What to do in Sierra Nevada

Located just 50 km from the warm waters of the Spanish Mediterranean, Sierra Nevada is the most southern ski resort in Europe. Who would think you could ski that close to the beach!

Located in Granada and partially in Andalusia, Sierra Nevada is the second highest mountain massif in all Western Europe. 3,482 meters, the Mulhacén Peak’s summit you will find its highest point. Since 1986, Sierra Nevada is part of UNESCO’s Biosphere Reserves, and since 1999 it is considered a National Park.

The ski resort at Sierra Nevada is the region’s best known spot. Located 31 km from provincial capital Granada, the resort has 124 drawn slopes that vary in level. Sierra Nevada boasts the highest skiable drop in Spain at 1200 meters on which skiers from around the globe love come to enjoy because of its sunny weather, averaging 80% days of sunshine during the season.

The over 100 km of skiable slopes are mostly located on the northern part of the Veleta Mountain (Spain’s third highest peak). There, skiers of all levels can benefit from the pow-pow and the warm sun rays. Also around the resort, exciting back-country skiing areas are available, so experienced skiers can challenge the mountain and get their hearts pumping! For those who wish to enjoy the snow in a more natural way, snowshoeing and cross-country ski trails allow glide away from the hustle and bustle of the slopes.

The feeling you get when seeing the ocean from a snowy mountain is unbelievable. If you are lucky enough to have clear skies, you can experience this during a paragliding flight over Sierra Nevada. Imagine the liberty of floating on air and seeing the white covered mountains under you and the ocean on the horizon! By the way, this is sometimes possible from land at Laguna de las Yeguas and the summit of the Veleta.

What makes the resort even more attractive is Europe's largest freestyle snowboard park, Sulayr. This freestyle park has made Sierra Nevada an authentic snowboard paradise. Having the longest lines in Europe, the park has jumps, halfpipes and around 70 obstacles for you to go crazy on!

During summer, the mountain gets warmer, yet the cool breeze coming from the Mediterranean makes the region a perfect spot for outdoor activities. Climbing the Mulhacén Peak and reaching its summit at 3.482 m you will be able to see across the ocean and have a glimpse of Africa. Parting from a height of 3,025 m, this hike will take you to a trail filled with endemic species of the mountain-island ecosystem, unique in the world.

At the gorge of Rio Verde, near Sierra Nevada, you’ll be able to have you initiation in canyoning and discover what the nooks and crannies of this magical landscape hide. Also, at Rio Genil you can cool off after a day walking in the mountain during a rafting descent. Fed by the Pantano de Iznajar dam and Sierra Nevada’s mountains thaw, Rio Genil offers exhilarating rapids that you will surely appreciate!

If descents and rapids got you motivated, why not try mountain biking? Reaching the summit of Carihuela del Veleta will reward you with the glacial landscape of Sierra Nevada National Park and the town of Alpujarras’ traditional architecture and gastronomy, just prep your bike and hit the road.

The first name of Sierra Nevada Ski Resort was Solynieve (sun and snow) and you can’t argue it wasn’t adequate!