La Pinilla

La Pinilla is a ski resort in the Sierra de Ayllón, in the province of Segovia, right next to the town of Riaza, roughly 100 kilometres from Madrid.

Where exactly is La Pinilla located?

The resort sits in the Sierra de Ayllón, part of the Sistema Central mountain range that splits central Spain into a northern and a southern half. Its coordinates place it at around 41.20°N, 3.47°W, with Riaza — a small town in Segovia province — as the nearest landmark, just a short drive from the slopes. Being under 100 km from the Spanish capital makes La Pinilla one of the most accessible ski areas for anyone based in Madrid.

Why do visitors choose this resort?

Proximity to a major city is the main draw. For many people living in central Spain, La Pinilla offers a realistic day trip to the mountains without the logistics of a longer ski holiday or an overnight stay far from home. The Sierra de Ayllón itself has a different character from Spain's better-known ranges like the Pyrenees or Sierra Nevada — it's a quieter, less crowded stretch of central Spanish mountains, appealing to those looking for an alternative to the country's more famous ski destinations.

How do you get to La Pinilla?

Driving from Madrid is the most common way to reach the resort, heading north toward Segovia province with Riaza as the last stop before the mountain. Because the route climbs into higher terrain than the surrounding valleys, it's worth checking road conditions before setting off in winter, especially after snowfall.

What should you know before a winter visit?

The resort operates seasonally, opening during the winter months whenever snow conditions in the Sierra de Ayllón allow for skiing. Since the mountains of central Spain sit at more moderate elevations than the Pyrenees, both the length and quality of the season depend heavily on the weather in any given year, so checking current slope conditions shortly before travelling is a sensible step. Riaza, at the foot of the range, can serve as a base for accommodation and supplies for anyone planning a longer stay in the area.

Is there anything to do beyond skiing?

The Sierra de Ayllón also has appeal outside the winter season — its mountainous terrain and closeness to Madrid make it a draw for hikers and day-trippers once the weather warms up. Riaza itself keeps the feel of a traditional Castilian provincial town and works well as a starting point for exploring the wider Segovia countryside.

Frequently asked questions

How far is La Pinilla from Madrid? The resort is about 100 kilometres from Madrid, making it one of the closer ski options for residents of the capital.

Which province is La Pinilla in? It lies in the province of Segovia, within the Sierra de Ayllón mountain range.

What's the nearest town to the resort? Riaza is the closest town, sitting at the foot of the mountains just a short drive from the slopes.

Does La Pinilla only operate in winter? Yes, it's a seasonal ski resort that opens during the winter months, depending on snow conditions in the Sierra de Ayllón.