Initially Spain may not conjure up an image of impressive snow covered mountain peaks catering for one of the world's most exclusive winter sports.
However, as Europe’s second most mountainous country (after Switzerland) it is perhaps less surprising to know that is host to numerous ski resorts dotted throughout the country. Covering the extreme north western coast across and throughout the Pyrenees, beyond Andorra, down to the region of Teruel, (near Barcelona), around Madrid and halting practically on the southern Mediterranean coast at Granada. There is ample choice for anyone looking for the white stuff. With an average altitude of around 800 metres (2,500 ft) above sea-level, it is little wonder that Spain offers a white wilderness during the winter months!
Sierra Nevada defies many concepts associated with skiing. Located at barely a stone’s throw from the Mediterranean coast, it has practically guaranteed sunshine, the best spring snow conditions in Europe and is still reasonably priced compared to many of its European counterparts. As one of Europe's highest resorts it has a typically long season, traditionally opening at the end of November running through to the end of April or even into the first week of May.
Sierra Nevada literally means "Snowy Mountain Range" and includes some of the highest peaks in Europe not to mention the highest concentration of peaks over 3,000m in the country. The Mulhacen at 3,482m is the Iberian Peninsula's highest.
The ski terrain is majestically overlooked by the glacier formed jagged Veleta Peak at 3,398m, Spain's third highest after Aneto (3,404m) in the Pyrenees.
The Sierra Nevada ski resort offers its visitors a wide and ever expanding range of facilities as well as a ski terrain to suit skiers & boarders of all standards. Families will enjoy quality hotel accommodation and children's facilities such as the recently developed Mirlo Blanco recreation zone with activities including Ski Bike, Inner Tubing, Ice Skating and the new “Roller-Sled”. The crèche and Snow Garden are well-run establishments with fully trained staff to look after children up to seven years old.
Getting kitted out and ready for the slopes is made easy by Rio Sport Intersport equipment-hire shop where you will find quality rental equipment and a team of English speaking knowledgeable staff to equip you with the right equipment according to your standard. Beware of street sellers offering cheap equipment hire – the equipment can be poorly maintained and the staff are rarely knowledgeable. Here you will also find theBritish Ski Centerbased for any tuition or guiding requirements you may have. Ask directly for the British Ski Center so as not to be confused with the shop’s own Spanish Ski School.
An important factor that very few resorts are able to boast, is that you are practically guaranteed sunshine throughout your stay! Being so far south the climate is superb for brushing up on the deepest ski tan you are likely to get anywhere!! Visitors are consistently stunned at how the snow lasts during the typically deep blue skied, sun blazoned days.
Much of this is due to the resort organisers working extremely well at preparing the runs each and every night. By packing the snow down, an excellent base can be maintained for several weeks even if it does not snow for prolonged periods. In addition to this, the resort is equipped with one of the most advanced snow making systems in existence. So much so, the resort organisers guarantee skiing here even if it does not snow a single flake.
This has been proven over the past three seasons where early snowfall has been particularly sparse. The winter of 2006/7 was a very difficult year for Europe with little precipitation and when there was any the temperatures were too mild even for the hardiest resorts to use their snow-making facilities. Sierra Nevada however proved its worth due to its altitude, which offers temperatures low enough for the cannons to work. The resort was proud to announce itself as the first resort to open in Europe (except of course for the higher glacier resorts).
In spite of the sunshine, when in the mountains bad weather can always happen, so be sure to pack sensible clothing and be prepared. The ski terrain in Sierra Nevada is very open and exposed and conditions can change extremely quickly!
When the snow and weather are favourable however, the openness of the ski terrain provides some of the most exhilarating free skiing/riding to be found anywhere. Off-piste skiing in Sierra Nevada has made a great name for itself with easily accessible zones all over the terrain, very little avalanche risk by European comparisons and wide open expanses for all to explore and enjoy! NOTE: Injuries occurring while skiing off piste are not covered by the resort's insurance.
Although Sierra Nevada is by no means the largest resort, any advanced skier/snowboarder with a sense of adventure and simple love of the sport will find plenty to amuse and test themselves here. The resort is particularly apt for complete beginners and intermediates. The runs are admired by all for both their width and length giving ample space for all to manoeuvre.
Borreguiles
Accessed primarily via the Al-Andalus & the Borreguiles (new for 2007-8) gondolas, the central station of Borreguiles opens out to an impressive bowl with wide, smooth and perfectly groomed runs ideal for those learning for the first time. Here you will also find the meeting point of the British Ski Center for all classes booked.
