Sierra Nevada is the “skiing” heart of Andalusia, and probably of Spain, because the king himself skis here. But we mere mortals can also try. Slalom, snowboard and halfpipe for beginners and professionals. An excellent opportunity to relax or establish business relations.
Sierra Nevada is a mountain massif in the Andalucian Mountains in southern Spain, the southernmost and highest on the Iberian Peninsula (Moulinsen – 3478 m), now one of the best ski resorts.
The mountain peaks here are covered with snow even in summer, and therefore the opportunity to swim in the ocean with a temperature of 22-25 0 C or visit the gardens of Tenerife looks very good . Sierra Nevada is located 37 kilometers from the city of Granada, the administrative center of the province of Andalusia.
Climate
During the tourist season, from November to April, the mountain slopes are covered with a dense layer of snow, and the temperature at the foot of the mountain is around + 5 … + 10 ° C, on the slopes in the range of 0 … + 5 ° C. In the event of an increase in temperature to positive values of the air temperature , there are necessary conditions for skiing and snowboarding, because the snow tracks are provided by 278 snow cannons.
How to get there
To get to Sierra Nevada, you first need to get to the nearest airport, located in Malaga. Then you need to make a transplant. You can get to the resort by bus, spending 2 hours and 15-20 euros. You can also use taxi services and be there in 1.5 hours. The cost of the trip is from 55 euros.
Ski vacation in Sierra Nevada
Sierra Nevada has a super-modern infrastructure that makes it possible to hold international competitions of the highest rank on its tracks.
The total length of the ski tracks is 87 km. Depending on the level of complexity and length, they are divided into 6 zones. The longest – almost 6 km, is the best in all of Spain.
Sierra Nevada also has a parallel slalom course at Acropark, designed for snowboarding and freestyle. You can’t help but like the snow park with a snowboard track and half-pipe. For skiing at night, there are two equipped tracks on the slope of El Rio, with the length of one of them – 3 km, and a drop of 545 m. There is also night skiing on a slalom track with a drop of more than 1 km.
These mountains are known primarily for winter sports – slalom, snowboarding, freestyle. There are always 45 tracks with a height difference of up to 1,200 m, where 23 lifts serve up to 32,000 people at the same time. 278 snow cannons maintain high-quality coverage in any weather. The Sierra Nevada ski lifts are located in the village of Pradogliano (the central part is at an altitude of 2,100 m), you don’t have to travel three miles away. There are many hotels here, there are high-altitude hotels, from which you have to get to the center’s entertainment, the most important of which is the water bath center, either on skis, or on a special transport lift or by stairs. Hotel “Telekabina” is located right in the building of the funicular. From January to March is the “high” season here, so you should think about tickets a couple of months before your trip.
Night skiing is exotic – there are two lighted tracks here: 3300 m (drop – 545 m) and 1100 m (drop – 295 m). Although the concept of a track is rather conditional. In addition to very steep and therefore specially fenced slalom tracks and smoothly ironed slopes, similar to a field with a slope, tracks for beginners, the track here has everything that a ratrak has driven on. So off-piste descent is very appropriate here. Tired of skiing – take a snowboard, and the whole mountain will become your rink – because here, if you look from below, there are almost no “closed” sections (hidden from the rider’s view) and unpredictable visors – from each, it seems, there is an extreme descent for beginners, a track without glacial crevasses and almost no rock accumulations.
Professionals will like the new park, with a special track for snowboarding and a half pipe. The quality of the slopes of the best ski resort in Europe was chosen for himself by the King of Spain, Juan Carlos. World ski championships (95 and 99 years) are held here.
Ski schools in the Sierra Nevada
Alpine skiing is the main meaning of a vacation trip to the Sierra Nevada . It is good if you are an experienced athlete, but what if you have no experience, but you want to ride? You will be happy to help at any of the many ski schools in the Sierra Nevada.
Ski instructors put both children and adults on skis here. Learning from the masters of their craft allows you to learn to ride tolerably in a matter of days.
You can take skiing lessons at the Sierra Nevada International Ski School or at any of the resort’s many ski schools.
The website of the official ski school of Sierra Nevada will help you find out the conditions for obtaining the basics of downhill skiing. The cost of an hour of individual lessons with an instructor is approximately 40 EUR (the price may vary in different schools).
You can sign up for a weekly group training course. 15 hours of such training will cost you 140 EUR.
Equipment rental in Sierra Nevada
Alpine skiing is impossible without appropriate equipment. Therefore, there are many opportunities to purchase it in the Sierra Nevada. Most of the Sierra Nevada ski equipment rentals are concentrated in Pradogliano. It is better to book the equipment in advance, then you can get it immediately upon arrival.
Ski rentals in the Sierra Nevada are often provided by the ski schools themselves. The equipment here is updated quite often and is always of the highest quality. A full set of equipment will cost you about 30 EUR per day. Snowboard rentals are also available at most Sierra Nevada ski schools.
