Granada Ski Resorts

Granada: High-Altitude Resorts Near The Mediterranean -

The province of Granada is nestled in southern Spain. The capital of the region is the city of Granada which is known for its Moorish palace, the ‘Alhambra', the old Moorish quarter of the Albaicin, the University of Granada, and a vibrant nightlife.

The province is home to Spain's highest mountains and Europe's most southerly skiing in the Sierra Nevada Snowy Mountain Range. Its high altitude and close proximity to the Mediterranean offers a winning combination of reliable snowfall and plenty of sunshine.

The popular ski area of Sierra Nevada (2100-3300 metres) is suitable for all levels of skier. Its 95 kilometres of pistes are overlooked by the glacier of Veleta (3398 metres). The slopes offer a maximum vertical of 1200 metres and are served by 27 lifts. Ski lifts in the resort are open 9 a.m until 4 p.m daily and also on Friday and Saturday night for floodlit skiing. Total lift capacity is 31.965 people per hour.

Sierra Nevada was the chosen location for the World Alpine Ski Championships in February 1996. It is also home to four kilometres of cross-country skiing and a snowpark featuring a halfpipe, full range of jumps and rails, and a small lift. There is also a choice of four ski schools with instructors fluent in English and Spanish.

The Sierra Nevada ski area is just an hour's drive from the Mediterranean beaches. The highest peaks are the Mulhacen (3482 metres) and the Valeta (3392 metres). The winter season lasts from the end of November until May.

The high altitude of Sierra Nevada offers reliable snowfall, but there are also snow cannons lining the pistes to guarantee consistent snow cover. Ski pass prices in Sierra Nevada are cheaper than in the Pyrenees at €32.50 per adult, per day.

The capital of the Sierra Nevada ski area is Pradollano (2100 metres). The resort boasts a wide choice of accommodation including hotels, apartments, and holiday houses. you'll also find plenty of bars, eateries, nightclubs, banks, supermarkets, and sports and fashion boutiques in and around the main plaza. Pradollano's main plaza also offers striking views across the snowy peaks and valleys.

The province of Granada has its own airport and a number of budget airlines fly here. Other nearby airports include Malaga and Seville. Visitors driving up to the village of Pradollano should drive slowly as the narrow mountain roads can get very icy.