Sierra Nevada is the “skiing” heart of Andalusia, and probably Spain, because the king himself skis here. But we, mere mortals, can also try it. Slalom, snowboarding and half-pipe for beginners and professionals. A great opportunity to relax or establish business relationships.

Sierra Nevada is a mountain range in the Andalusian mountains in southern Spain, the southernmost and highest on the Iberian Peninsula (Moulansen – 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 22-25⁰C or visit the gardens of Tenerife looks very good. Sierra Nevada is located 37 kilometers from 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 kept around + 5 … + 10 ° C, on the slopes in the range of 0 … + 5 ° C. In the event of an increase in temperature to positive air temperature values, there are the necessary conditions for skiing and snowboarding, because the snow slopes are provided with 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 transfer. You can get to the resort by bus, spending 2 hours and 15-20 euros on it. You can also use taxi services and be there in 1.5 hours. The cost of the trip starts from 55 euros.

Skiing holidays in Sierra Nevada

Sierra Nevada has a state-of-the-art infrastructure that makes it possible to hold international competitions of the highest rank on its slopes.

The total length of the ski slopes is 87 km. Depending on the level of difficulty and length, they are divided into 6 zones. The longest is almost 6 km, it is the best in all of Spain.

Sierra Nevada also has a parallel slalom track in the Acropark, designed for snowboarding and freestyle. You can’t help but like the snowpark with a snowboard track and a half-pipe. For night skiing there are two equipped tracks on the El Rio slope, with the length of one of them being 3 km, and the drop being 545 m. There is also night skiing on a slalom track with a drop of more than 1 km.

These mountains are known before The most popular winter sports are slalom, snowboarding, freestyle. There are always 45 slopes with a height difference of up to 1200 m at your service, 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 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 far. There are many hotels here, there are high-altitude hotels, from which you have to get to the entertainment center, the most important of which is the water and bath center, either on skis, or on a special transport lift or by stairs. The “telecabina” hotel is located right in the funicular building. From January to March is the “high” season here, so you should think about tickets a couple of months before the trip.

Night skiing is exotic – there are two illuminated trails here: 3300 m (difference – 545 m) and 1100 m (difference – 295 m). Although the concept of a trail is quite conditional. In addition to very steep and therefore specially fenced slalom trails and smoothly smoothed gentle trails, similar to a field with a slope, for beginners, a trail here is everything that a snowmobile has driven on. So off-piste descent is very appropriate here. Tired of skiing – take a snowboard, and the whole mountain will become your skating rink – because here, if you look from below, there are almost no “closed” sections (hidden from the rider’s view) and unpredictable peaks – from each seemingly non-extreme descent for beginners, trails without glacial cracks and almost without rock piles.

Professionals will love the new park, with a special snowboarding track and half-pipe. The quality of the tracks of the best ski resort in Europe was chosen by King Juan Carlos of Spain. The world ski championships are held here (95 and 99 years).

Ski schools in Sierra Nevada

Skiing is the main meaning of a vacation trip to Sierra Nevada. It’s good if you are an experienced athlete, but what if you don’t have any experience but want to ski? You will be happy to be helped at any of the numerous ski schools in the Sierra Nevada.

Ski instructors here put both children and adults on skis. Learning from masters of their craft allows you to learn to ski tolerably in a matter of days.

You can take skiing lessons at the Sierra Nevada International Ski School or at any of the many ski schools in the resort.

The official Sierra Nevada Ski School website will help you find out the conditions for obtaining the basics of 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 week-long group training course. 15 hours of such training will cost you 140 EUR.

Equipment rental in Sierra Nevada

Skiing is impossible without the right equipment. Therefore, there are many opportunities to purchase it in Sierra Nevada. Most of the ski equipment rental points in Sierra Nevada are concentrated in Pradogliano. It is better to book your equipment in advance, then you can get it immediately upon arrival.

Ski rental in Sierra Nevada is 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. Also, most ski schools in Sierra Nevada have snowboard rental.

One of the largest ski equipment sales and rental centers 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 operates. At the resorts there is even equipment for people with disabilities.

Ski passes in Sierra Nevada

As in any large ski resort, 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. Or you can buy a general ski pass for all lifts in Sierra Nevada. The second option will be more convenient if you do not want to be tied to a hotel.

