'Winter Youth 2026': a thousand free spots to ski in Sierra Nevada, escape a maze, or play a FIFA tournament

The Provincial Council of Málaga, through its Youth Delegation, is launching the 'Youth Winter 2026' program, the second edition of an initiative comprised of a series of adventure and leisure activities offering one thousand free spots for young people aged 18 to 35 from the province. The aim of this extensive recreational offer is to promote an active and healthy lifestyle while maintaining contact with nature and taking advantage of the winter season, when various adventure activities can be carried out.

The deputy for Education and Youth, José Santaolalla, explained that "following the success of the last edition, this year's commitment will be more ambitious with the addition of four new activities: Three mountain bike routes through the Sierra de las Nieves, four FIFA tournaments, visits to Laberintus Park, and also to OXO Video Game Museum, are the new additions to a list where trips to Sierra Nevada to enjoy a day of skiing and snowboarding continue to be the main attraction."

Registration starts on January 24

In this edition, there are twelve different activities available to the youth of the province, with the registration period opening this coming Saturday, January 24, through the Youth Delegation website. Spots will be available until the offer is complete or until 48 hours before the activity begins, reminding that each young person can only register for one of them.

Young people registered in municipalities of the province with less than 20,000 inhabitants will have priority to register for the activities this Saturday, while from Monday, January 26 at 00:00 hours, the rest of the available spots will open to all young people of the province, regardless of the municipality.

Those interested must have their certificate of registration from their respective locality updated to be able to register for the activities, requested at most in the last three months through electronic headquarters at their City Halls. Likewise, they must also have a valid National Identity Document.

Santaolalla has explained more details about these twelve activities highlighting "the opportunity to enjoy unforgettable experiences in nature with the activities offered by Youth Winter 2026, one of the programs that we have had the most acceptance and that generates great expectation."

"Many young people have asked us about this initiative for some months, and today we present it with great enthusiasm and with significant new features to bring them closer to leisure and adventure activities. We hope that they can also have, in many cases, contact with nature to take advantage of this winter season," commented the Youth Deputy.

The Activities

In total, there will be twelve activities taking place between February and March. One of the highlights is the visit to Sierra Nevada, which this edition incorporates an additional date. On February 7, 8, and 25, 150 young people will be able to enjoy a day of skiing or snowboarding in the Sierra Nevada. The offer includes bus transportation, a limited ski pass for lifts, equipment rental, a three-hour group class with an instructor, and on-piste assistance insurance.

There will be two days of hikes to the peaks of the province. On one hand, there is the ascent to La Maroma, at 2,068 meters altitude, whose day (February 15) will last approximately eight or nine hours with a total of 16 kilometers of travel. Similarly, on March 8, the ascent to Torrecilla peak, at 1,919 meters altitude and lasting about eight hours (15 kilometers of travel), will take place. Each hike will have 60 spots, with an expert guide and accident insurance.

One of this year's novelties are the mountain bike routes through the Sierra de las Nieves. This activity is divided into three sessions, with 14 spots each. The first, on February 27 from Alozaina; the next, on March 1 from El Burgo; and the last, on March 14 from Tolox. This three-hour activity offers the loan of a high-end MTB ebike to complete the activity, as well as a helmet, reflective vest, and snack. It will include qualified instructors and assistance insurance.

Canyoning and Speleology

Canyoning enthusiasts can enjoy two sessions, with 25 spots each. The first will be on March 7 in Puerto Ramos (El Chorro), while the second will be on March 15 in Arroyo Majales (Júzcar). This activity includes technical equipment, as well as accident insurance, guides, and a photographic report.

The visit to the via ferratas consists of four dates, with 25 spots each. February 8 in La Planá de Casares; February 21 in the Turrión de Comares; February 22 in Archidona; and March 8 in the Presa de los Caballeros (Montejaque). Registration includes technical equipment, certified guides, and a photographic report.

The speleology days will be divided between the Cueva del Agua (Archidona), on February 14, and the Cueva Excéntrica de Igualeja, on February 15. There will be 25 spots for each session, with sessions lasting approximately three hours and including all necessary equipment, as well as civil liability and accident insurance.

Four FIFA tournaments will be held in four locations. February 13 in Campillos, February 20 in Algarrobo, March 13 in Pizarra, and March 20 in Villanueva del Trabuco. There is no limitation on participants.

The visit to Caminito del Rey has 150 spots. With a duration of approximately two to three hours, with a medium-low difficulty, this site can be visited on three dates (February 22 and 23, and March 14), with 50 spots on each day.

Another novelty is the visit to Laberintus Park in Humilladero, with 100 spots spread over three days (February 21, March 7, and 14). This hedge maze is the largest in Spain and offers a real adventure getting lost inside.

Karting Championship

Four different dates are offered to enjoy a karting championship. With 16 spots available at each event, the meetings will be at Karting Mijas on February 13 and 20; while at Kartfun Plaza Mayor will be on March 13 and 20. All of them, in the afternoon.

The 'Sunview Park' zip line is another option for enjoying adventure sports. Located in Alhaurín de la Torre, it offers 20 spots each day (February 24 and 26, as well as March 7).

Lastly, two days of visits to OXO Video Game Museum, in the center of Málaga city, are offered. Each day has 25 tickets available. And the dates are February 6 and March 1.

It is worth noting that as many of the activities are outdoors and in contact with nature, all are subject to possible changes due to weather conditions.