When I think about Spain, skiing is not the first thing that would cross my mind. However, sitting at 3,479 metres above the sea level, the Sierra Nevada Granada mountain range in Spain is one of Europe’s most southerly ski resorts. So why not try it out? It has been a year since my last skiing trip in Eastern Europe. I needed to improve my skiing.
In addition, it was nice to be back in Granada again!
Sierra Nevada Granada
Where to go? Just below the peak of Sierra Nevada, at the foot of the slopes is Pradollano, a resort village at 2100m above sea level. There you can find parking, ski rentals, shops, restaurants and a few hotels.
I considered staying up there for my skiing days, but instead decided to base myself at the bottom of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Just at the start of the A-395 that leads to Pradollano. I didn’t mind the easy 25min drive up and down the mountain each day. Also, parking cost me approx. 13 Euro per day, so all up, it was cheaper than a hotel in Pradollano. And I was more flexible on things to do around Granada after my daily skiing.
going to the top
Skiing in Sierra Nevada
The Sierra Nevada Granada ski resort is one of the sunniest resorts in Europe, so the days on top of the mountain were glorious. Especially after the fresh snow drop, the view was just breathtaking.
And, after exploring the area, hiring my ski equipment and getting a pass for five days, it was finally time to get on the lifts and ski.
What a set up the ski resort is. With approx. 20 lifts available and plenty of slopes to choose from, plus me skiing during the week (I waited until the weekend crowd left), the line up to the lifts was never too long nor overcrowded. It was perfect! Up and down I went for hours.
Here is the official trail map of the skiing in Sierra Nevada.
the peak 
It took a bit to refresh my knowledge and warm up my legs, but not much could stop me afterwards. I had amazing four days skiing on a variety of different slopes. Not to mention time to improve my skiing skills. I think I have done well.
When you start overtaking other beginners, does it mean you are not a beginner any more? I’d like to think that!
no more a beginner?
Skiing Day 5
Day five was a little bit disappointing. The day started with a thick fog over the mountains that disappeared only after midday. In addition, after no fresh snow for a week, plus rising temperatures, the existing snow was pretty wet and used by then.
I guess the disadvantage of being the ‘most southern’ ski resort is the warmer climate, so the snow melts pretty quickly. And although the ski resort has plenty of snow making machines, less snow means less lifts and slopes are open which also means that everybody is skiing around the same area. It can get very crowded (especially with the new weekend crowd arriving).
So, after waiting for 30min to get on the lifts, to ski down 10min, I decided to leave early.
I had a great time skiing in Sierra Nevada Granada but it was time to go. Back towards Altea and warm coastal temperatures.
My Skiing Tip for you
Although Sierra Nevada is a tall mountain, the snow situation can be a hit and miss. So, if you can, wait for a snow drop and then plan your skiing trip. Be aware that the snow can melt pretty quickly, so enjoy the skiing the first few days (3 or even 4) and then take it day by day. Personally given. My experience, I’d rather come for shorter skiing trips (avoiding the weekend crowds) but then come more often if given the opportunity.
Given the overall skiing variety and the resort set up I highly recommend skiing in Sierra Nevada. I will be back! Maybe even in summer for some hiking?
See all my other activities in the past few years here!
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