SIERRA NEVADA

Although we visit rarely, the Sierra Nevada Ski Resort is one of my all-time favourite places in southern Spain. It is the most southerly ski resort in Europe, the only one with sea views and strangely enough has the longest season starting in November and usually finishing in May!

The Sierra Nevada mountain range rises to an impressive altitude of more than 10,000ft from the plains of the ancient Moorish city of Granada. What makes this mountain range even more unique is that from Mount Veleta on a clear day it is possible to see the Mediterranean and even the Atlas mountains of Africa beyond!

As you travel up the mountain, just 30 miles from Granada, the scenery is awesome passing through pine forests and by some very quaint houses, it is not an easily passable road as it twists and turns its way up, so you might have to be patient if stuck in traffic. Also note that the weather can change very quickly up here, so make sure you come prepared, especially in the height of the season.

High season here in the Sierra Nevada is regarded as being every weekend and the Christmas and Easter holiday periods. This is when the volume of traffic is at its greatest both going up and coming back down the mountain.

The Sierra Nevada is the most southerly skiing resort in Europe and boasts Europe’s best artificial snow making machinery whenever real snowfall is poor. This also makes for one of the longest skiing/snowboarding seasons in Europe starting in November right through until late April. Obviously if you are seeking late snow it’s best to check the reports on a daily basis. The town of Prado Llano is purpose built for the skiing and snowboarding that the Sierra Nevada is famous for during the winter period. It is quite a modern town with lots of charm, and although it doesn’t really resemble anything typically Spanish many of the buildings and hotels have adopted quite an alpine feel in their construction all adding to the atmosphere.

The weather in general in southern Spain is a lot warmer than other European skiing destinations, and it is because of this that the snow in the Sierra Nevada tends to fall quite dry due to the lack of humidity in the air.

As well as the obvious skiing and snowboarding here there are many other alpine pursuits that can be done including snow tubing, dog-sledding and snowmobiling.

In the centre of Prado Llano itself you will find lots of shops and boutiques all selling the latest ski-wear fashions as well as many rental and hire shops; so don’t worry if you arrive here and fancy skiing but don’t have things with you! In the centre square the telecabina has its ticket office too, it is possible to go to the upper ski level and just enjoy the views and have lunch, no need to ski at all. Day and weekly passes can be purchased here.

The many ski schools are located in the centre of town too offering a range of refresher courses, to daily or weekly schools and even weekend schooling. There are more than 10 official schools with over 300 instructors. Most schools offer tuition in languages other than Spanish, but it is wise to check this beforehand. Up on the upper slopes, the layout is such that even a novice skier or snowboarder can get to grips with them after 3 or 4 days of tuition.

Contact the

Spanish Ski School on 958 480 168

The Official Ski School on 958 480 011 or the

International Ski School on 958 480 142 for further information on costs and times.

Next to the main ski-lift terminal in the town centre is the Guardaria Infantil for those parents who wish to take to the slopes minus their loved ones. This nursery is monitored by certified nannies and day-care supervisors and they take babies as young as 4 months. You can arrange care by the hour, half day, full day or even 5 day package!

Call 958 481 081 for up to date prices and information.

For kids aged from 3-6 years (potty trained) there is The Alpine Garden Dreamland again situated by the telecabin terminal. Here the children can have basic skiing lessons as well as supervised snow play.

Call 902 70 80 90 for information.

Take the telecabina to the upper slopes and you could well be forgiven in thinking you were in an alpine hideaway! With a couple of buffet style restaurants and fast food outlets, it is quite easy to stay up here all day just enjoying the views!

The resort itself has 36 slopes on which to ski or snowboard on, for those adventurous few there are a half dozen off-piste runs, a couple of cable cars, 10 chairlifts and 7 ski lifts.

The resort of Prado Llano is compact so the après-ski is fantastic with the many bars and clubs surrounding the main square getting busy very quickly at the end of a day as the crowds come down the mountain.

There are many eateries here from cafes and bars to restaurants and clubs and there really is something for anyone on any budget. The same has to be said for the accommodation too, from the 2 star hostels to the 4 star luxury hotels with great amenities.

Another option for nightlife or accommodation is of course the city of Granada 30 minutes drive away, although weather conditions should be heeded for travelling back up the mountain late at night.

Out of season this part of the Sierra Nevada offers a fantastic opportunity for those interested in local flora and fauna. It is possible to go trekking on the many trails all over the mountains either by foot or on horse-back, or indeed mountain biking. There are also rivers to fish in…lots of outdoor pursuits.

For more in-depth tourist information call 958 223 527 for news on the area and the resort of Prado Llano in the Sierra Nevada in Spain.