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Dreamland & the Snow Garden

Located in Borreguiles at the top of the first "Magic Carpet" conveyer belt (to the right as you walk out of the Al-Andalus gondola building), "Dreamland" and the "Jardin Alpino" is a collaborated effort between the largest ski schools; Escuela Oficial de Esqui, Escuela Española de Esqui & Escuela Internacional de Esqui. It caters for over 40 children from three years and above (out of nappies), opening from 10:00 - 16:00, seven days a week.

The "Dreamland" package includes use of a spacious enclosed area allocated outside the "Jardin Alpino" and is equipped with four "magic carpet" conveyor-belt lifts. If the child enters equipped with skis and boots and the weather conditions are favourable, the staff (not necessarily certified instructors) will accompany your children in gentle descents within this area.

Note: This is not tuition but more a gentle introduction and guidance for those who have never been on skis before.

As it is located in the central ski area, it allows parents to ski to and from it at any time without having to ski back down into the village itself. Children who go up without ski equipment will only need a cabin lift pass. Those taking equipment will need a full ski pass.

The prices for Winter 2008/9 (food not included) are:

To prebook your child/ren into the snow garden, please download a booking form here and fax back as indicated.

Crèche

The resort crèche caters for younger children from 4 months to 7 years. It has a maximum capacity of 25 children so pre-booking is recommended particularly during high season. Conveniently located at the base of the Al-Andalus gondola in the resort village, the opening hours run from 9am to 5pm, 7 days a week. Some English spoken.

Rates for Winter 2008/9 (exclusive of 7% VAT charge) are:

The Ice Rink & Mirlo Blanco Activity Zone

This landscaped area is located just beyond the Jara chairlift and down from the Al-Andalus gondola (called Fuente del Mirlo and the "Mirlo Blanco" activity area).

The area comprises a neat setup of different activities for all the family including the ice rink, toboggans, ski-bike, chair-bike, mini-ski, mini- snowboard and the latest addition of a roller- sled, ("Trineo Ruso"), which is a combined bobsled with rollercoaster ride.

A package rate of 15€ per hour allows for unlimited use of all activities.

A single ride on the Roller-Sled costs 3.00€ per person, (minimum two people)

The Ice rink hourly rates run at 7.75€ per adult and 6.75€ per child

Note: The amount of activities possible during a 1 hour period may vary depending on the season and number of people taking part. Queuing may be necessary!

Inner Tubing

Located at the top of the "Magic Carpet" conveyer belt in Borreguiles. This consists of descending a prepared slope, away from the main runs, sat in the middle of a huge inflated inner tube. Pre-booking is not necessary.

Tobogganing

Many shops hire out toboggans/bum-boards which, whilst not allowed on the pistes for obvious safety reasons, can be taken to several areas at the village level. At the top of the village is an area called "Hoya de la Mora" which has a wide expanse available for tobogganing. There are rental huts and coffee stops here too.

Hotels

Some hotels provide facilities such as Kids Clubs & Mini Disco's. You should check at the relevant reception for further details.

Parallel Slalom Course

Once the season gets going a slope is sectioned off in the middle of Borreguiles and a parallel slalom course is created. Race your friends and see who can make it down the quickest without wiping out!

Parking

Three main parking areas are allocated in resort: Plaza de Andalucia; KM 31; and Peñones.

The huge underground car park beneath the "Plaza de Andalucía", central square, (see the above photo) holds a vast parking capacity for 2,644 vehicles. It is excellently linked to the main shops, lifts and lift-pass office. Click here for prices.

The smaller yet convenient open parking area of KM 31 is located just on the approach to the ski village involving a short 10 minute walk to the central sqaures. At 5 euros per day, this is a slightly more economical choice.

The newest parking area of Los Peñones, at the top of the village near the Youth Hostel provides parking for a further 750 cars and a separate area for 100 mobile homes complete with running water and electric power points. For 5 euros per day you can leave you car here and take the 6-seater high speed chairlift "Virgen de las Nieves" up to the pistes if you are a lower intermediate skier or better. For beginner's or less confident skiers, the Parador chairlift transports you down to the central squares and is a short walk (5-10 minutes) down from the parking area. Alternatively the shuttle bus to the central squares also passes by the carpark every 15-20 minutes.

The Virgen de las Nieves chairlift links conveniently to the main ski area thereby saving a trip down into the busy resort village centre. Lift passes may be purchased at this level.

It is worth noting that in spite of the large capacities, the car parks can fill up extremely quickly during high season periods and weekends. During these times it is worth arriving in the resort before 9 am to guarantee a place, (particularly down in the resort village centre).

If you arrive and find the car parks full, then parking is sometimes allowed along sections of the main access road as you enter the resort. The local police are usually present to direct traffic at busy times. Do not try to be clever and park in any little space that appears free unless it is a designated parking area. The police are very quick with the tow truck.

If your car is towed, it is taken to a compound located on the second floor (Level -2) of the underground car park. Fines vary but as a minimum you should expect to pay around 50€ if you are a resident in Spain and as much as 160€ if not. Most hotels have parking facilities nearby.

To avoid paying anything, try driving down through the village towards the mid-zone where the intermediate stop of the Parador chairlift is. Street parking is free in most areas around here.