An effective lift system which is regularly improved and developed since the World Championships of 1996, takes you to a number of alternative areas for intermediate and advanced skiers/boarders alike. Within the Borreguiles vicinity there are three restaurants for your statutory "Lumumba" or "Vino Caliente" stops!
From the nursery slopes, there are lifts taking intermediates and above up to a fine selection of long blue and red runs.
Those of you who wish to put your knees to the test will have great fun down the moguls created on the short but steep black, "La Visera", overlooked by the impressively huge satellite tracking dish that dominates the ski terrain.
Rio Monachil (inc. Genil)
From Borreguiles, you will find the start to the long run back down to the resort centre, "El Rio".
This 3.2km run follows the Monachil mountain river in motorway style with ample space for everyone.
The upper section takes you through the area known as the “Genil” where you will find another restaurant with an excellent sun terrace. Lifts depart from here to take you to other ski areas.
Loma de Dilar
This stunning area offers spectacular views over the vale of Granada and hosts a superb array of long, wide blue runs providing ample entertainment among its rolling hillocks and soft ridges. It is a great area for getting your teeth into the technique and sensations of carving and free riding which has exploded on the slopes over recent years. Recent additional implementation of snow cannons in the area have guaranteed even better skiing here. The area is typically quieter than Borreguiles making for a peaceful escape from the humdrum of high season periods.
The World Cup Giant Slalom and Slalom black runs, the "Fuente del Tesoro" & "Neveros", are accessed from this area and are ideal both for refining your control techniques not to mention boosting adrenaline levels to the max!
Veleta & Laguna de las Yeguas
Advanced skiers will find plenty of action both on the Veleta peak and in the Laguna valley. Filled with challenging reds and a couple of itinerary (unmarked) black runs, there are also many of Sierra Nevada's ample off-piste terrain ridged by the impressive "Tajos de la Virgen" and the “Cartuja” peak. From the top of the Zayas T-bar and the Laguna chairlift, do not miss the stunning views out to sea and, on clear days, the coastline of Morocco and the Rif Mountains. Catching the afternoon sun transforming the sea to a golden blanket is perhaps one of the most memorable sights to take away with you!
The Zayas T-bar leads to the longest run in the resort, the “Aguila” (Eagle), which runs almost six kilometres practically from the Veleta peak to the village base…how long can you take to ski it?
Snowboarding
Snowboarders are equally welcome and will find Sierra Nevada a Mecca for what it has to offer them. Whether sweeping down the wide runs or throwing yourselves about on the jumps and half-pipes of the snowboard park, you will be impressed with Sierra Nevada's facilities for snowboarders. With fresh snow falls you will find endless amounts of off-piste in which to practice your powder-riding techniques. Regular competitions are held throughout the season both on a National and International level.
Telemark
One of the original forms of skiing and traditionally used as a mode of moving around during the harsh Scandinavian winters, Telemark is one of the latest trends to hit the slopes. Similar to cross-country skiing, the skier's boot is attached only at the front allowing the heel to lift. Unlike cross-country skiing, Telemark is practiced on the slopes like Alpine skiing, but with a difference. As with all sports, it initially appears very complex, but with the correct tuition and a little patience, this could become your ultimate choice!
How To Organise Your Trip
Sierra Essence and the British Ski Center will organise your trip (in English) to Sierra Nevada and the Pyrenees in a professional and friendly manner. We have all the contacts necessary to settle you into comfortable accommodation, organise your lift passes, transfers and generally set you off on the right foot. In Sierra Nevada, English instructors are available to teach you in a safe and enjoyable fashion to truly create the experience that we know and love! We are confident you will find all you need to know within the pages of this site!
Much of this is due to the resort organisers working extremely well at preparing the runs each and every night. By packing the snow down, an excellent base can be maintained for several weeks even if it does not snow for prolonged periods. In addition to this, the resort is equipped with one of the most advanced snow making systems in existence. So much so, the resort organisers guarantee skiing here even if it does not snow a single flake.
From Borreguiles, you will find the start to the long run back down to the resort centre, "El Rio". 
what it has to offer them. Whether sweeping down the wide runs or throwing yourselves about on the jumps and half-pipes of the snowboard park, you will be impressed with Sierra Nevada's facilities for snowboarders. With fresh snow falls you will find endless amounts of 