One of Europe’s top winter playgrounds lies just 32 kilometers from the center of Granada.
Let It Snow
Sierra Nevada, which dominates the southern landscape of Granada Province, is a stunning mountain range known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities and notably, as one of Europe’s premier destinations for winter sports.
The Sierra Nevada range is part of the larger Betic Cordillera, and it features several peaks, with Mulhacén being the highest in the Iberian Peninsula and mainland Spain. The Mulhacén peak stands at 3,479 meters (11,414 feet) above sea level and is only a 45-minute drive or bus ride from the Granada bus station. Rides during the winter season are offered three times per day and four times daily on weekends and holidays. The bus service is operated by Autocares Tocina and tickets cost €5 each way. The trip ends at the charming mountain town of Pradollano which is home to Europe’s southernmost ski station. During the winter months, the town of just 220 permanent residents plays host to over a million visitors each year.
When its peaks are covered in snow, Sierra Nevada is most renowned for its winter sports facilities. The Sierra Nevada Ski Station is one of the most popular ski resorts in Spain, and it attracts visitors from all over Europe and beyond. The skiing and snowboarding season typically runs from late November to early May, thanks to the area’s high altitude, ensuring nearly perfect skiing conditions for nearly 6 months out of the year. The resort is equipped with an extensive snowmaking system, ensuring a consistent supply of snow even during milder winters. The 2023 – 2024 skiing season is expected to commence on December 2nd depending on weather conditions.
On the Slopes
The resort has over 100 kilometers of trails distributed over 133 slopes, the longest of which tops 6 kilometers. It also offers a 2.5-kilometer cross-country skiing circuit and the Sulayr Freestyle Park with a half-pipe and a range of jumps and rails making it a paradise for snowboarders and freestyle skiers. Skiing passes, or forfaits, spanning various lengths of time can be purchased online at www.sierranevada.es and include options ranging from a half-day to a full season pass. Starting this year, ski passes on mobile phones do not need to be accessed and can be read automatically using special Bluetooth Low Energy technology. Day lift tickets for the 2023/2024 season cost between €48 and €56 depending on the specific day and €41.50 for a half-day pass. Ski rental will cost €35 for the day for an adult for a complete set with a helmet. A snowboard set with boots will cost €31 for a full day at the rental facility located at the ski station.
There are also numerous ski activities and schools for kids including the Family Kids Club for kids ages 3 to 12, the Alpine Children’s Garden and the Snow School which is a daycare center for kids between the age of 4 months and 6 years of age.
Winter fun
You don’t have to be a skier to admire all that the Sierra Nevada offers in the winter months. The area offers plenty of other activities in addition to skiing and plenty of lodging and dining options that make the snow-drenched peaks a perfect weekend getaway for those looking to admire its beauty without breaking up a sweat.
Options include exploring the family-friendly Mirlo Blanco fun park where you can take a ride on a mini roller coaster, the magic carpet or on the park’s main attraction – the Russian sled. Another popular option for winter activities is the area of Borreguiles which is known for its sledding and tubing trails. The resort town of Pradollano and the area of Borreguiles are connected by a pedestrian gondola which offers spectacular views of the area and lets you enjoy the activities and attractions of both locations. Same-day, roundtrip tickets cost €21 for the Pradollano – Borreguiles route and €11 or other cable car destinations. Those looking for a more unique thrill can experience driving a monstrous snow grooming vehicle which can be booked in advance at agencia@sierranevadaclub.es.
A perfect escape
The Sierra Nevada is also a host to numerous sporting and entertainment events during the winter months which start in mid-December and extend until the beginning of April. The most popular include ski and snowboard competitions and races such as the 97.5-kilometer Ultra Sierra Nevada marathon in April. Sharing the date is the annual Sun & Snow Festival – a two-day celebration consisting of two stages featuring electronic music where you can dance the night away in a winter wonderland. A list of all events can be found on the official Sierra Nevada webpage.
Sierra Nevada offers a variety of accommodations, from hotels and apartments to chalets and hostels, making it accessible to a range of travelers. If you want to watch skiers fly down the snow-capped mountain while in the comfort of a warm bed, two large hotels are located directly off the slopes. There are also many lodging, dining and even shopping options within the ski town of Pradollano including the iconic Melia Sol y Nieve and the Hotel Mont Blanc.
When the snow melts
While Sierra Nevada is a winter sports enthusiast paradise, it also offers a wide range of
activities during the rest of the year. Hiking and mountain biking are popular options, due to the number of trails and paths that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Sierra Nevada in the spring transforms into a picturesque paradise, offering a stark contrast to its winter wonderland. The snow-covered slopes give way to lush alpine meadows and vibrant wildflowers that are given life by countless streams of water and breathtaking waterfalls created by the melting snow.
Preservation
The Sierra Nevada is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The region has been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, established in 1986, and spans the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, extending across Granada and Almería provinces within Andalusia.
A significant portion of the Sierra Nevada range is protected within the Sierra Nevada National Park which is a protected area of extraordinary natural beauty and ecological significance. This national park, established in 1999, showcases diverse ecosystems ranging from high-altitude alpine tundra to lush forests. The park is home to iconic species such as the Iberian ibex and the Spanish imperial eagle and features a network of well-maintained hiking trails, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It offers opportunities for eco-tourism and serves as an essential site for scientific research and conservation efforts while preserving the unique natural landscapes and cultural heritage of the region.
Whether you’re interested in skiing and snowboarding in the winter or hiking and enjoying the natural beauty as temperatures begin to rise and the days become longer, Sierra Nevada provides a diverse range of easily accessible activities and experiences for visitors throughout the year.
INFO
For current weather conditions, events, lift tickets, and rentals as well as a wealth of information and resources to help you plan your winter escape to the Sierra Nevada, visit www.sierranevada.es/en.
