At a glance
- Sierra Nevada has over 112 km of slopes, 21 lifts and the Veleta Peak at 3,398 m, about 40 minutes from Granada.
- If it is your first time, start in Pradollano, the base resort, at 2,100 m, and use the Borreguiles beginner slopes.
- There is something for everyone: skiing, snowboarding, family and activities without skiing.
- Book ski pass, equipment and lessons beforehand: you arrive with everything organised and enjoy it from the first minute.
In this article
Visiting Sierra Nevada for the first time is easy if you know what to do. It is a ski resort at the gates of Granada, with snow, Andalusian sun and plans for those who ski and those who do not. This guide tells you what you need to know to organise everything and not miss the best.
What Sierra Nevada is
Sierra Nevada is a ski and mountain resort in Granada, with over 112 km of slopes, 21 lifts and the Veleta Peak at 3,398 metres. Its base, Pradollano, is at 2,100 m, and from there the gondolas rise to the high zones, such as Borreguiles, at 2,700 m. Granada is about 40 minutes away, which is why you can ski in the morning, have lunch with views of the peaks and stroll around the city as evening falls.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| ItemSlopes | ValueOver 112 km |
| ItemLifts | Value21 |
| ItemPradollano (base resort) | Value2,100 m |
| ItemBorreguiles | Value2,700 m |
| ItemVeleta Peak | Value3,398 m |
| ItemDistance to Granada | ValueAbout 40 minutes |
What to organise before you go
- Choose your ski pass Gondola, 1 day or 2 days. The 2-day pass is the most recommended: you have more room. See them on the ski pass page.
- Book a lesson and equipment If you are starting out, a lesson at the school and equipment rental make it easy.
- Plan the trip See how to get there, the road and chains and where to park.
- Choose the date The 2026-27 season runs from December 6 to May 1. See when to go.
A perfect day for your first time
| Time of day | What to do |
|---|---|
| Time of dayEarly morning | What to doArrive in Pradollano, park and pick up your ski pass and equipment. |
| Time of dayMorning | What to doTake your lesson or start on the Borreguiles beginner slopes, which the resort recommends for first-time skiers. |
| Time of dayMidday | What to doHave lunch in Pradollano or with views of the peaks and rest. |
| Time of dayAfternoon | What to doLast run, or a plan without skiing: sleds, ice rink or the Mirlo Blanco park. |
| Time of dayNight | What to doDinner in Pradollano, for example at Mesit, or head down to Granada. |
Do not ski? There are plenty of plans in what to do in Sierra Nevada in winter, and if you want to combine it with the city, see the 3-day plan between Granada and Sierra Nevada.
What to bring
| Essential | Highly recommended |
|---|---|
| EssentialWarm clothing in layers and gloves | Highly recommendedSunglasses or ski goggles and sun protection |
| EssentialComfortable footwear for the snow | Highly recommendedHat, neck gaiter or buff |
| EssentialYour ski pass and bookings to hand | Highly recommendedA small backpack with water and something to eat |
Tip
If you have no equipment, do not worry: you can rent skis or a board, boots, helmet, goggles, gloves, jacket and trousers. That way you arrive light and just have to put your boots on.
Gallery: your first time on the snow
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Frequently asked questions
What should I do if it is my first time in Sierra Nevada?
Choose a ski pass, book a lesson if you are going to ski and see how to get there. In this guide you have the full plan, and you can book on ski passes.
Where can I start skiing?
According to the resort, the beginner slopes in the Borreguiles area are recommended for first-time skiers.
Can you enjoy Sierra Nevada without skiing?
Yes. There are sleds, slides, an ice rink, snowmobile rides and more. You will find it in what to do in winter.
How long does it take from Granada?
About 40 minutes in normal conditions.
Do I need to bring my own equipment?
No. You can rent all the equipment on our rental page.
Start your first time in Sierra Nevada
Book your ski pass at sierranevadagranada.com and enjoy perks on rental, restaurants and shops in the resort.
Sources and review
- Resort figures (112 km, 21 lifts, altitudes and distance to Granada): Sierra Nevada Granada information. Borreguiles beginner slopes: indicated by the resort.
- Last review of this article: October 2026.
