Portugal often conjures images of sun-drenched beaches, historic cities, and rolling vineyards. But did you know there's another side to this beautiful country – you can go skiing! And even better, if you're staying at our windmill, Moinho da Fadagosa, you're perfectly positioned for a fantastic day trip to the slopes.
The Serra da Estrela: Portugal's Winter Wonderland
The Serra da Estrela mountain range, the highest in mainland Portugal, transforms into a winter wonderland when the snow falls. It's home to Portugal's only ski resort, Estância de Ski da Serra da Estrela, offering a range of slopes suitable for beginners and intermediates.
Recently, we decided to take a break from the tranquility of the windmill and experience the magic of the Serra da Estrela for ourselves. And we were blown away! Simon - having not skiied for more than 30 years! - opted for a beginner's lesson and after 50 minutes tuition was zooming down all of the runs without a problem, so we'd certainly recommend the ski school (snowboarding lessons are also available). On the day we were there, six of the runs were open as well as a chairlift and a number of button lifts. The weather was glorious, and we enjoyed spending time in between runs in the café/bar area, complete with 'apres-ski'-style DJ booming out dance classics!
It was a fantastic experience, and a real testament to the diversity of activities you can enjoy while staying in the region. Another highlight in the Serra da Estrela is visiting the town of Manteigas, with its famous wool producers and mountain cheeses - check out our blog post on Manteigas here.
A Perfect Day Trip From Moinho da Fadagosa
Staying at Moinho da Fadagosa provides the perfect base for exploring the Serra da Estrela. After a day of skiing, you can return to the cozy comfort of our windmill, light a fire, and relax in the peaceful surroundings.
Planning Your Trip:
Check the snow conditions and resort opening times before you go.
Organise ski equipment rental, ski lessons and entrance with the resort in advance (you won't be allowed entrance without this).
Dress warmly and wear appropriate winter gear.
Enjoy the skiing and the breathtaking views.
We hope this blog post has inspired you to consider a winter adventure in Portugal. And we look forward to welcoming you to Moinho da Fadagosa, where you can experience the best of both worlds – the tranquility of the countryside and the thrill of the slopes.
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