Madrid Xanadu Shopping Mall & Madrid SnowZone Ski Slope

Although a perfect destination on a bad weather day, this multi-level undercover sports and leisure shopping mall (centro commercial) with indoor ski slope is the exact place you want to be if you're after a good day out that involves a minimum of effort. It is one of Europe's largest shopping centres, housing an intoxicating mix of over 250 retail outlets ranging from well known Spanish stores to international brand name establishments.

Xanadu welcomes visitors with a spacious modern environment covering 91 hectares with an attractive 7,000 parking spaces. More than 30 restaurants, cafes and bars provide a variety of opportunities to enjoy a memorable and delicious meal or snack, many with an international flavour.

When it comes to leisure everyone is provided for, with the highlight being the Madrid SnowZone, a superb indoor ski run, a view of which is offered by several of the cosy bars and restaurants situated above the snow park. Referred to in the New York Times as a 'Snowy Pleasure Dome' when it opened in 2003, the 18,000m2 of snow has been divided into two areas to provide for both expert and beginner ski and snowboarding enthusiasts.

The illusion of reality has been heightened with faux pine trees and outcrops of rock, but ski and snowboard enthusiasts alike will be relieved to discover that the chairlift is real enough! The snow park has a 300-head capacity with full ski kit available for hire if required. A discount is available for large families if a means of identification, such as a passport, can be provided. A special daily time slot is made available for young children to take to the slopes. Arrive prepared to dress warmly because snow park temperatures are maintained at about -2ºCelsius.

If you don't plan to join the skiers and snowboarders, there are plenty of alternative diversions inside the vibrant Xanadu centre. Take the opportunity to kick back and relax at one of the 15 state-of-the-art cinemas, or improve your aim at the noisy bowling alley. An indoor racetrack for go-carts beckons to those with a need for speed, and a mini-golf course and mini amusement park also deserve consideration.

The stores at Xanadu are open all year round from 10am-10pm, but close on January 1st and 6th, May 1st and December 25th. Leisure area hours Sunday to Thursday are from 10am to 2am, with Fridays and Saturdays being from 10am-4am. Leisure areas also close on January 1st and 6th, May 1st and December 25th.

The Xanadu centre is located in Arroyomolinos, 23km from Madrid, and situated next to the A-5 highway and easily accessible by bus or taxi if private transport is a problem. The number 528 and 534 buses travelling to Xanadu run from the Principe Pio Station. By car take the A-5 highway towards Badajoz and use either exit 22 or 25.

The Xanadu Commercial Centre provides facilities both for the disabled and for children. Telephone the centre's Customer Service Booth at 902 26 30 26 if you have any queries.

Address: Autovía A-5, salidas 22 y 25. Arroyomolinos, 28939 Madrid
Tel: +34 902 26 30 26
Fax: +34 91 103 60 30
Website: http://www.madridxanadu.com/