During summer, visitors come to Sierra Nevada, the vast mountain range of Sierra Nevada, to escape the unrelenting heat. Narrow mountain roads wind and climb upwards to the charming south facing villages of the renowned Alpujarras. The higher one goes the more refreshing it gets, thanks to snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada that filters through foothills, filling streams, rivers and ancient irrigation systems that date back over a millennium to when the Moors and Moriscos once lived in these mountains.
Winter wonderland
Yet it is when temperatures plunge that the north facing slopes of these majestic mountains attract lovers of ski and boarding. This is when Sierra Nevada becomes an unprecedented playground for winter sports. The cliché goes that you can be skiing in the morning and enjoying a beachside cocktail in the evening on the magical Costa Tropical with its privileged climate that is the best in Europe.
But the truth is, once you have reached the peaks of the Sierra Nevada, and the southernmost ski station in Europe, there are very few reasons to leave.
Little wonder, as this mountain resort boasts the largest ski area in southern Europe, with 110 km of pistes, including 19 green (beginner), 41 blue (intermediate), 50 red (advanced) and 8 black (expert), as well as the highest and most exciting on the Iberian Peninsula, at an altitude of thousands of metres. There are family-friendly runs too and a beautiful ski school area, while for boarders, the Snow Park is superb.
Sierra Nevada has the highest point of the Spanish mainland, the distinctive crest of the Pico del Veleta summit at 3,479 metres, towering over this welcoming, sunny ski destination.
One of the greatest qualities of this sparkling winter wonderland is its relaxing unpretentious vibe. Even if you’re not an accomplished skier or adrenalin hungry boarder, there’s always a wealth of fun and excitement to be enjoyed.
Sierra Nevada boasts 110 km of pistes.
Beyond skiing
The Mirlo Blanco snow park has been designed for all the family, a place to enjoy the snow without putting on your skis or strapping on a board.
Take to the mountain bobsleigh roller coaster, that makes you feel like you are flying over the snow…as you enjoy banked curves and straights with the all the exhilaration of an Olympic athlete.
Every season there are new innovations, and activities, whether it’s the chance to have a day behind the wheel of a high-performance sports car, relishing driving lessons on ice and snow, or a nature hike through the mountains learning to trail like a pro, recognising wildlife footprints, winter birdlife and enjoying views of the snow-dusted pines.
Après ski
As the sun sets behind the glistening peaks, the best après ski in Spain welcomes you with the pulsating beats of world-renowned DJs, signature cocktails and intoxicating views.
Then after a gourmet dinner at the best pizza joint in town or on the terrace of a fancy 5-star hotel, walk out onto the crisp powder and look up, you’ll enjoy some of the finest star gazing in Europe!
Sierra Nevada is a magical winter destination, and below the magnificent snowcapped peaks of the Sierra Nevada, is the vibrant university city of Granada. This ancient city is home to one of the wonders of the world, the Alhambra, a remarkable citadel that was once the palace of the last Moorish sultanate in Europe. This is a city of lively tapas cuisine and captivating history, that together with the winter sports of Sierra Nevada, makes for a compelling visit of snow and culture.
