Sierra Nevada Ski Resort Spain

Sierra Nevada is an absolute skiing surprise package. Not only is it the highest ski resort in Spain, but Sierra Nevada is also the one most likely to achieve the ultimate combination of snow skiing and a trip to the beach all in the same day, in part due to its incredibly long season. The beautiful Spanish city of Granada is just a stone’s throw from the ski resort & adds to the reasons to visit Sierra Nevada during winter (or early Spring as the case may be!).

Skiing & Snowboarding, Lifts & Terrain

The Sierra Nevada ski resort has expansive terrain served by a modern lift system including 2 gondolas & 14 chairlifts. Terrain is all high alpine over 2,100m elevation, assuring the best snow conditions possible, despite its southerly location. The resort's 110km of marked trails include mostly beginner & intermediate terrain on a lusty 1,200m of skiable vertical. Freeride terrain is widespread for anyone willing to explore. The mountain has 15 different ski schools & over 400 ski instructors to cater for the masses. Being quite far south, snow quality can vary, but powder days here are a good as anywhere.

To get a sense of the resort's size, see the Sierra Nevada ski trail map below.

Sierra Nevada Ski Trail Map

Lift Passes

Lift tickets at Sierra Nevada are quite affordable. Prices vary depending on the day of the week, time of year and the age group. As expected, the lowest prices are at the beginning of the season (November & April) and highest prices are during peak demand in the Christmas/New year period.

Where is Sierra Nevada, Spain?

Sierra Nevada ski resort is in Andalusia, southern Spain. The city of Granada is 32km northwest of the resort.

The Granada (GRX) airport (with the grand name of Aeropuerto Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén) is 12km from Granada and receives occasional direct flights from some Europe & UK origins but is generally accessed via domestic flights from Barcelona (BCN) or Madrid (MAD). The Granada airport is 55km (1hr) by road to the ski resort, but only a short taxi ride into the city.

The closest other international airport is Malaga (AGP), 170km (2hr) west of the resort. Anyone from non-European & UK flight origins will still have to travel via either Barcelona or Madrid, so are best to fly to Granada airport.

Search & book airport transfers to Sierra Nevada.

During the ski season, a regular bus service links central Granada to Sierra Nevada 3 or 4 times a day. Cost is around €10 return & tickets can be pre-purchased online or from the Granada bus station. See more information on buses from Granada to Sierra Nevada.

Sierra Nevada & Granada Ski Accommodation

The ski resort has one main village area called Pradollano consisting mainly of slightly dated apartments plus a few hotels Most are reasonably convenient to the lifts (at the top & bottom of the village) & many are ski-in.

Search & book Sierra Nevada ski accommodation.

If one has access to their own transport or is prepared to take the bus to Sierra Nevada, the historic city of Granada makes a wonderful base to take in everything the area has to offer. A wide selection of sensational hotels & apartments overlooking the Alhambra make Granada a ‘must stay’ location during any visit to the region.

Search & book Granada accommodation.

Ski Rentals, Lessons & Guiding

Ski rentals are available through our local partners in the centre of the ski resort at the Pradollano alpine village. Receive a discount when you search & book via the Sierra Nevada Ski & Snowboard Rental link.

Review

The Powderhounds will review Sierra Nevada next season. More info will follow after our visit. Stay tuned for our photos & insights.

See how the rest of the European ski resorts compare on the Europe ski resort ratings page.

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