Sierra Nevada

Sierra Nevada Ski Resort

Europe’s most southerly resort has staggering views over the Mediterranean, but don’t let this put you off – it also has a good snow record and over 100km of slopes.

It may be initially unusual to fly into southern Spain for your ski holiday, but after landing in Granada or Malaga, the snow capped peaks are pretty clear. The Sierra Nevada resort is then nestled on the north facing slopes of Spain’s third highest mountain, with the top lifts reaching a lofty altitude of 3282m. This combination, plus an extensive snowmaking system boasting 350 snow machines in its arsenal, ensures reliable snow conditions throughout the winter. But as this is southern Spain, you’re also likely to get a lot of sunny days, which is great news as all of the slopes are located well above the treeline.

Although mid-winter is when you’re likely to guarantee the best snow conditions, the skiing can be fantastic well into Spring, enabling you to tie in a visit with some time on the beach or exploring Granada – not many resorts can boast of that accolade...

Our Sierra Nevada Resort Ratings

• Beginner ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
• Intermediate ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
• Advanced ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
• Snow Reliability ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
• Fast Lifts ★ ★ ★ ☆☆
• Resort Activities ★ ★ ☆ ☆☆
• Après ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
• Value ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Sierra Nevada Skiing and Snowboarding

Two parallel gondolas whisk skiers and boarders swiftly up to Borreguiles, the bustling heart of the ski area. Located here is the fantastic, sunny beginner zone, which is fully covered by snowmaking and is home to a network of dedicated lifts and runs – all of which are perfect for beginners. Lots of intermediate cruising is then on offer across the entire mountain, with the pick of the runs being the long Aguila red from the summit and the OIimpica red in the Laguna sector.

There are only seven marked black runs for advanced and expert skiers, most of which run from the top of the Monachil chair. After fresh snow however, the mountain opens up to become a big off piste playground, just watch out as the snow can be affected by high winds. There is also scope for touring, so get in contact with the tourist office and hire a local guide. Freestyle skiers and riders will really enjoy the terrain parks set up in the Dilar sector – there is everything from a halfpipe through to some of the biggest jumps around.

• Total Pistes: 107km
• Green: 15%
• Blue: 34%
• Red: 40%
• Black: 11% (includes terrain parks)
• Lifts:17
• Altitude: 2100m – 3282m

Sierra Nevada Piste Map

The local area map can be downloaded here.

Sierra Nevada Resort

Although it is possible to stay down in Granada and drive up to the resort each day, for the convenience we would recommend staying up on the hill. This way you’ll also get to experience the incredible night sky viewable from one of the best stargazing spots in the whole of Europe – go for a short evening walk and escape the lights for the best experience.

Accommodation is located on a sunny, southwest sloping hillside above the Plaza de Pradollano, the village hub and the location of the two gondolas. The good value hotels and apartment blocks are not the most picturesque, but are very functional and make for a great base each evening. On sunny days in particular there is a lively feel about the place after the ski day and there are some very good places to eat – including numerous tapas restaurants serving local dishes.

Season Dates

23rd November 2019 - 3rd May 2020

How to get to Sierra Nevada

Access from Granada airport is very easy, with the drive up taking around an hour. Malaga on the coast is only two hours away, making this a great ski destination for a two-centre holiday.

• Granada airport: 1 hour
• Malaga airport: 2 hours

Sierra Nevada Contact Details

• Website: www.sierranevada.es
• Email: sierranevada@cetursa.es
• Telephone: +34 09 58 70 80 90
• Facebook: @sierranevada2.0
• Instagram: @sierranevadaestacion
• Twitter: @websierranevada