The cost of a ski pass depends on the period for which you buy it. The longer the period 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 Sierra Nevada

As in any ski resort, there are many ski lifts on the slopes of Sierra Nevada. There are twenty-three lifts in Sierra Nevada, which deliver hundreds of tourists to the tops of the mountain slopes every day. The lifts are divided into cable cars, chairlifts and tow lifts. Some ski lifts in Sierra Nevada are located in close proximity to the hotel, and the price for them is determined by its administration. Others have to be reached from the hotel for quite a long time, climbing the winding streets of Pradogliano or passing through it on a conveyor.

The cost of a ski lift in Sierra Nevada per day is approximately 44 EUR. A ski pass, which is issued in the form of a card or bracelet, will allow you to use the lift as many times as you need during the day for this amount.

Where to stay

Today, there are 24 hotels here, and about 14,000 people come to ride 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 worry about booking a hotel in advance.

How much does it cost to stay in Sierra Nevada

Accommodation prices in Sierra Nevada vary depending on the time of year. For example, during the Christmas holidays, accommodation will not only be difficult to find, but it will also cost you quite a lot. The cost of living in Sierra Nevada is also affected by the level of accommodation you choose.

Accommodation in Sierra Nevada will cost you inexpensively if you choose apartments for your vacation. In this case, a double room can be found 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 apart-hotel, then a day for two will cost you 100-200 EUR. So the answer to the question “how much does it cost to stay in Sierra Nevada” depends only on your decision.

El Lodge, Ski & Spa 5-star hotel

This ski hotel is set in a charming Alpine-style building, surrounded by the beautiful mountains and ski slopes of Andalusia’s Sierra Nevada mountain range. Free Wi-Fi is available.

Cable cars and lifts take guests directly from the hotel to the peaks of the Borreguiles and El Veleta mountains, 2,100 metres above sea level.

After a day of skiing on the numerous slopes, guests can relax at El Lodge. The spa and wellness centre features 2 swimming pools, a sauna and treatment rooms. Guests can also work out in the gym and visit the restaurant.

The attractive Finnish-style rooms offer views of the ski resort and village. They feature French windows, a tablet and an iPod docking station.

The hotel has several bars and restaurants, including the Sun Deck restaurant with stunning views of the ski slopes. Other facilities include a kids’ club and a business centre. Private parking is available for an additional fee. The hotel also offers ski passes and equipment hire.

Melia Sol y Nieve 4-star hotel

The stylish Melià Sol y Nieve was awarded the “Best Ski Resort Hotel in Spain 2016”. It is located in the heart of the Sierra Nevada ski resort, just 100 metres from the ski lifts. It offers a gym and a modern spa (for a fee).

The classic décor of the rooms is harmoniously combined with the Zen style of the public areas. Rooms include free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Real-time ski information is provided.

Sol y Nieve’s Yhi Spa features a pool with hydromassage jets, foot baths and a thermal complex. There is a spa area with a hot tub and a games room for children. Guests can also take advantage of the ski school, ski rental and storage facilities.

The hotel has a buffet restaurant. The sun terrace of the Q Lounge Bar offers beautiful mountain views.

The 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

Apartment Plaza Pradollano 2 is located in Plaza de Pradollano, 30 metres from the cable car to the Borreguiles ski lifts. Pets are allowed.

Facilities include a living area, kitchen and flat-screen TV.

The area is popular for skiing, cycling and hiking. Federico Garcia 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 center of the Monachil ski resort in the mountains Sierra Nevada, just 60 metres from the nearest ski lift. It features a spa and wellness centre.

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.

GHM Monachil’s Montblanc restaurant serves a variety of hot and cold buffet meals. Other facilities include a bar and a terrace with sun loungers, offering views of the ski lift station.

For an extra charge, guests can visit the hotel’s health and spa club, which features 2 hot tubs, 2 saunas and a wide range of massages and treatments.

The hotel is located next to the Maribel ski slope, where you can ski down to the Al-Andalus cable car, and then return to the hotel after visiting the Borreguiles ski station. The station has numerous restaurants and shops, where ski equipment rental is also organized.

Entertainment at the resort

In addition to winter sports, the resort has a fairly extensive entertainment program. 1-2-day excursions to the National Park and nearby large cities depart daily from the resort.

During an excursion to the reserve, you will be able to see with your own eyes all the natural beauties of Andalusia, walk along mountain trails and learn the tricks of cooking the main Spanish delicacy – jamon. In addition, the route includes a visit to the ancient village of Alpujarra, on the territory of which is located the largest high-altitude settlement in Europe.

Jamon factory 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. The so-called Lion Courtyard is especially noteworthy, on the territory of which there is a fountain with 12 marble lions.

