A guide to the top things to do in Sierra Nevada ski resort
History, Mediterranean coastlines, and sunshine. Can Andalucia reveal more?
With an array of spectacular things to do in Sierra Nevada ski resort, yes!
Looming over most of Granada’s eastern horizon, the resort’s vast snowscape and wholesome skiing activities make it one of Spain’s most popular winter destinations.
Though it doesn’t mean that you only get to enjoy alpine recreations.
Outdoor things to do in Granada such as hiking, mountain biking, and stargazing are very much an option when the barren, rugged landscapes come into view during sunnier seasons.
Ready to fill that bucket list? Here’s the best of our Sierra Nevada ski resort experiences.
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Overview: Our favorite activities in Sierra Nevada Resort
- Ski the Largest Ski Resort in Southern Spain
- Go Snowshoeing
- Experience the Snowmobile Sleigh Ride
- Visit the Sierra Nevada Observatory Area
![bf8494ef7bae2432a1c38b5a578c4b16e564bbad - 15 Things To Do In Sierra Nevada Ski Resort [ Insider Guide ]](https://bucket.mlcdn.com/a/1958/1958864/images/bf8494ef7bae2432a1c38b5a578c4b16e564bbad.jpeg)
1. Ski the Largest Ski Resort in Southern Spain
One of the largest mountains in Andalucia, Sierra Nevada has a skiable domain reaching up to 3,300 meters, with 110 kilometers of ski terrain.
The resort boasts 131 ski slopes or runs classified by several color-coded difficulty levels.
So everyone—kids, casual skiers, and those who love thrilling pursuits—can experience one of the best adventure activities in Andalucia at Sierra Nevada.
If you have more than 2 days in Granada, don’t miss a winter ski in Sierra Nevada.
2. Try Snowboarding
Into snowboarding? The Sierra Nevada Ski Resort is an ideal destination.
Head to Sulayr Superpark, where experts can race down the longest freestyle line in Spain.
Divided into seven zones, the park has various obstacles, from rails and boxes to the largest permanent halfpipe in Spain.
There’s a smooth and wide-open terrain called Loma del Pilar, which freestyle riders love.
Behind the mountain’s crest, experts enjoy hard slashes and side hits at the bowl-shaped Laguna de las Yeguas.
If you’re a beginner looking to make the most of your snowboarding experience, you can take a class at schools around the Borreguiles area.
3. Ride the Borreguiles Cable Car
For non-skiers wishing to take in Spain’s winter wonderland from above, the cable car ride is one of the most breathtaking things to do in Sierra Nevada Ski Resort.
There are two massive cable cars—Borreguilles and Al-Andalus—from Pradollano, your first stop for Sierra Nevada Ski.
Ascending 500 meters, the ride will take you to the main ski hub, also called Borreguilles—the station where lifts and ski runs connect.
The cable car’s route captures picture-perfect views of Pradollano’s alpine valley, rolling hills, rugged snow-powdered peaks, and Pico del Veleta.
4. Go Snowshoeing
Want to roam Sierra Nevada Ski Resort beyond the slopes? Go snowshoeing and brave the mountainsides not often reached by many.
Visitors often describe the experience as serene but adventurous.
You’ll pass through snow-coated peaks, frozen lakes, and sweeping valley views.
And because snow muffles sounds, you’ll only hear the crunch of your steps on the snow.
Definitely one of the most memorable things to do in Sierra Nevada Ski Resort, go for a guided tour. – Check the guided tour here.
Pro-tip: It’s always best to wear waterproof boots.
5. Visit Mirlo Blanco Recreation Area
Bringing kids who are likely to rush into amusement parks once you arrive? Just right next to the Pradollano lift station is the Mirlo Blanco Park.
This recreation park is mainly designed for families, especially the kids.
There are slippery slides for them to glide in donuts and inflatables, a man-made ice rink that’s non-toxic, bikes with a skate, chair skis, fantasy boats, and more.
Most of these favorite things to do in Sierra Nevada Ski Resort are also open in summer. Take advantage of group discounts!
6. Experience Snowmobile Sleigh Ride
And the star of Mirlo Blanco is the Snowmobile Sleigh Ride.
Among the most exciting things to do in Sierra Nevada Ski Resort, this massive ride goes up a 250-meter climb and a 550-meter descent, carrying two people.
Along with banked curves, bumps, and straights, it’s a great bonding moment to share with an adult or kid you’re with.
At a speed that you can manage up to 40 km/hr.
7. Watch the Sunset from the Mountains
One of the most rewarding and perhaps romantic things to do in Sierra Nevada Ski Resort is watching the soft golden glow of a winter sunset.
Some of the best viewpoints to catch the golden hour include Veleta Peak, the highest Sierra Nevada peak that skiers can reach. – Get the guided tour here.
Hoya de la Mora sits just above Pradollano and just about 200 meters up the ridge from Hoya de la Mora, the iconic Virgen de las Nieves.
Also accessible in summer in Sierra Nevada Spain, these lookout points offer picture-perfect sunset views that blend with the scenic Granada Valley and snow-covered ridges.
8. Enjoy Après-Ski in Pradollano
To cap off your unforgettable Sierra Nevada Spain things to do, take some après-ski time to mingle and rest.
You’ll spot options at the lower part of Pradollano Sierra Nevada, specifically, within the two pedestrian plazas next to each other.
