At a glance
- The 2026-27 season in Sierra Nevada opens on December 6 and closes on May 1, according to the calendar published by the resort.
- Snowfall depends on each year: to know how the snow is on the day you go, check the snow report and the webcams.
- In the 2025-26 season, March was the busiest month: if you want more peace and quiet, avoid weekends and holidays.
- If you can, choose the 2-day pass to have a cushion against a bad weather day.
In this article
“When does it snow in Sierra Nevada?” and “what is the best time to ski?” are among the most searched questions before booking. The short answer: the season is long and the snow depends on each year, so what helps is knowing the season dates, knowing when it is busiest and checking the snow report before going up.
Key dates of the 2026-27 season
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| DateDecember 6 | What happensOpening of the 26-27 season |
| DateJanuary 5 | What happensParade of the Three Wise Men |
| DateFebruary 6 | What happensSnow Running Sierra Nevada |
| DateFebruary 28 | What happensAndalusia Day |
| DateApril 2 | What happensUltra Sierra Nevada 2027 |
| DateMay 1 | What happensClosing of the 26-27 season |
These are some of the events published by the resort for the season. Opening and closing dates may vary with snow conditions, so it is best to confirm them before booking.
When it snows in Sierra Nevada
There is no fixed date: snowfall changes every season and depends on each winter’s weather. What you do know is that Sierra Nevada rises from Pradollano, at 2,100 m, to the high zones such as Borreguiles, at 2,700 m, and the Veleta, at 3,398 m. The higher you go, the more likely there is snow.
Tip
To see how the snow is on the day you go, always check the snow report and the live webcams. And if there has been recent snowfall, also check the road and chains.
What is the best time to ski
It depends on what you prefer: snow, peace and quiet or atmosphere. A useful fact is that, according to the resort’s review, March 2026 was the busiest month of the 2025-26 season: with more people, it is a good time for atmosphere, but it pays to book and arrive in good time. The DGT (Spain’s traffic authority) also regulates access to the resort on weekends, holidays and non-school days in season, which gives a hint of when traffic is heaviest.
| If you are looking for… | What to consider |
|---|---|
| If you are looking for…More peace and quiet | What to considerWeekdays and outside holidays and special dates. |
| If you are looking for…Atmosphere and events | What to considerDates such as Three Kings’ Day, Andalusia Day or the Snow Running. |
| If you are looking for…A better chance of snow | What to considerHigh zones such as Borreguiles, and checking the snow report. |
| If you are looking for…Less traffic | What to considerAvoid weekends and holidays in season and check the road. |
How to choose your date
- Look at the calendar Opening on December 6 and closing on May 1; choose according to your holidays.
- Decide how many people you can stand If you prefer peace and quiet, steer clear of weekends and holidays; if you want atmosphere, look for the special dates.
- Book in advance Choose your ski pass and, if you need them, equipment rental and lessons.
- Choose 2 days With the 2-day pass you have a cushion if a day dawns with bad weather.
- Plan the trip See how to get there and where to park.
Gallery: Sierra Nevada in season
Tap an image to see it larger.
Frequently asked questions
When does Sierra Nevada open for the 2026-27 season?
According to the calendar published by the resort, the 26-27 season opens on December 6 and closes on May 1. The dates may vary depending on the snow.
When does it snow in Sierra Nevada?
It depends on each winter and there is no fixed date. To know how the snow is on the day you go, check the snow report and the webcams.
Which month has the most people?
In the 2025-26 season, March was the resort’s busiest month, according to its season review.
How do I avoid the crowds?
Choose weekdays and avoid holidays and special dates. On weekends in season, the DGT regulates access to the resort.
Which ski pass is best to secure a good day?
The 2-day pass gives you a cushion if one day has bad weather. See all the options on our ski pass page.
Choose your date and book
Book your ski pass at sierranevadagranada.com and enjoy perks on rental, restaurants and shops in the resort.
Sources and review
- 2026-27 season calendar: information published by the resort, consulted in October 2026. March 2026 as the busiest month: the resort’s 2025-26 season review. Access regulation: DGT resolution on special traffic measures.
- Last review of this article: October 2026. Dates may vary depending on snow conditions.