Entertainment in Sierra Nevada is not limited to excursions alone. The resort has a huge sports center with exercise machines, swimming pools, sauna, spa, jacuzzi and Turkish baths. You can also go for a massage or a solarium if you wish.

Gastronomic recreation at the resort is represented by several good restaurants where you can feel the true taste of Spain. Undoubtedly, among the variety of dishes, preference should be given to fish and meat dishes – the hallmark of Andalusia. As a delicious souvenir, you can buy a piece of ham and a bottle of local cider.

Ресторани в Сьєрра-Неваді

Як і на будь-якому іншому курорті, в Сьєрра-Неваді важливо знати, де можна поїсти. Ресторанів в Сьєрра-Неваді чимало, адже потік туристів тут величезний. Можна без проблем скористатися послугами ресторанів готелів – судячи з відгуків про ресторанах в готелях Сьєрра-Невади, це відмінний вибір.

Одними з кращих ресторанів і кафе Сьєрра-Невади вважаються заклади, розташовані безпосередньо на високогірних станціях. Такі як ресторан Alcazaba на станції Боррегілес. Вся справа в чудовому краєвид з вікон цих ресторанів, прекрасно поєднується з відмінною кухнею.

Ресторан Alcazaba

Серед недорогих ресторанів Сьєрра-Невади можна назвати Snowpeople. Обід тут вам обійдеться від 4 до 10 EUR. В середньому ж ціни в ресторанах і кафе Сьєрра-Невада знаходяться в межах від 20 до 25 EUR.

Чим можна зайнятися на Сьєрра Неваді: влітку, взимку, восени

Туризмом і альпінізмом

В першу чергу туристам пропонується сходження на найвищу гору країни – пік Муласен (3 478 метрів над рівнем моря). Якщо піднятися вище, то можна розгледіти в мареві на горизонті береги Африки. Та й в принципі гори – одні з найвищих в Євразії, з будь-якої точки огляду відкриваються такі панорами, що захоплює дух.

Катанням на гірських лижах

Тут обладнані ідеально підготовлені траси для фрістайлу, слалому, сноуборду, хафпайпу, могулу. Вночі кататися теж можна: освітлення чудове! Не вмієте кататися? Тут є гірськолижні школи, а також пункти прокату спортивного інвентарю. А якщо ви приїхали з дітьми, покататися можна ще і на санках, балонах і навіть на собачій упряжці.

Політати на дельтаплані

Цей екстрим не для слабких духом, але зате ви побачите чудові пейзажі, просторі панорами, вдихнете повітря справжньої свободи.

Сходити на дискотеку і потанцювати від душі

Відвідати численні ресторани і кафе

Не варто рахувати калорії, ви їх все одно витратите під час прогулянок – годують тут так, що пальчики оближеш.

Відвідати Альгамбру

Чи варто їхати в Гранаду, якщо не побувати в ньому – стародавньому зодческому комплексі. Він розташовується не в самих горах, але зовсім недалеко. Альгамбра – це мавританська фортеця, в якій жили члени мусульманської династії Насрідов. Це була і резиденція, і форпост, і цілий старовинний «кондомініум» з парками, садами, фонтанами, шикарними житловими просторами, складами, будинками для прислуги і так далі. Комплекс підтримується в чистоті, за ним ретельно доглядають. Тут дуже красиво і є, де прогулятися і що подивитися.

Викупатися в термальних джерелах Alhama De Granada

Підлікуватися або просто насолодитися комфортними послугами в готелі – наприклад, в курортній зоні Balneario Alhama De Granada (Бальнеаріо Алама-де-Гранада).

Дістатися до обсерваторії, розташованої на північному схилі Сьєрра-Невади на висоті трохи більше 2 800 метрів і подивитися на зірки.

Оскільки гірський масив є унікальним заповідником, для біологів, зоологів і взагалі допитливих туристів тут справжнє роздолля. З 2 100 видів рослин – 70 унікальних ендеміків. Безліч птахів – орлів, сапсанів, соколів, тварин – лисиць, куниць, гірських козлів … Багато звіряток не дуже побоюються туристів, і їх можна побачити в достатній близькості.

Влаштувати шопінг, наприклад, в селище Тревеласу, де готують чудовий хамон. Ну, а сувенірів тут можна накупити буквально всюди, і це не тільки магнітики і статуетки!

Іншими словами, ви не пошкодуєте, що побували в Сьєрра-Неваді. Адже краще гір можуть бути тільки гори …