If you’re craving a hot, thick chocolate and churros, drop by one of the cafes around. Many of them overlook snowy mountainscape views.
You can also check out plenty of outdoor shops and take in the Pradollano vibe.
There are also bars and clubs in the area called Obertauern that offer live DJ music and entertainment until late at night.
9. Take Ski or Snowboard Lessons
First-time visitors can make the most of the best ski resort in Spain by taking a ski lesson.
Experienced instructors know the best beginner-friendly slopes and help you build confidence as your skills improve.
The resort has more than 15 ski schools, many of which also offer snowboarding lessons and welcome all ages.
Private lessons typically start around €45, providing one-on-one instruction.
Group lessons usually accommodate up to five people and cost between €40 and €70 for a three-hour session.
Some of the resort’s most popular ski schools are the English Ski School and Snowmotion.
10. Go Hiking in Summer
As the snow melts, Sierra Nevada reveals two contrasting landscapes: rugged slate and rock at higher altitudes, and lush greenery below.
With an average temperature of 20°C (68°F) in summer, it’s a great time to explore Sierra Nevada hiking trails.
Ski lifts are accessible in summer for outdoor activities in Sierra Nevada, and that may shorten the climb to some of the best hikes in Andalucia—the Veleta and Mulhacen peaks.
For views that you may only see in summer, such as high-mountain lakes, waterfalls, and the local flora, star of the snows, climb the Chorreras del Molinillo Trail from Borreguiles.
11. Explore Hoya de la Mora
If you wish to skip the lifts or you simply want to reach the high mountains with easy walking routes, head to Hoya de la Mora.
It’s also the highest area that both private and public vehicles may access in Sierra Nevada.
The iconic monument of the Virgen de las Nieves rests here, with a quiet and fresh mountain atmosphere.
One of the fun things to do in Sierra Nevada Ski Resort is sledding.
Hoya de la Mora has sledding zones where you can also rent equipment and apparel.
12. Try Mountain Biking
As the ski resort turns into a beautiful, bare landscape in summer, active visitors come for mountain biking.
Sierra Nevada Bike Park downhill tracks replace the ski slopes. – Get your guided tour here
The Veleta and Bulevares routes are suitable for confident bikers, while the winter ski runs like Rio and Maribel are ideal for seasoned ones.
You can experience beginner-friendly downhill biking at Borreguiles’ Mini Bike Park.
13. Visit the Sierra Nevada Observatory Area
Given the resort’s very dark skies and high altitude, astrotourism is one of the growing summer activities in Andalucia.
Typically offered in July and August only, stargazing can be one of your most unforgettable things to do in Sierra Nevada Ski Resort.
You can book night sky programs led by astronomers through the resort’s official portal.
Alternatively, you can reserve a tour through the Sierra Nevada Observatory website or other observatory platforms.
14. Spot Wildlife in Sierra Nevada National Park
Sierra Nevada National Park is home to over 2,000 plant species, a large population of Iberian Ibex (mountain goats), and unique birdlife.
Summer is the best time to visit Granada for mountain wildlife watching as hot weather tends to drive native fauna to higher elevations.
In high-mountain routes or alpine lakes, you may spot a mountain goat in the morning.
If you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of rare birds, such as the golden eagle, the bearded vulture, and the Alpine Accentor.
15. Take a Day Trip to Granada
On your Sierra Nevada Spain vacation, set out for Granada day trips.
Just about 31 kms or a 45-minute drive from the ski resort, the city offers a picturesque blend of Andalusian history, culture, and architecture.
It is where the most beautiful places in Granada, the Alhambra and the Albaicin, set on opposite hills, with the majestic Sierra Nevada looming over them. – Book a guided tour here.
Granada is also known for its free tapas culture. Some of the best spots to indulge in are Casa Enrique and Los Manueles.
Bottom line on how to spend your time in Sierra Nevada Resort
There are no other ski resorts in Southern Spain, but Sierra Nevada naturally offers extraordinary reasons why you must visit South Spain.
Sunny winter holidays in Spain are not something you often experience in most of Europe, and the things to do in Sierra Nevada ski resort are various.
And from snowshoeing with your family and romantic sunset viewing to wildlife watching and outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of what to do in Sierra Nevada Ski Resort. – Take a look at the guided tour here.
And to make things easier, take a look at where to stay in Sierra Nevada, hotels like El Lodge Ski & Spa and Hotel GHM Monachil are some of the best options.
FAQ about Sierra Nevada Ski Resort
Is Sierra Nevada good for hiking?
Yes, Sierra Nevada is good for hiking.
The ski resort features many exciting hiking routes like the Veleta and the Chorreras del Molinillo trails.
Where is the best place to stay to hike in Sierra Nevada?
If you’re hiking famous routes like the Veleta and Mulhacen peaks, Pradollano is where to stay in Sierra Nevada or find Hotels in Sierra Nevada.
The base village has easy access to higher trailheads.
Where to go in the Sierra Nevada Mountains?
There are so many places to explore in Sierra Nevada for every outdoor enthusiast.
Among our Sierra Nevada travel tips are the observatories, Veleta Peak for hiking and sunset, and the Mirlo Blanco Park for the Russian Sleigh ride.
Hola, I’m Paulina! Together with my team, we are passionate about Southern Spain. Here we share all you need to know for great times in Southern Spain with the best places to visit, stay and, of course, the best food to eat.
Let’s dive in and explore Southern Spain’s outdoors, food and culture con pasión!