Sierra Nevada, located in the Andalusia region of southern Spain, is renowned for being Europe’s southernmost ski resort and one of its highest. The ski domain centres on the Veleta Peak (3,282 m / 10,768 ft), from which you can sometimes spot the Mediterranean Sea—and even the coast of Morocco on exceptionally clear days.
As one of the best known ski resorts in Spain, Sierra Nevada with roughly 320 days of sunshine a year, offers a unique blend of Spanish culture, spectacular views, and diverse ski terrain. This guide covers everything you need to plan your perfect Sierra Nevada ski holiday—from its ski area and terrain to dining, après-ski, and key travel tips.
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Sierra Nevada sits in the Penibaetic mountain range, about 78 km (48 miles) from Granada and roughly an hour’s drive from the Mediterranean coast.
Nearest airport
Transfer time
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Spectacular views | Visibility can suffer in bad weather |
| High-altitude domain | Expert terrain is limited |
| Easy access from Granada | Weekend queues can form at key lifts |
| Modern lift infrastructure | Lack Alpine charm |
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The main beginner area is at Borreguiles (~2,700 m), ensuring spectacular mountain views from day one. Wide, gentle greens form an interconnected network, ideal for learning and gaining confidence. The ski schools have English-speaking instructors, and snowmaking ensures decent coverage in the nursery zones.
Intermediates have a superb range of runs, including many blues and reds branching off from Borreguiles. One standout is the long El Águila red, a 6 km (3.7 miles) descent dropping 1,200 m (3,937 ft), from near Veleta’s summit down to Pradollano. This route offers sweeping panoramic views and intersects with other red pistes, giving you the chance to explore different paths each run.
While Sierra Nevada is popular among families, advanced skiers shouldn’t overlook it. Head to the Laguna de las Yeguas sector (accessed via the Emilio Reyes and Zayas chairs) for steeper reds, fewer crowds, and off-piste pockets. The Telesilla Montebajo chair provides access to a few black and mogul runs, though the black terrain is limited compared to major Alpine resorts.
Boarders enjoy wide pistes across most of the mountain, along with plenty of natural hits. Freestylers flock to Sulayr Superpark in the Loma de Dílar sector, accessible via the Jara chairlift. Equipped with jumps, rails, boardercross, and a halfpipe, it’s one of Spain’s premier freestyle venues.
The ski season in Sierra Nevada for 2024/25 began on December 13th and is expected to run until April 27th, although the official closing date has yet to be confirmed. If you're planning a ski holiday this winter, be sure to explore our Sierra Nevada deals for the best ski offers available.
Sierra Nevada offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 10 cm (3.93 in) and 11 cm (4.33 in) of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 1.3 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly increases to 13 cm (5.11 in) and occurs more frequently, averaging 2.0 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the first week of March, traditionally the snowiest week in Sierra Nevada, with an impressive 23 cm (9.05 in) of snow over 2.5 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days—when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 11 cm (4.33 in) of snow over 1.9 days, perfect for softer snow under brighter skies.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 10 cm/3.93 in | 1.3 days |
| January | 11 cm/4.33 in | 1.6 days |
| February | 13 cm/5.11 in | 2.0 days |
| March | 16 cm/6.29 in | 2.4 days |
| April | 11 cm/4.33 in | 1.9 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
Sierra Nevada may not be the largest resort in Europe, but it’s home to a pleasing variety of dining options—from quick-service kiosks to restaurants offering signature cuisine and panoramic views of the slopes. Expect plenty of Spanish and international flavours, with an emphasis on hearty mountain fare and family-friendly menus. Highlights include:
Sierra Nevada’s après-ski scene revolves around Spanish terrace culture—think wine, tapas, and relaxed conversation in the late afternoon. By about 5–8 pm, a lively buzz fills the plazas, especially if the sun is out. Later on, things shift to a more traditional Spanish evening vibe, with dinner often starting around 9 pm or later. Après-ski highlights include:
Download Sierra Nevada resort map here