Rio Sport - Ski / Snowboard Equipment Hire

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Intersport Rio Sport has two shops in the resort. Their main sales outlet is in the gallery beneath the Hotel Mont Blanc, opposite the Melia Sol y Nieve, and their principal rental shop is next to "Pans & Company" sandwich bar, close to the Al-Andalus Gondola entrance in the central square, "Plaza Andalucía", (see the above image).

They provide not only the latest equipment, but pride themselves on keeping it all regularly maintained and offering a professional service to all customers.

Prices are in line with all other collaborating equipment hire establishments, but if you don't mind spending a little extra they have many of the latest and forthcoming ski & snowboard models available for testing.

The British Ski Center operates out of here catering for all English speaking tuition requirements.

The owner is Australian and speaks good English. Most of the staff are English speaking and extremely knowledgeable with experience in equipment hire, fittings & sales of equipment and quality ski clothing. Equipment is available for adults and children alike.

Pre-booking equipment is not something that is practiced in this resort as there is rarely an issue with stock shortages. If you are travelling in high-season periods, it is recommended to obtain your equipment the evening before your first day skiing, (preferably after 6pm), as this will save time in morning queues!

The 2007/8 equipment hire rates were as follows:

There is currently just one place in resort that hires out ski clothing. However, it is highly recommended to do your best to "beg, borrow or steal" clothing before coming out for reasons of expense and also personal comfort. Hire clothing is not always the most apt for certain weather conditions both in terms of water-proofing and insulation.

The shop is located in the Melia Sol y Nieve shopping gallery in the Plaza de Pradollano directly on the corner overlooking the lift pass office and the Plaza de Andalucía.

Their rates are as follows: (Winter 2007/8 rates):

Ski Lockers In Borreguiles

Located in the passageway entrance to the "Borreguiles" cabin lift, (below the control tower), on the slopes in Borreguiles. Lockers are code controlled and can be hired for 15.00€ per day. A locker can be hired for the season at 360.00€. Lockers are large enough to store up to four sets of skis and boots. There is also a place to leave day gear, (coats, backpacks etc.), to the left of the main Borreguiles restaurant building.

Lift Pass Office & Lift Passes

Located in the central square, "Plaza de Andalucia", (see also the above photo), and well marked with the word "TAQUILLAS". You must pass by here to buy your lift pass before going up any lifts. They generally open at 8.30 each morning. You can buy your pass for the next day after 5pm.

Pre-booking your pass may save you money but more importantly it saves you on time, hassle and queueing which may ultimately delay you significantly in getting onto the slopes!!

See here for this seasons rates

You will be charged a refundable 3.00€ per lift pass.

The modern lift pass system works in that you do not have to physically show your pass at every lift. Instead, keep it in a left-hand pocket, zipped up, and it is automatically detected by sensors at each lift which will then allow passage through a turnstyle. Photos are now only required for season passes for which they are equipped with a digital camera that takes your photo there and then. This is then digitally transferred onto your lift pass.

At the end of your stay, there are a number of blue box machines located around the resort and at the lift pass office, whereby upon inserting your lift pass, you will be refunded your 3.00 euros.

The C.A.R.:

Abbreviated for "Centro de Alto Rendimiento", this high altitude training centre is equipped with some of the most technologically advanced facilities in sport fitness. Including a full sized olympic pool, 400m running track, extensive gymnasium and sports halls, athletes from around the world visit here particularly during the summer months to train for their various competitions. Special permits are required for access.

The Montebajo Sports Club:

Located in the Plaza de Andalucia square near to the Al-Andalus Gondola, overlooking the valley down towards Granada, this sports club is open to the public on a daily.

You will find a well equipped gymnasium, swimming pool and sports hall including full services of massage, physio, sauna, solarium etc. Prior booking may be necessary during busy periods.

Facilities include saunas, solariums, turkish baths, swimming pools and massages. Rates can be obtained from the relevant receptions.

Shopping

Plenty of ski shops are to be found both in the Pradollano and Andalucia Squares. Although similar in nature of their wares, you should be able to get some good deals on ski equipment and clothing. There are plenty of supermarkets in the resort.

Internet

Located at the Hotel Ziryab in the central square, "Plaza Andalucia", overlooking the valley. The cyber cafe is called "Explora2" and opens daily from 14.30 to 21.00. Payment is made on either a pay as you go format whereby every 15 minutes spent costs 1€, or, by pre-paying on an hourly basis costing 3.60€ per hour. (Rates quoted from Winter 2006-7).

Restaurants

Countless restaurants are to be found all over the resort. Catering for a variety of tastes you will find the majority range from traditional Spanish and Italian to Alpine Fondues and Raclette cuisine. As yet there are no Chinese or Indian restaurants here.
Prices are reasonable and the atmosphere friendly. Popular restaurants are Floren Pizzeria, Midas, Fromagerie, La Carigüela, Tito Luigi Pizzeria. For that extra special occasion when you don't mind splashing out a little, you may wish to try the delicate cuisine of the Ruta Del Veleta. A hearty snack lunch can also be found at the Crescendo located at the bottom of the pistes between the Genil and Parador chairlifts.

Cinema

Located within the Hotel Telecabina in the central square, Plaza Andalucia. Daily sessions showing fairly recent films. NOTE: All films will be dubbed in Spanish so preferable for those looking at improving their linguistic skills!