sierra nevada

Sierra Nevada is up at 2100 m with skiing rising up to 3398 m. It is the southernmost resort in Europe and is unique in its style. From the summit of Veleta, at 3398 m, there are wonderful views over the Mediterranean and on a clear day as far as Africa. Malaga airport is 80 miles away, which makes Sierra Nevada a perfect getaway or two holidays in one, why not spend a couple of days exploring Granada, the Andalusian city at the foot of the mountains, or the beach and a skiing holiday?

Pradollano is the main base. Located at 2100m, it competes to be one of the highest resorts in Europe. Pradollano is a modern and elegant village, similar to the resorts in Colorado, without cars, with many shops, bars and restaurants. All our apartments are located very close to the main cable car.

2 gondolas rise from the village to the central station of Borreguiles. On the right, a cableway leads to a fabulous area for beginners: Catifa Màgica, while the left cableway leads to the upper part of the main llogaret.

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Why we love Sierra Nevada

The morning starts cold and clear, the kind of high-altitude chill that makes every breath feel sharp and clean. As the sun lifts over the rugged peaks of the Sierra Nevada, it turns the snowfields a soft pink and gold, and the white villages far below look like they’ve been dusted with sugar.

You clip into your skis in Pradollano, the resort village, with the scent of strong coffee drifting out of a nearby café. The first lift glides you up through quiet, wind-brushed pines and wide, open bowls of snow. From the top, the view stretches impossibly far—on a crystal-clear day, you can even glimpse the Mediterranean Sea shimmering on the horizon, a blue line beyond the mountains.

The skiing itself is a mix of smooth, sun-softened groomers and playful off-piste patches where the snow still sparkles and crunches under your edges. You carve long, confident turns down broad runs like El Río, feeling the warmth of the sun on your face even as the air stays brisk. There’s a relaxed, joyful energy on the slopes—families laughing, instructors calling out in Spanish and English, friends cheering each other on at the bottom of a run.

By midday, you stop at a mountain hut for lunch. The skis lean in a crooked row outside while inside you thaw your hands around a bowl of sopa caliente or a plate of jamón and cheese, maybe even a glass of vino tinto if you’re lingering. The contrast of snowy peaks outside and Andalusian flavors inside feels uniquely Sierra Nevada.

The afternoon is for cruising—repeating your favorite runs, chasing the best light as the sun arcs west and the shadows stretch across the slopes. The snow turns golden again, and the mountains glow with that soft, end-of-day warmth that makes everything feel slower and more beautiful.

As the lifts close, you glide back down to Pradollano, legs pleasantly tired. The day ends not in silence, but in a lively après-ski scene—tapas, laughter, and the hum of music drifting through the cool mountain air. Above it all, the peaks stand dark and calm against a sky full of stars, holding the memory of a perfect day on the snow.

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Family Skiing

Why Sierra Nevada is Great for Families

 Family-Friendly Skiing & Snow Fun

• Lots of gentle, beginner slopes and dedicated children’s ski areas that make learning easy and fun.

Children under ~6 years often ski free, and there are discounted family pass options.

Special snow play zones like Park activities Mirlo Blanco offer tubing, sledging, ski-biking and other snow games off the main slopes.

There are themed beginner slopes with fun features (e.g., animal figures, snow gardens) to keep kids.Childcare & Lessons

• Resort has nurseries/childcare for very young children (from a few months up to ~6 yrs), giving parents a chance to ski worry-free.

Plenty of ski schools with highly rated instructors — great if you want teaching in English or tailored family lessons:The resort has around 110+ km of pistes with a good mix of green (easy), blue (intermediate) and more challenging runs — enough variety to suit beginners through confident skiers.Sierra Nevada’s high altitude means snow is reliable most of the season (typically late November/early December to late April).

Good weather/visibility and sunshine are common which makes skiing with kids more pleasant than in some colder destinations.

Even when you’re not skiing, there’s plenty to do:

• Snow play & tubing in dedicated areas.

Ice skating and sledging near the village.

Scenic walks and short hiking routes around the national park.

Tapas & dining in Pradollano — casual, child-friendly restaurants between ski runs.

Easy half-day trips into Granada to see the city & enjoy Spanish culture (just ~30 min away).

Ski Schools

Sierra Nevada has many ski schools ranging from larger, full-service providers to smaller independent instructors. Most are conveniently located in Pradollano, the main village at the base of the slopes, and they cater to all ages and levels — from first-timers to advanced skiers and snowboarders.  Highly Recommended Schools

1. The New School | Escuela de Esquí en Sierra Nevada
One of the resort’s most popular and highly rated ski schools, known for professional instructors, group and private lessons for all levels.

2. Snowmotion Ski & Snowboard school Sierra Nevada
Large local school with excellent reviews and a wide range of lessons in both skiing and snowboarding.

3. Ski School Sierra Nevada
Offers personalised ski instruction, group lessons and full-day programs, as well as advice on equipment and holiday logistics.

4. Escuela Ski Now Instructors Sierra Nevada
Well-reviewed option providing both private and group lessons focused on technique and progression.

5. Escuela Técnica de Esquí Sierra Nevada
Great choice for those looking to refine technique with experienced instructors.

6. Sierra Nevada Adventure and Ski - Escuela y Alquiler
Combines ski instruction with equipment rental — convenient if you want both services in one place.

 Smaller or Niche Options

7. British Ski Center — British-run ski/board instruction ideal for English speakers.
8. CEROGRADOS • Sierra Nevada — Popular local school with lessons for different abilities.
9. Spin Ski School Procenter — Another well-rated local choice.
10. Happy Ski — Friendly small school with good reviews.
11. Blanca Nieve Escuela y Rental de Ski & Snowboard — Combines lessons with rental services.
12. Escuela Ski Low Cost Sierra Nevada — Budget-friendly instruction.
13. Escuela de Ski Universal en Sierra Nevada — Another option located near the hotel area.
14. ENESIERRANEVADA and 15. Bigfootski — Other reputable ski schools with good ratings.
16. Escuela, Esqui Club Sierra Nevada — Club-style school for personalized learning.

 What They Offer

Across Sierra Nevada ski schools you’ll typically find:

 Lesson Types

• Private lessons — one-to-one or small group (often up to ~4 people) tailored to your pace and goals.

Group classes — often organised by skill level, great for making friends and learning with others.

Kids & family programs — from beginner “Ski Baby” programs for ages ~3+ to youth group classes.

• Technique improvement & advanced coaching — ideal for intermediate/advanced skiers.

 Additional Services

• Equipment rental — many schools also offer ski/snowboard hire.

Multilingual instruction — some schools (e.g., British Ski Center) cater to English speakers.

• Snowboard lessons — available at most ski schools.

 Tips for Choosing a Ski School

• Skill level: For beginners, choose schools with strong group class offerings and smaller group sizes.
• Language preferences: If you want lessons in English, check schools like the British-run options.

If you want, I can help you compare prices or lesson packages between these ski schools! (e.g., private vs group lessons, or kids vs. adult courses

Budget vs. premium experience: Some schools focus on low-cost basics, others offer full-day personalized coaching.

Kids & family needs: Look for schools with dedicated children’s programs and age-specific groups.

Ski Hire

For ski hire we use Skiset for skis, boots and poles.

Other activities

Skidoos take on a new dimension at Baqueira - as do dog sleighs - explore uninhabited valleys miles away from anyone! Visit the old Roman town of Viehla just 8kms down the valley from Baqueira. Explore the area on snowshoes or just relax in the hotel spa!

MELIA HOTEL, SIERRA NEVADA