Sierra Nevada Ski Resort

Just 40 kilometres from Granada and an hour from the beaches of the Mediterranean, one of the largest ski resorts in Spain awaits winter sports enthusiasts: Sierra Nevada. It scores with 105 kilometres of pistes and 118 runs, as well as the greatest difference in altitude of all Spanish ski resorts at 1,200 metres. At the same time, it is the southernmost ski resort in Europe. What makes Sierra Nevada unique is the view from the Veleta summit. At an altitude of 3,300 metres, skiers can look out over the Mediterranean to Africa.

The starting point is Pradollano at 2,100 metres. From here, the lifts take skiers to one of three areas: Loma Dílar, Cauchiles Parador or Borreguiles. Beginners and families should choose the latter option and take the Borreguiles or Al-Andalus gondola. The practice slopes around the lifts Borreguiles I and Emile Allais as well as Veleta II start at their top station. The slopes are specially designated for slow skiing. In addition, the slope El Mar with sea motifs and the slope El Bosque with animals that live in the forest or on the mountain are designed for piste fleas.

Those who are already confident on the skis can also start their ski day in the area Cauchiles Parador. While in the lower area there are some longer blue runs (such as La Directa or Puerta Elvira), from the top of the Stadium lift there are sporty red runs such as the 1.7-kilometre Sol y Nieve run.

There is also another so-called "slow ski" area at Loma Dílar, which can be reached by the Jara chairlift from Pradollanoa. Apart from that, however, this part of the ski area is mainly for sporty skiers, who will find Sierra Nevada's seven black-marked runs here. The longest, Diploma, is almost a kilometre long. Loma Dílar also has a race track and the famous Sulayr Snowpark. It is one of the longest in Europe and has the largest half-pipe in Spain, as well as 60 obstacles with different levels of difficulty.

Don't miss the opportunity to continue from Borreguiles to the 3,398-metre Veleta summit, where a number of highlights await you at the top station. First of all, skiers are greeted with a unique view. While Granada, not far away, can be seen to the east, the Mediterranean coast and Gibraltar as well as the Rif Mountains in Morocco can be seen to the south. In terms of piste, skiers can then choose between the longest run in Sierra Nevada, El Águila, which is over 6 kilometres back down to the valley, or explore the Laguna de Las Yeguas area. Around the Laguna lift, a number of red-marked runs open up through beautiful terrain and are less crowded thanks to their location on the edge of the ski area.

Winter sports enthusiasts should not miss the El Águila slope, which is the longest in the ski area with over six kilometres and runs from the summit to the valley.

Fun for the whole family is offered by the Mirlo Blanco park in the valley. In addition to a toboggan run with steep curves and bumps, there is a snow tubing hill and an ice skating rink. Bouncy castles and archery complete the offer. In Sierra Nevada there is also the possibility of paragliding. If you want to take it a little easier, you can take part in a guided snowshoe hike. Those looking to relax their muscles should stop by Club Deportivo Montebajo, which has an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, or treat themselves to a massage at the YHI Spa. Holidaymakers can also reach Granada in just an hour by car.

Bycar
Those arriving by car should take the A-395 in the south of Granada, which leads directly to Sierra Nevada.

By public transport
The nearest train station is in Granada, 40 kilometres away. There are also bus lines from Granada, Málaga and Madrid to Sierra Nevada.

By plane
Granada airport is only 47 kilometres from the ski resort.