The Sierra Nevada Ski Resort, the only ski resort in Andalucia |
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Skiing in Andalucia - Sierra Nevada
The length of the ski season varies according to weather conditions, but typically runs from late November to late April.
Opened: Sat 30th November 2024 (Tourism) and Fri 13th December (Ski Runs).
Closes: Last Sunday in April.
Was extended to 4 May 2025.
Sierra Nevada, the only ski resort in Andalucia, and Europe's southernmost is located at Pradollano in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, about 30 km south-east of Granada city. Sierra Nevada is also the name of a large National Park which is popular with walkers and tourists, especially in the summer months. Read more about the Sierra Nevada Natural Park. This page refers to Sierra Nevada as a ski resort and catch up with the Ski News.
The Sierra Nevada ski resort features ski chalets, hotels and apartments ideal for anyone looking for a ski or snowboarding holiday. A visit can be combined with a trip to Granada city and the famous Alhambra Palace. This is Europe's most southerly ski resort, and it is small in comparison to other European resorts. Sierra Nevada is at higher altitude, and the air temperature is warmer than most other winter sports resorts in Spain. There is also active nightlife in the resort, more in tune with Andalucia than with other European ski resorts. The facilities are considered first-class and it has hosted numerous national and international ski and snowboard events. Read the history of this resort and the latest ski news.
The following links offer Live Snow report, Check which pistas (runs) are open and view Live Webcams at the Sierra Nevada resort.
2024/5 Season
The Sierra Nevada ski runs opened on the 13th December 2024 two weeks after the official opening of the resort on 30th Novemmber 2025. On the opening weekend there was access for 3,500 skiers or snowboarders to 8 ski runs totalling 5.6km. These opened thanks to snowfall in the previous week and low temperatures enabling the snow cannons to operate. Ski mountaineering was not allowed on the El Río piste.
The snow activities for tourists, which had been operating next to the Borreguiles, were moved to the Mirlo Blanco complex in Pradollano. The Parador chairlift, which runs through the Pradollano development, started operating on the 14th December 2024.
The 2024/2025 ski season was extended for a week to Sunday 4th May 2025.
Tickets for activities in Sierra Nevada
Buy tickets for activities in Sierra Nevada
Family ski lessons
An instructor's guidance is very important when you first learn to ski with your family, to ensure you have the correct technique right from the start. If you do not learn with a professional, and you and your kids fall over or lose control on the slopes, you may become discouraged. In fact, if you have an overwhelmingly negatyive experience, you might never try again. However if you are taught as a family by a skiing instructor from the beginning, you will probably learn fast and enjoy this exhilirating sport with its beautiful landscapes and clean, fresh air. You will spend an unforgettable family day, with the instructor guiding you for two hours so that you can then practise what you have learned for the rest of the day.
Nightlife at the resort
There is an active nightlife in the Sierra Nevada resort. Spaniards have a reputation for being night owls due to living in a hot climate that encourages people to lie low during the day and come out only once the cool of the evening has set in. However, the winter scene at Sierra Nevada shows that they're always up for a party, whatever the weather.
Who goes to Sierra Nevada?
Most skiers and visitors to Sierra Nevada come from Spain - mainly Madrid and the cities of Andalucía. According to the statistics from 2018/2019, over 90 per cent of those using the facilities at the ski station were Spanish. Out of the foreigners skiing in Sierra Nevada, 62 per cent were British.
When to go
You should plan your ski holiday in Sierra Nevada carefully: be aware that children in Malaga province have the last week of February off school, nominally to enjoy the snow and go skiing, which is why it's called "White Week" (Semana Blanca). Most children don't actually go skiing, but February is reported to be one of the busiest months, so beware. Also, as would be expected other peak times are Christmas holidays and Easter week. Bank holidays are particularly busy, and weekends, especially after a snowfall.
Getting to Sierra Nevada Ski Resort
The Sierra Nevada ski resort and ski station are easily accessible from both Granada or Málaga provinces. From Granada, it is 45 minutes by car, or by bus from Granada´s Estacion de Autobuses just south-east of Granada city. Sierra Nevada ski resort is about one hours drive from Granada Airport. More>
Arrival at Sierra Nevada Ski Resort
After climbing the mountain road (A-395) from Granada, you suddenly reach the resort at Pradollano and are confronted with a roundabout showing confusing, bi-directional lane signs. Here is our arrival guide >
Look no further for your snowboarding or ski holiday. Whether it’s a luxury hotel experience or a more budget-conscious skiing holiday deal or package that you prefer, the Sierra Nevada ski resort in southern Spain can provide what you’re after.