Lorraine Williamson
The Costa Blanca may be famous for its warm, blue-sky days, but the mountains above it tell a different winter story. As temperatures fall, fourteen inland villages in Alicante have been placed on high alert for disruptive snowfall, raising the question of whether these high-altitude communities are prepared for a season that can bring sudden isolation.
The latest risk assessment from the Generalitat Valenciana shows that the threat is broader than many imagine. Winter weather is becoming more unpredictable, and authorities are stepping up their response accordingly.
Life at 800 metres: When snow seals a village off
For residents living above 800 metres, snow is not an occasional novelty but an annual hazard. A single night of heavy snowfall can close mountain roads, cut power lines and block access to emergency services. Daily routines collapse quickly when the routes linking these communities to the rest of the province become impassable.
Officials warn that isolation remains the biggest concern. In the highest villages, storm fronts arriving from the interior can turn narrow mountain roads into icy corridors, making travel impossible until heavy machinery can get through.
Where the risk Is highest
The villages most exposed lie in the interior ranges of l’Alcoià, l’Alt Vinalopó and the Sierra de Mariola. These include Banyeres de Mariola, Alcoi, Ibi, Castalla, Onil, Biar, Villena, Sax, Salinas, Agres, Benifallim, Tibi, Penàguila and La Torre de les Maçanes.
Their altitude and distance from the coast mean the cold settles earlier and lingers longer. When storms sweep inland, these towns are often the first to feel the impact.
A wider winter challenge for the Valencian Community
Alicante is only one part of the picture. In the Valencian Community, 84 municipalities have been classified as high-risk. Castellón accounts for 42 of them, while Valencia has another 28.
A further 120 municipalities fall into the medium-risk category, ranging from 400 to 800 metres. Alicante alone has 52 of these, highlighting how widespread the threat is. Snow may not be common on the coast, but inland it is a seasonal reality that shapes winter planning every year.
How authorities aim to keep villages connected
To reduce the risk of communities being cut off, the regional government has prepared a coordinated winter plan. Snowploughs and gritters are positioned at key points across the mountains, ready to move as soon as conditions worsen. A centralised traffic control centre will monitor the situation in real time and respond quickly to blocked routes.
Fire and rescue teams have reviewed the unique challenges posed by each village. Some streets are too narrow for large machinery; others sit on steep slopes that freeze quickly. Local councils have been instructed to update their emergency plans and communicate them clearly so residents know what to expect if heavy snow arrives without warning.
How residents can prepare before the first snowfall
Authorities are urging residents not to leave winter preparations to the last minute. Checking heating systems, clearing gutters and ensuring roofs can carry the weight of accumulated snow are all part of the recommended steps. Drivers are advised to keep snow chains in the car and fuel tanks topped up.
Households in remote areas are being encouraged to hold a seven-day emergency supply that includes water, long-life food, medication, torches, batteries and cash. Families with elderly relatives or people with disabilities should make sure they have the medication and equipment they need at home, as access to pharmacies or clinics may be disrupted for several days.
How to handle winter driving in Spain
A winter that calls for vigilance
The return of severe winter alerts in Alicante shows how climate patterns are shifting even in regions known for their mild weather. For the fourteen inland villages now classed as high risk, preparation is not a formality but a necessity. As storms become less predictable, readiness will shape how well communities cope when the mountains turn white overnight.
Source: El Español