that are extraordinarily warm, a hat, a scarve or gloves, perfect for keeping your hands warm while socializing outdoors. Finally, add a glamorous and functional touch with retro-style sunglasses with polarized lenses. Ah! put on sunscreen and lip balm. Even when it’s cold, the sun can be intense in the mountains.

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4. Sign up for all the après-ski activities you like best

Everything is ready! Relax in a lounge, enjoy a hot drink or dance in the après-ski area in style. So, our last piece of advice is: If you want to make the most of it, choose a different plan every day.

When we talk about après-ski, we are really referring to all the popular or not activities we can do after a day in the mountains. Post-ski experiences that give you a chance to rest, relax or make friends.

The plans are endless! Shopping, cocktails, mountain spa, wine tasting... Here are some après-ski activities:

Enjoy hot drinks, local wine or delicious cocktails in one of the bars available on the slopes and in resorts. From sunny terraces to comfortable and charming venues, delight both your taste buds and eyes with the spectacular scenery.
Treat yourself! And book a restaurant that serves traditional or gourmet cuisine. Restaurants such as El Lodge in Sierra Nevada or Casa Irene in Baqueira Beret offer dishes made with local ingredients and modern techniques.
Parties in the snow with live music, international DJs and fun themesduring your ski trip . For example, Formigal is famous for its lively après-ski parties, while resorts such as Baqueira Beret offer more exclusive nights with music and lights in the mountains.
Choose an afternoon in the spa in the mountains to relax like never before. With heated outdoor pools, Jacuzzis and luxury treatments, they offer a unique contrast between the heat of the water and the cold of the surroundings. Our ski hotels with a spa in the Pyrenees such as Hotel Vielha Val d'Arán Affiliated by Meliá or in Granada the Meliá Sol y Nieve and Meliá Sierra Nevada provide this wonderful option.
For kids, ski resorts also offer après-ski activities to enjoy with the family. You can ice skating, sledging or visit specific areas to play in the snow. So much fun!
The mountains have so much to offer! In addition to traditional skiing, you can explore other options such as snowshoe walks, cross-country skiing with seal skins, tubing, snowboarding or trekking.
For guests seeking well-being in the mountains, many resorts have also offer quieter après-ski activities such as outdoor yoga with snowy views or comfortable rooms with fireplaces to enjoy a good book or a hot cup of chocolate.
Evenings in the mountains are a perfect time to spend time with friends or family, and board games. It’s time to play classics such as chess, card games or Scrabble, or more modern board games such as Carcassonne, Ciudadelas or Catán.
Finally, sign up for a winter tourism session, it is always a good time to discover new destinations and hidden places. Taking a walk to discover the natural and cultural environment is a great idea. Visit nearby towns or explore snow-capped natural parks.

As you can see, if you organize it well, there is never a single day when you can get bored, making ski trips one of the most complete and unique trips you can make this year. Now it's your turn! Discover your après-ski destination and decide everything you would like to do during your trip.