Skiing in Spain: Snow, Sangría and Spanish tapas in the Sierra Nevada

The Sierra Nevada mountains can be found in the autonomous community of Andalusia, in Granada. The name literally means “mountain range covered in snow”. The peak of Mulhacén is the highest point on the Iberian Peninsula, standing at 3,470 metres. The ski resort here is the perfect spot for a holiday, as it is great for families, but also has a buzzing après-ski scene to keep any party lovers happy. What’s more, for non-skiers, there are hiking routes, ice skating rinks and plenty of off-slope activities to pass the time. The Granada, Sierra Nevada ski resort is home to a year-round resident community which makes the ski village larger and better equipped than most other ski resorts with facilities such as a supermarket and pharmacy. Whether you’re a beginner wanting plenty of variety to improve your technique or are an experienced skier looking for a few thrills, skiing in Spain offers something for everyone.

Since the Sierra Nevada is one of Europe’s highest ski resorts, the Granada ski season is particularly long. Visitors can hit the slopes at the end of November and enjoy the snowy season until early May. With five months of fun and snow to look forward to, guaranteed sunshine and average temperatures reaching 4ºC, Granada skiing holidays are a great choice for those who want to travel outside of the typical high ski season. It is also worth noting that in April the glistening pistes turn into the epicentre of an electronic music festival attracting music lovers from far and wide to the slopes.

When it comes to ski resorts in Spain, the Sierra Nevada boasts one of the most extensive and appealing ski resorts in southern Europe. With 112.5 kilometres of skiable terrain split across 134 slopes. It is even home to the highest ski slope in Spain (1200 meters). Ski passes are available for half a day to up to 20 days ensuring that even those short on time can enjoy the thrill of this Granada ski resort. With your ski passes booked, you can investigate the available ski school options or hit the slopes alone. 

Ski schools not only provide expert guidance but also assist with equipment rentals, which is always better than borrowing ill-fitting gear from a friend. To reach the beginners’ area, take the Al-Andalus gondola lift, or hop on the Borreguiles gondola lift, following the escalators to avoid uphill treks. Once at Borreguiles, ski and snowboard schools are conveniently located by the Al-Andalus gondola, ready to help you make the most of your time on the slopes when skiing in Spain.

Ski holidays in Spain are best enjoyed with all the family and the Sierra Nevada ski resort caters to all levels. With designated spaces for little ones, kids of all ages can try the snow for the first time without the need for skis or practice their moves, freestyle without the risks of the larger, busier pistes. For daredevils, the resort is home to two mountain skiing routes: one on the Pista El Águila, in the Cauchiles area and another that takes skiers along the Loma Dilar. Nordic Skiers can enjoy a designated route situated at the lower station of the Virgen de las Nieves chairlift. The Sulayr Snowpark is a paradise for snowboarders and freestyle skiers with adrenaline-inducing jumps. Aside from that, the slopes are classified into four categories based on their level of difficulty: Very easy, easy, difficult and very difficult.

Before you hit the slopes and enjoy skiing in Spain, get the details of your trip planned out to perfection. Granada airport is the closest (47 kilometres) with Malaga airport (172 kilometres) also an option. Once in Spain, you can opt to get a bus from Granada Bus Station or hire a car and park in the resort’s subterranean car park. If you are travelling with kids, there are two different daycare centres available for little ones to enjoy the resort’s kid-friendly activities. For those travelling light, the resort offers the option to rent your equipment in advance so all you need to do is turn up at the rental shops at the foot of the mountains and collect your gear. The carefully managed, exquisitely planned resort makes enjoying the Sierra Nevada snow feel like an effortless experience. 

While skiing in Spain is an experience in itself, if you want to make the most of your Granada skiing holidays we recommend staying in one of Granada’s hotels. This allows you to get the best of both worlds: the city and the slopes. Fall in love with the Moorish charm of Granada as you lose yourself in its winding cobbled streets. A visit to the Alhambra is a must for all visitors. Then when you are finished sightseeing, head to one of the old-school tapas bars or family-run restaurants to experience the taste of the city’s melting-pot past. Do as the locals do and top off your mealtime with a refreshing glass of Spanish Sherry or head to the Albaicín neighbourhood and enjoy a sweet tea in a typical Moorish tea room.