Skiing Holidays

Sierra Nevada is located in the Penibetic mountain range in Andalucia. It is Europe’s southernmost ski resort and is endowed with the Iberian peninsula’s highest summits. The resort is situated in the municipalities of Monichil, Guejar Sierra and Dilar near Granada’s Costa Tropical (100km) and the Costa Del Sol (150km). The resort’s village, Pradollano is at an altitude of 2,100 metres.

Sierra Nevada’s ski courses have been designed by European and American specialists, guaranteeing superb conditions for the skiers, from beginners to experts. The highlights of its courses were those used in the World Alpine Ski Championships held in February 1996. Also with the new chairlift to replace the Montebajo lift, overall skier carrying capacity is increased to 31,965 passengers per hour, made possible by a total of 19 lifts; 2 gondolas, 12 chairlifts (four of which are detachable) and 5 ski lifts. Four of these provide direct access to the ski area, the Al-Andalas and the Borreguiles gondolas, and the Genil and Jaras chairlifts.

There are two crèches available which you can place your child in whilst you ski. These crèches are run by professionals and have been trained to European child care standards. The first crèche is situated in the village and accepts babies up to the age of three. The second crèche is at the top of the gondola and accepts children from the age of three to the age of eight. These are very popular and we suggest early booking to avoid disappointment.

Ski lifts are open to the public from 09.00hrs – 16.30hrs daily; however, weather conditions may affect lift schedules. Lifts are also open Friday and Saturday evenings for floodlit nighttime skiing.

A major investment has been made in the resort’s snowmaking system, considered Spain’s largest and one of Europe’s best such facilities. Even in the case of a complete lack of snowfall, Sierra Nevada has a guaranteed opening of the resort thanks to its excellent snowmaking system.

Recently the system has expanded in the upper part of the El Zorro ski course. The number of guns was also doubled. Currently, Sierra Nevada has 200 cannons, 13 low pressure and 187 high-pressure units producing 1,940 cubic metres of snow per hour, along 22 liner kilometres and 14 runs.

Also the grooming machinery has been updated and is operated by 16 units, which operate around the clock. Snow conditions may vary depending on snowfall, but Sierra Nevada is famous for its snow grooming.

Professional rangers or monitors are located throughout the snow area. Part of their job is to examine the slopes before the public opening and closing. The ski crew uses snowmobiles for rapid transportation and its members are trained to give first aid in the case of emergency.

Four on-slope quality restaurants are available and there are a number of ski schools offering weekly courses and après-ski activities. The following schools are located in Borreguiles, near the beginner/s area: Escuela Espanola de Esquil, Escuale Official de Esqui and Escuela Internacional.

Sierra Nevada also provides ski rental services. Located in the Al-Adalus upper gondola station is the Rossignol Test Centre where one will find sunscreen, sunglasses, ski rental, a checkroom for storing personal objects and the famous Rossignol brand skis. A unique way to enjoy the snow in the resort is to take a dog-sled ride.

Finally, a skier information centre is located in Borreguiles in the control tower (Torre de Control) where the ski area crew may be notified in case of emergency.

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