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 Monachil, Guejar Sierra and Dilar near Granada´s Costa Tropical (100 km.) and the Costa del Sol (150km.). The resort´s village, Pradollano is at an altitude of 2,100 meters.
Ski Courses and Lifts
Sierra Nevada´s ski courses have been designed by European and American specialists, guaranteeing superb conditions for the skier. With a total of 61 kilometers spread over 39 runs, plus 6 sensational off-course trails, Sierra Nevada offers the visitor a wide choice of activities.
Sierra Nevada has a vertical drop of 1,300 meters, and snow areas for all types of skiers, from beginners to experts. The highlights of its courses were
those used in the World Alpine Ski Championships held in February 1996, which more adventurous skiers will be able to enjoy this season.
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-Andalus and Borreguiles gondolas, and the Genil and Jara chairlifts.
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 night time skiing.
Ski Area Services
A major investment has been made in the resort´s snow-making system, considered Spain´s largest and one of Europes best such facilities. Even in the case of a complete lack of snowfall, Sierra Nevada has guaranteed the opening of the resort thanks to its excellent snow-making system.
Recently the system was expanded in the upper part of the El Zorro ski course. The number of guns were also doubled. Currently, Sierra Nevada has 200 cannons, 13 low pressure and 187 high pressure units producing 1,940 cubic meters of snow per hour, alonf 22 linear kilometers 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 beforethe public opening and closing. The ski area 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 apre ski activities. The following schools are located in Borreguiles, near the beginners area: Escuela Española de Esqui, Escuela Oficial de Esqui and Escuela Internacional.
Sierra Nevada also provides ski rental services. Located in the Al-Andalus 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.
Night Skiing
One of the Sierra Nevada´s most exciting features, night skiing was introduced in 1994 with lighting along the El Rio slope (3km/545 vertical drop)
and for the first time this year, the Slalom course (1,100m vertical drop).
Skiing and lift schedules are established according to the time of sunset. However, a minimum of an extra two hours of skiing will be available along a freshly groomed course.
Snowboarding
Sierra Nevada is Spain´s pioneer resort in snowboarding. The sport has gained in popularity and the resort, which provides its fans with ideal conditions, is working to promote this new discipline. An on-slope half pipe is being built for surfers, this will be available depending on snow conditions.
Specialised snowboarding shops and schools are also available in the resort.
In addition to alpine skiing and snowboarding, Sierra Nevada offers many other winter spotrs including cross-country skiing, artistic skiing (ballet, jumps, moguls), telemark skiing, trekking and adventure skiing.
Pradollano - The resort village
Sierra Nevada´s village area has been greatly enhanced thanks to the construction of new alpine-style buildings and the environmental embellishment programme. One of the villages most important features is the four-storey underground parking complex with a capacity of 2,880 vehicles.
Pradollano offers a variety of services including quality hotels in a range of categories which include jacuzzi, squash, workout areas, sauna, indoor swimming pools, convention and meeting rooms; ski lodges; apartments for sale and rental; restaurants featuring local Andalusian and international cuisine; tearooms; sundecks; crepe and croissant shops; night clubs, pubs and bars, discotheques etc.
Sierra Nevada provides excellent customer service to guarantee its visitors and especially pleasant stay. A new medical centre, child day-care centre, banks with ATM´s, supermarkets, sports and fashion boutiques, gift shops, magazine and newspaper kiosks, ski rental, photo-developing services, hairdressers, car rental, taxi service, pharmacy, church services, among others are available at the resort.