One of the largest centers for the sale and rental of ski equipment is located in Pradogliano and is called “Monitor techno”. It is on the basis of this institution that the official equipment rental in Sierra Nevada works. There is even equipment for people with disabilities at the resort’s stations.
Ski passes in the Sierra Nevada
As in any major ski resort, the Sierra Nevada has many lifts. Therefore, it is simply necessary to purchase a ski pass in Sierra Nevada.
You can buy a ski pass at the hotel, directly for the lift operating on its territory. And you can buy a general ski pass for all lifts of the Sierra Nevada . The second option will be more convenient if you do not want to be tied to the hotel.
The price of the ski pass depends on the time you buy it for. The longer the term you pay, the lower your costs. The price of a ski pass per day for an adult is 44 EUR, for a child – 31 EUR. A ski pass for six days will cost 230 EUR for an adult and 156 EUR for a child.
Ski lifts in the Sierra Nevada
As in any ski resort, there are many ski lifts operating on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada. In the Sierra Nevada, there are twenty-three lifts that take hundreds of tourists to the top of the mountain slopes every day. Lifts are divided into ropeways, chairlifts and rope lifts. Some ski lifts in the Sierra Nevada are located in the immediate vicinity of the hotel, and the price for them is determined by the hotel administration. Others have to be reached from the hotel for quite a long time, climbing the winding streets of Pradogliano or passing by a transporter.
The cost of a ski lift in Sierra Nevada per day is approximately 44 EUR. The ski pass subscription, which is issued in the form of a card or wristband, will allow you to use the lift as many times as you need during the day for this amount.
Where to stay
Today, 24 hotels operate here, and about 14,000 people come to ski the snowy slopes of the Sierra Nevada every day. The center of the ski resort has only 4,500 hotel rooms, so it is better to book a hotel in advance.
How much does it cost to live in Sierra Nevada?
Prices for accommodation in the Sierra Nevada vary depending on the season. For example, during the Christmas holidays, housing will not only be difficult to find, but it will also cost you quite a lot. It affects the cost of living in Sierra Nevada and the level of housing you choose.
Staying in Sierra Nevada will be inexpensive if you choose an apartment for your vacation. In this case, you can choose a double room for 40-50 EUR per day. A room in most three-star hotels of the resort will cost you about the same. But if you decide to stay in a four-star hotel or apartment hotel, a night for two will cost you 100-200 EUR. So the answer to the question “how much does it cost to live in Sierra Nevada” depends only on your decision.
El Lodge, Ski & Spa 5-star hotel
The ski hotel is located in a charming Alpine-style house, surrounded by the beautiful mountains and ski slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Andalucia. Free Wi-Fi is available.
Cable cars and lifts will take guests directly from the hotel to the tops of the Borregiles and El Veleta mountains, at a height of 2,100 meters above sea level.
After having enough skis on numerous ski slopes, you can relax at the El Lodge hotel. The health and spa center has 2 swimming pools, a sauna and treatment rooms. In addition, guests can work out in the gym and visit the restaurant.
The beautiful rooms, decorated in Finnish style, offer views of the ski resort and the village. Rooms have French windows, a tablet and an iPod docking station.
There are several bars and restaurants on site, including the Sun Deck Restaurant with great views of the ski slopes. Other amenities include a kids’ club and a business center. Private parking is available for an additional fee. In addition, you can buy ski passes and rent any equipment at the hotel.
Melia Sol y Nieve 4-star hotel
The stylish Melià Sol y Nieve hotel has been awarded the “Best Ski Resort in Spain 2016” award. It is located in the heart of the Sierra Nevada ski resort, just 100 meters from the ski lifts. A gym and a modern spa center are available for a fee.
The classic design of the rooms is harmoniously combined with the Zen style in the common areas. Room amenities include free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Guests are provided with real-time information on skiing conditions.
Sol y Nieve’s Yhi Spa has a pool with hydromassage jets, foot baths and a thermal complex. For children, there is a spa area with a hydromassage bath and a game room. Guests can visit the ski school, as well as rent ski equipment and use the storage room.
The hotel has a buffet restaurant. The sun terrace of the Q Lounge Bar offers beautiful views of the mountains.
Melià Sol y Nieve is a 40-minute drive from the stunning city of Granada. Granada Federico García Lorca Airport is a 50-minute drive away.
Apartamento Plaza Pradollano 2
Plaza Pradollano 2 Apartments are located in Plaza de Pradollano, 30 meters from the cable car to the Borregiles ski lifts. Accommodation with pets is possible.
Amenities include a living area, a kitchen, and a flat-screen TV.
Skiing, cycling and hiking are popular in the surrounding area. Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaen Airport is 35 km away.
Hotel GHM Monachil 3-star hotel
This hotel, decorated in a traditional mountain style, is located in the heart of the Monachil ski resort in the Sierra Nevada mountains , just 60 meters from the nearest ski lift. A wellness and spa center is available to guests.
GHM Monachil offers heated rooms with views of the surrounding area, a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi and a private bathroom with a bath or shower.
