The Sierra Nevada, meaning "snowy range" in Spanish, is a mountain range in the region of Andalusia in Spain. It contains the highest point of continental Spain, Mulhacén at 3,478 metres (11,411 ft).

Set high in the Pentibetico some 32 kms from the stunningly charming and historic city of Granada and is the southernmost ski resort within the Europe. It boasts an excellent snow record, a high number of clear sunny days and views over the Mediterranean. The hub of the resort is in Pradollano with shops, restaurants and bars set around a traffic free area. Catch one of the lifts up to Borreguiles, the heart of the ski area with excellent nursery slopes and lifts going up towards the Veleta peak and the broad upper slopes. With its lively après ski and friendly Spanish welcome, we are sure that Sierra Nevada will be a popular choice.

The resort offers great facilities for all winter sport enthusiasts and provides a good selection and quality slopes for all levels of skiers. It also has an excellent cross country track and the old saying that can snow in the morning and spend the afternoon tanning yourself on a sun kissed beach is absolutely true, some of the best beaches and resorts are only a stones throw away along the Granada, Almeria and Malaga coastlines.

There are two principal areas: Borreguiles has the ski schools, cable car stations and main ski lifts; Pradollano is the ski village, with hotels, restaurants, shops and holiday apartments. Parking is at a premium though, so check availability  and don’t forget to drive there with chains on your tyres. As for ‘après ski’, from small intimate tapas bars to larger, international restaurants, the Sierra Nevada caters for all budgets and culinary tastes.

Beginners

With plenty of easy runs and nursery slopes, Sierra Nevada is a great resort for learning to ski. The local ski instructors are renowned for their enthusiasm and you'll soon gain the confidence to tackle more gentle runs on the mountain.

Intermediates

With six ski sectors, 87 kms of piste and plenty of blues and reds, Sierra Nevada is a great choice for intermediate skiers. Those seeking a bit more of a challenge will find some more difficult runs from the Borreguiles.

Advanced

Head towards the Monachil area which provides a number of black runs as well as some moguls. There are also some off piste trails from the top of the Veleta. If the days are not long enough then you can enjoy night skiing on Saturdays until 9.30pm.

Snowboarding

A great resort for carving with wide blue and red cruising runs. Advanced freeriders should head for the Veleta peak and try the 'Tajos de la Virgen' run! For freestylers there is an excellent board park with a half-pipe and a full range of jumps and rails.

Slope facts

Total kms of piste

Number of lifts

24 (2 gondolas, 16 chair lifts, 2 drag lifts, 4 magic carpets)

Snow making

386 snow cannons covering 30km of piste

Snow cannons

428 covering over 31kms of piste on 32 runs

Longest run

5.9km

Cross-country trails

8km (1 circuit)

How to get there

The Sierra Nevada ski resort and ski station are easily accessible from both Granada or Málaga provinces. From Granada, it is 45 minutes by car or bus just south-east of Granada city, the provincial capital. It is about one hour from the airport. Visitors should also consider visiting the attractions in Granada city. If you're coming from Málaga airport, the ski station is about two hours driving and is not difficult to find if you head north, following the first to Granada and then to the Sierra Nevada "Estación de Ski".