Property in Portugal is perhaps not the ideal place to stay if you’re besotted with dashing through the snow on a sleigh, snowboard or skis. However, if you’re happy with a few weeks on the slopes each year, the resort of Torre does have something to offer. Meanwhile, there are plenty of other sporting and cultural activities throughout the winter months to keep you occupied while Christmas and New Year come along.

Below we look not only at the options open for winter sports in Torre itself, but also at some of the non-snow activities that you can get involved with during your stay in property in Portugal – after all, it may be the season most associated with the white stuff, but winter does not have to mean saying goodbye to some of the year-round sports that we all enjoy.

Property in Portugal’s only ski resort

Property in Torre and its surrounding area provides access to the only ski resort in Portugal. The country’s season is relatively short compared to other European destinations, lasting a few weeks at most, but there is still the chance to indulge a passion for winter sports when the itch comes along.

At almost two kilometres above sea level, Torre – Portuguese for ‘tower’ in honour of the structure that raises its highest point from 1,993 m to a round 2,000 m – certainly has the altitude to live up to its billing as a ski resort. The resort also has the facilities required to entertain snow-lovers.

Five separate ski lifts carry sportsters to the top of the slopes – and skiing is not the only pursuit on the menu, by any means. Snowboarding is gaining in popularity across Europe and is catered for here, while there are also areas set aside purely for the good old fun of sledging. So even if you’re not comfortable on a pair of skis, you can sit aside an old-fashioned toboggan and still join in the fun.

Property in Portugal’s capital city

Away from Torre, there are plenty of other locations where property in Portugal can satiate the hunger for some sporting action – not least in the country’s capital city, Lisbon. Each December, thousands of competitors brave the winter weather to take to the streets of the city for the Lisbon Marathon.

This is not just a sporting spectacle; it is also an example of the country’s heritage, as it is Portugal’s oldest and therefore longest-running modern marathon event. Its route is relatively level, which could come as comfort to anyone who’s ever run a marathon course uphill, while two circuits contribute to the overall distance of 42.195 km. Beginners are also promised the opportunity to take part in a half-marathon if they prefer, which could allow for a more leisurely pace and the chance to take in some of the sights of Lisbon during early December.

Property in Portugal’s Christmas Town

Obidos is the location of "Christmas Town", says Turismo de Portugal, offering fans of the big day itself the chance to enjoy a taste of a cold, white winter even if the snow is characteristically absent from Europe’s west coast.

Property in Portugal’s Christmas-loving location offers access to wintry treats including ice skating rinks and inflatables designed to fill those who see and step on to them with the festive spirit. Performances are also scheduled to take place throughout late November, December and the first days of January.

There is also the chance to meet Father Christmas himself as his house forms the centrepiece of the winter wonderland that is Christmas Town.