Photo by skiserradaestrela.com

Ski Serra da Estrela is a small ski resort in Portugal. It is located in the central part of the country in the mountains of Serra da Estrela, at an altitude of 1851 – 1988 metres above sea level. Serra da Estrela is the highest mountain in Portugal’s mainland and does not have any highest summit, but instead of that it is a plateau, known as Torre (Tower), measuring 1,993 meters. However the highest point of Portugal is situated on the island of Pico in the Azores and it is called Mount Pico (2,351 metres). The entire Serra da Estrela mountain range belongs to Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela.

On the highest point of Serra da Estrela is the radar station, the old observatory, and 7 m high monument in order to reach an altitude of 2000 meters. At the top you can also find a store, where you can buy mainly cheese and ham (prosciutto).

Below the mountains, on the east, is a great city of Guarda, on the south is the ski town of Covilha with an information centre of the natural park. The best starting point for hiking is the village of Manteigas situated in the middle of Natural Park.

Ski Serra da Estrela has 9 pistes with a total length of 7.7 km. There is 1 black, 4 red, 2 blue and 2 green slopes. Transportation is provided by 4 lifts and a chair lift with a total carrying capacity of 2000 persons per hour. The ski area of Serra da Estrela has also a snowpark.

The skiing season starts here usually in December and lasts to April. One-day ski-pass in high season costs €25 and €15 off-season. You can also find here a restaurant, 2 bars, ski school and ski rental services. Among favorite after-snow activities are snowshoeing, sledding and snowmobile riding.

For further information about Serra da Estrela ski resort with actual snow conditions visit official website skiserradaestrela.com.

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The Serra da Estrela Mountains are the largest in all Portugal. One of the most interesting aspects about the mountain range is that its highest point is not a peak but rather it is a plateau. Known locally as the tower, the 1204 meter tall peak is fully accessible by vehicles virtually year-round.

Serra da Estrela, Portugal by ines saraiva

During the winter months, the Torre is also home to a very popular local ski resort which is known as the Vodafone Ski Resort. It is a very popular destination for many locals who want to spend the day playing in the freshly powdered snow. It is also a very affordable skiing destination in the country.

Several rivers meander their way through the Serra da Estrela Mountains. Three of these have their headwaters located within the mountain range itself. The largest river that makes it way through the mountain range is that of the Mondego River, which is the largest river in Portugal. There is also the Zêzere River which makes its way down the mountainside along with the Alva River.

Lagoa Comprida, Serra da Estrela, Portugal by Unukorno

The vast majority of the Serra da Estrela mountain range falls within the Serra da Estrela Natural Park. There are many things to see and do within the park boundaries. There are multiple different ski resorts including those found in Loriga as well as Seia.

When you choose to visit the Serra da Estrela Mountains, do not forget to also try out the local Queijo Serra da Estrela cheese which has been made the same way for more than 2000 years. This scrum Swiss cheese is made of sheep’s milk and is known as a very soft and gooey delicacy. It would be an impossibility to visit the mountain range without also try now a little bit of the local culinary delights.

Serra da Estrela mountains, Portugal by Sérgio Santos

There literally is a lot of things to see and do when you choose to visit the Serra da Estrela mountain range. From skiing in the winter time to hiking in the summer, you will always find something to keep you busy no matter what time of year you choose to visit Portugal.

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