Massive entertainment and shopping complex outside Madrid featuring an indoor ski slope alongside 220 stores. The only place in Spain to ski and shop in the same building.
Xanadú is a large retail and entertainment complex located in Arroyomolinos, approximately 30 kilometers southwest of Madrid, adjacent to the A-5 motorway. Opened in 2003, the complex is best known for its indoor ski slope — Madrid SnowZone — a refrigerated piste roughly 250 meters long and 50 meters wide that operates year-round regardless of the outdoor temperature. This makes Xanadú unique among Spanish shopping destinations and positions it as a day-out family entertainment venue as much as a traditional shopping center.
The retail offer covers approximately 220 stores arranged over multiple levels, with an emphasis on mid-market and mass-market brands: Zara, H&M, Mango, Pull&Bear, and other Inditex Group chains feature prominently alongside international sports brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Decathlon. Electronics retailers, footwear chains, and a Carrefour hypermarket anchor the offer. A wide variety of dining options ranges from Spanish fast food and bocadillería to international chains and a handful of more substantial sit-down restaurants. The food court is one of the largest in the Madrid metropolitan area.
For families, the entertainment mix extends beyond the ski slope: an indoor karting circuit, a children's soft-play zone, a climbing wall, and the Kinépolis multiplex cinema — one of the largest in Europe — complete the offer. Ski and snowboard lessons are available on SnowZone with equipment rental on-site; lift pass sessions typically cost €25–35. The complex is car-dependent — public transport links are limited — but free parking is extensive. Shopping hours run until midnight daily, accommodating evening visits after the ski slope closes earlier in the night. Tax-free shopping is available at eligible stores for non-EU visitors.
| Hours | Monday-Sunday 10AM-midnight |
|---|
Highlights
- Madrid SnowZone: year-round indoor ski and snowboard slope, the only one in Spain's capital region
- 220+ stores with mid-market fashion brands including Zara, H&M, Mango, and international sports chains
- Kinépolis multiplex cinema, one of the largest in Europe, sharing the complex
- Carrefour hypermarket and one of the Madrid metropolitan area's largest food courts
- Indoor karting, climbing wall, and children's entertainment zone alongside the ski slope
Tips for visiting
- Book SnowZone ski sessions in advance, particularly on weekends when slope capacity fills quickly
- The complex is car-dependent; public transport connections are limited — a car or taxi from Madrid is strongly advisable
- Evening visits after 8PM are significantly quieter for shopping; SnowZone closes earlier than the retail hours
- Ski and snowboard equipment rental is available on-site; lessons can be booked at the SnowZone counter
- Carry a jacket even for summer visits — temperatures inside SnowZone stay below freezing year-round
Frequently asked questions
What is Madrid SnowZone at Xanadú?
Madrid SnowZone is an indoor refrigerated ski and snowboard slope approximately 250 meters long, located inside the Xanadú complex. It operates year-round with real snow. Equipment rental and ski lessons are available on-site, and lift pass sessions typically cost €25–35.
Is Xanadú accessible by public transport from Madrid?
Public transport connections to Xanadú are limited. The complex is located in Arroyomolinos, about 30 kilometers from central Madrid, and is best reached by car via the A-5 motorway. Some bus services operate from Madrid, but journey times are lengthy.
What kinds of stores are at Xanadú?
The retail offer covers mid-market fashion (Zara, H&M, Mango, Pull&Bear), sports brands (Nike, Adidas, Decathlon), electronics, footwear, and a Carrefour hypermarket, plus a large food court and sit-down restaurants.
Are the shopping and entertainment areas open the same hours?
The shopping complex is open daily 10AM to midnight. SnowZone and the Kinépolis cinema operate on their own schedules, which may differ — checking directly with each service before visiting is advisable.