Many regard the Sierra Nevada has Spain's best ski resort, based not only on the stunning scenery that awaits snow fans but also the local facilities, type of snow, length of season and affordable holiday accommodation, ski rental, courses and ski passes. At Colorado's Beaver Creek resort a ski pass costs 131 euros per day, in Switzerland's Zermatt resort skiers pay 92.00 euros per day, but in the Sierra Nevada a day ski pass costs just 45.00 euros.
And yet, there's nothing "downmarket" about the place. It's as stylish, romantic and glamorous as Whistler in Canada or Zermatt in Switzerland. There's even an outpost of Marbella Club: at El Lodge wealthy expat skiers with main residences at the Costa del Sol can sip their cocktails before dancing the night away with minor celebrities.
Even hiring skiwear is incredibly good value for money in the Sierra Nevada. It's just 15.00 euros per day, excluding the small helmet supplement. Restaurants are also family-friendly in what they offer on their menus and what they charge, unlike French resorts like Val d'Isere.
Charming and genuinely Spanish in Ambience
This is Spain, and the Spanish way of life is to make families feel welcome, give them lots of delicious food and let the alcohol flow at affordable prices. Throughout the Sierra Nevada Ski Station skiers and snowboarders can expect the same "free tapas with your drink" welcome they'd find in the City of Granada, just a short car journey from the snowy pistes.
The close proximity to Granada is in fact what attracts many Spanish and expat buyers to purchase a holiday apartment here. Unlike Canadian, US or many European ski resorts, the Sierra Nevada Ski Station is not isolated. One can ski in the mornings, see the Alhambra in the afternoon and be in time for a swim at Marbella's golden beaches before sitting down for an evening meal.
A pleasant daytime temperature and sunny blue skies, excellent snow conditions, late night skiing and a long season that starts in November and usually lasts at least until April, sometimes even until May the following year.
Slopes and Runs designed for Everybody
Boasting 106.8 kms of slopes, the Sierra Nevada Ski Station is just as handy for the Costa Tropical, l just an hour-and-a-half away by car. The slopes are easily accessible from most southern Spanish cities, including the capital Madrid, thanks to nearby Granada Airport, although many Madrid-based skiers come by car, a four-hour drive. The beaches of Nerja are also within a short drive. Seville and Malaga are reached within a couple of hours.
Around 80% of skiers and snowboarders frequenting the slopes of the Sierra Nevada are Spanish, which is why the resort has been able to maintain its authenticity and typical Spanish charm. There's a loyal British following from expats with a permanent or holiday home in Murcia or Alicante, even some Portuguese skiers come year after year.
One of the many reasons for the loyal tourism following are the late-night skiing on Thursdays and 9.00 am to 9.00 pm snow play on weekend during the main season. The magic of the Sierra Nevada is revealed, when the torches are lit and the stars twinkle in the inky skies above.
Most of the 124 runs are at beginner or intermediate level, with 19 green runs, 41 blue one, 50 red and 14 black and orange ones creating a ski resort where everybody can have fun in the snow according to their level of skill and experience.
Even little skiers have their own zones, specially designed for their needs. Toddlers can head to the Alpine Garden or Dreamland and look forward to a fabulous time. There are magic carpet lift, toboggan runs and bike-skiing for non-skiers and fin-loving kids to explore. At Pista del Bosque a series of animal figures seems to wave at passing kid-skiers and at the brand-new Pista del Mar, which lies at the centre of Borreguiles, kids can enjoy participation in a weekly gymkhana, while more experienced snowboarders and skiers test their mettle at
the Sulayr Terrain Park.
Here they'll find 110 different ramps and rails, not to mention the largest ski-jump in Europe for their amusement. At the Loma de Dilar area lurks the biggest permanent half-pipe in Spain, where cross-country skiing and snowboard runs await all those who want to look really cool.
Property in the Sierra Nevada is surprisingly affordable and spacious, when bought 2nd hand. For under 200,000 euros winter sport enthusiasts can buy a 2-bed apartment with spectacular views that would cost them at least twice that in France or Switzerland. It's a genuinely attractive alternative to buying at the busy Costas and a good long-term investment for anyone keen on winter holidays.