Sierra Nevada is the most famous ski resort in southern Spain and one of the sunniest resorts in Europe. Here, it is easy to combine skiing and snowboarding with trips around Andalusia: snow and mountains in the morning, tapas, the ancient streets of Granada or even the sea in the evening.
The resort is suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers: a long season, a wide selection of slopes, modern infrastructure and a very warm, ‘Spanish’ holiday atmosphere.
📍 How to get to Sierra Nevada
The most convenient way to get to the resort is by car — this way you can stop at viewing points and small mountain villages.
If you don't have your own car, you can hire a car in Spain and travel to Sierra Nevada in comfort:
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from Granada — approximately 40–50 minutes
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from Malaga — approximately 2–2.5 hours
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from Madrid — 4–5 hours (by car or train to Granada + bus to the resort)
If you don't want to drive yourself, you can book a transfer or take an organised tour with a trip up into the mountains.
❄️ Ski season in Sierra Nevada and weather
The season here is one of the longest in Spain:
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beginning — end of November or December
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end — April, sometimes even May
Best months for skiing:
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December
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January
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February
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March
Sierra Nevada is often referred to as a ‘skiing + sunscreen’ resort. There are many sunny days, and the quality of the snow is maintained by both natural precipitation and an artificial snowmaking system.
🏔 Main features of the resort
Below is key information that tourists look for before travelling.
Sierra Nevada in numbers:
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maximum height — about 3,300 m
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The altitude of the resort area is 2,100–2,200 metres.
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elevation difference — approximately 1,200 m
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trail length — over 100 km
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lifts — about 20
This is one of the highest mountain resorts in Europe, so the views here are truly impressive.
⛷ Sierra Nevada slopes: who is the resort suitable for?
The resort is large, with several skiing areas and a significant elevation difference. The slopes are suitable for everyone:
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total beginners
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families with children
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confident enthusiasts
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experienced skiers and snowboarders
Working:
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schools and children's areas
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instructors
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equipment rental points
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café on the slopes
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snow park
Number of ski runs by difficulty level
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🟢 green — about 20, for beginners and children
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🔵 blue — about 40, beginner and intermediate level
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🔴 red — about 40, for confident skiers
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⚫ black — 7–9, for experienced skiers
The numbers change slightly from season to season — this is normal for mountain resorts.
🎿 Ski pass prices in Sierra Nevada
Approximate daily prices:
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adults — ~55–70 €
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children — ~35–45 €
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pensioners and privileged categories — ~45–55 €
The cost depends on:
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season
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day of the week
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holidays
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promotions
Before travelling, it is best to check the current prices on the resort's official website.
Accommodation & Where to Stay in Sierra Nevada
The choice of where to stay depends on your budget, how easy it is to get to the slopes, and how much time you are willing to spend travelling.
🏔 Comfortable but more expensive accommodation in Pradollano
This is the main centre of the resort and the most convenient option for skiing.
Why you should choose:
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hotels and apartments right next to the ski lifts
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minimum transfer — left the hotel and went straight to the slopes
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a wide selection of restaurants, bars, and rental services
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there are spa complexes and wellness hotels
Cons:
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prices are higher, especially during the high season
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noisier, lots of people and nightlife
Suitable for those who want maximum convenience and skiing without unnecessary logistics.
💸 Budget accommodation in Pradollano (a little further from the slopes)
Here you can find:
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apartments within walking distance of the ski lifts
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small family hotels
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options without mountain views and with simpler furnishings
Pros:
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cheaper than hotels at the foot of the slopes
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you live at a holiday resort anyway
Cons:
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Sometimes it is necessary to use the ski bus or walk uphill
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less services in the hotels themselves
Suitable for those who want to live in a resort but save money.
🚌 Accommodation away from the slopes (villages and surrounding areas)
These are small settlements along the road to the resort.
Advantages:
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lowest prices
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calm atmosphere
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a good option for travelling in a group
Disadvantages:
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need a car
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dependence on weather and road conditions
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no resort infrastructure nearby
Suitable for those who plan to rent a car and are not afraid of the road.
🌆 Accommodation in Granada — affordable and with the atmosphere of the city
An excellent option if you want to combine downhill skiing and sightseeing.
Pros:
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significantly cheaper than at a resort
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a huge selection of hotels and apartments
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restaurants with Andalusian cuisine, tapas bars, Alhambra, old town
Cons:
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The journey to the mountains takes approximately 45–50 minutes.
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every day you have to get to the slopes
Suitable for those who do not ride every day or travel with their family.
💡 Useful tips for tourists
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Book your accommodation in advance — January and February are the most popular months
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If possible, go skiing on weekdays — there are fewer people.
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Sunscreen is essential, even in winter.
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Check the condition of the trails before setting off
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The wind is stronger at altitude — bring warm gloves, a warm hat and a scarf
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There may be changes in altitude — drink plenty of water and do not overexert yourself on the first day.
🌍 Things to see near Sierra Nevada
If you want to combine skiing with travelling:
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Granada and the Alhambra Palace
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white villages of Alpujarra
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Costa Tropical coastline
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Malaga and surroundings
This is a rare resort where you can see both mountains and the sea in one day.
🙋♀️ FAQ — Frequently asked questions
When does the season start in Sierra Nevada?
At the end of November or December, lasting until April, sometimes until May.
Is the resort suitable for beginners?
Yes, there are many green and blue slopes, as well as schools and children's areas.
Are there any difficult runs?
Yes, there are black runs and sections with large elevation changes.
Is it possible to go there with children?
The resort is ideal for families: gentle slopes, learning areas, infrastructure.
Is the sea far away?
It takes approximately 1.5–2 hours to reach the coast by car.
⭐ Why choose Sierra Nevada?
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one of the best ski resorts in Spain
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mild climate and lots of sunshine
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runs for all levels
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proximity to Granada and the sea
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long skiing season
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