The Montblanc restaurant is located in the GHM Monachil hotel, serving a variety of hot and cold buffet-style dishes. Other amenities of the hotel include a bar and a terrace with deck chairs, from where you can admire the view of the ski lift station.
For an additional fee, guests can visit the hotel’s health and spa club with 2 hot tubs, 2 saunas and a wide selection of different types of massages and treatments.
The hotel is located next to the Maribel ski slope, where you can ski down to the Al Andalucia cable car and then return to the hotel after visiting the Borreguiles ski station. There are numerous restaurants and shops at the station, where ski equipment rental is also organized.
Entertainment at the resort
In addition to winter sports, the resort has a large entertainment program. Every day, 1-2-day excursions to the National Park and nearby large cities depart from the resort.
During a tour of the reserve, you will be able to see with your own eyes all the natural beauties of Andalusia, walk along mountain paths and learn the tricks of cooking the main Spanish delicacy – jamon. In addition, the route includes a visit to the ancient village of Alpuharra, on the territory of which the largest high-altitude settlement in Europe is located.
Factory for the production of jamon in the village of Alpujarra
Granada is a very popular excursion destination. The highlight of the city is the Alhambra fortress, which once belonged to the Moors. It consists of several towers, arches and courtyards. Especially noteworthy is the so-called Lion’s Yard, on the territory of which there is a fountain with 12 marble lions.
Entertainment in the Sierra Nevada is not limited to excursions alone. The resort has a huge sports center with exercise machines, swimming pools, sauna, spa office, jacuzzi and Turkish baths. Also, if you wish, you can go for a massage or a solarium.
Gastronomic rest at the resort is represented by several good restaurants where you can experience the real taste of Spain. Undoubtedly, among all the variety of dishes, preference should be given to fish and meat dishes – the business card of Andalusia. As a tasty souvenir, you can buy a piece of jamon and a bottle of local cider.
Restaurants in the Sierra Nevada
As with any resort, it’s important to know where to eat in the Sierra Nevada. There are many restaurants in Sierra Nevada, because the flow of tourists here is huge. You can easily use the services of hotel restaurants – judging by the reviews about restaurants in Sierra Nevada hotels, this is an excellent choice.
Some of the best restaurants and cafes in the Sierra Nevada are considered to be establishments located directly at high mountain stations. Such as the Alcazaba restaurant at Borregiles station. It’s all about the wonderful view from the windows of these restaurants, perfectly combined with excellent cuisine.
Alcazaba Restaurant
Snowpeople can be named among the inexpensive restaurants of Sierra Nevada . Lunch here will cost you from 4 to 10 EUR. On average, prices in restaurants and cafes of Sierra Nevada range from 20 to 25 EUR.
What can be done in the Sierra Nevada: summer, winter, autumn
Tourism and mountaineering
First of all, tourists are offered to climb the highest mountain in the country – Mulasen Peak (3,478 meters above sea level). If you climb higher, you can see the shores of Africa in a haze on the horizon. And in principle, the mountains are one of the highest in Eurasia, from any vantage point such panoramas open that take your breath away.
Alpine skiing
Perfectly prepared tracks for freestyle, slalom, snowboard, halfpipe, mogul are equipped here. You can ride at night too: the lighting is great! Can’t ride? There are ski schools, as well as sports equipment rental points. And if you come with children, you can ride on sleds, balloons and even on a dog sled.
Fly on a hang glider
This extreme is not for the faint of heart, but you will see wonderful landscapes, spacious panoramas, and breathe the air of true freedom.
Go to the disco and dance your heart out
Visit numerous restaurants and cafes
You don’t need to count calories, you will still spend them during walks – they feed here in such a way that you will lick your fingers.
Visit the Alhambra
Is it worth going to Granada if you do not visit it – an ancient architectural complex. It is not located in the mountains, but very close. The Alhambra is a Moorish fortress in which members of the Muslim Nasrid dynasty lived. It was a residence, an outpost, and a whole ancient “condominium” with parks, gardens, fountains, elegant living spaces, warehouses, houses for servants, and so on. The complex is kept clean and carefully looked after. It is very beautiful here and there are places to walk and things to see.
Bathe in the thermal springs of Alhama De Granada
Treat yourself or simply enjoy comfortable services at the hotel – for example, in the resort area of Balneario Alhama De Granada (Balneario Alhama de Granada).
Get to the observatory, located on the northern slope of the Sierra Nevada at an altitude of just over 2,800 meters and look at the stars.
Since the mountain massif is a unique nature reserve, it is a real paradise for biologists, zoologists and generally curious tourists. Of the 2,100 plant species, 70 are unique endemics. A lot of birds – eagles, peregrine falcons, falcons, animals – foxes, martens, mountain goats … Many animals are not very afraid of tourists, and you can see them in close enough proximity.
Go shopping, for example, in the village of Trevelasu, where excellent jamon is prepared. Well, you can buy souvenirs here literally everywhere, and it’s not just magnets and figurines!
In other words, you won’t regret visiting the Sierra Nevada. After all, only mountains can be better than mountains…