The Sistema Central is a primary feature of the Meseta Central, the inner Iberian plateau, splitting the meseta into two parts. The Sistema Central runs in a ENE - WSW direction roughly along the southern border of the Spanish autonomous community of Castile and León and Extremadura.

The major mountain ranges are the Sierra de Guadarrama, which runs approximately along the border of the Madrid and Castile and León autonomous communities, the Sierra de Gredos north of the border between Castile and León and Castile-La Mancha stretching into Extremadura and containing the range's highest mountain, Pico Almanzor, at 2,592 m.

Most people would not associate Madrid with skiing, yet just 1 hour's drive from Madrid in the Central Mountains you can find ski resorts that offer a breath of fresh air (literally) from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Access to these ski resorts is easy from Madrid.

La Covatilla

La Pinilla

Navafria

Puerto de Navacerrada

Valdesqui