Introduction:

From December to April, the ski slopes along the ridges of the Sierra Nevada open their doors to skiers from all over the world. The skiing in the Sierra Nevada mountain range is spectacular. It’s an added benefit that one can spend the day skiing and then hit the dance clubs and bars at night. The ski resort area of Sierra Nevada boasts its active nightlife. As Southern Spain is not extremely humid in the winter months, the snow is light and fluffy, perfect for skiing. If there is a lack of snow, don’t worry. The trails are well groomed and area ski resorts use the most modern snow making equipment in the world. There is always a great base for your skiing pleasure.

History:

Sierra Nevada houses one of Spain’s biggest protected areas. Named “Mons Slorius” by the Romans, it is believed that the area covering more than 170,000 hectares spent many years under Roman rule. Eventually, the Moors took over, keeping the name that meant “mountain of the sun.” As the Sierra Nevada has received plenty of caravan traffic, it became an excellent route for silk traders. After the Spanish Civil War, the area underwent a transformation. As tourism increased, the ski resorts received more tourism traffic leading to larger resorts and ski areas.

Site Seeing:

The Sierra Nevada ski region is divided into different areas: Borreguiles, Laguna de las Yeguas, Loma de Dilar, Pradollano, Sulayr Snow Park, and Veleta. These areas give skiers more than eighty different trails. Avid skiers will want to start their ski vacation by purchasing a Sierra Nevada Club Card. The card is free, and acts like a credit card, only you are responsible for adding money to your Club Card account. When you pay for items at the participating retailers, hotels, and ski resorts, your discount is automatically applied. This card gives skiers discounts on rental equipment, admissions, hotel rates, and more. Some hotels offer up to 25% off a nightly stay, so it can pay to add funds to your Club Card and use it everywhere during your ski vacation. Snowboarders and freestyle skiers need to go to Sulayr Snow Park where they have more freedom to use the slope’s obstacles for jumps, aerial feats, and impressive tricks. At close to 3,400 metres, Veleta and its surrounding ski slopes and resorts make up the heart of the ski country. These slopes offer trails for beginners, intermediates, and experts. Starting with Veleta and Laguna de las Yeguas, located on the eastern side of the peak, only advanced skiers who can handle difficult trails will find skiing is to their liking. All trails in Veleta and Laguna de las Yeguas are rated difficult or expert. Southeast of Laguna de las Yeguas is Loma de Dilar. Here the slopes are all easy and suitable for beginners. Slightly northwest is the Borreguiles resort area. This resort is built up and has gondolas that can take skiers to the higher terrains of Laguna de las Yeguas and Veleta. The trails around Borreguiles range from beginner to difficult. This resort is a perfect choice for groups with a wide range of skill levels. Finally, there is Pradollano located southwest of Borreguiles where the trails range from easy to advanced. This is the other built up ski area with gondolas reaching the other areas.

Industry:

Obviously, the main source of revenue in this area is tourism. As Europe’s southernmost ski resort area, Sierra Nevada brings in a large number of tourists every winter. Increased tourist/skier traffic means restaurants, hotels, ski lodges, and ski resorts become busy as they cater to their guests needs. There are ski instruction schools, hotels/resorts, rental cottages, restaurants, ski equipment shops and rentals, dance clubs, and bars who all profit from the flurry of activity that the ski season brings.

Gastronomy:

In this area of Andalusia, almonds, figs, wine, pork products (blood sausage, smoked hams, Chorizo), and trout are commonly used ingredients. Garlic is used with olive oil to flavour many dishes. Granadina Soup is made with ham or sausage and beans. It is hearty and satisfying. Chicken cooked in garlic and olive oil is served in many establishments. Smoked ham is served thinly sliced (much like prosciutto) with plates of cheese and olives. Try some of the freshly caught trout that is broiled with lemon, garlic, and olive oil. For dessert, try an almond tart, anise biscuits, or fried milk (a thick custard like dish that is cut into squares, breaded, and then deep fried and served with fresh honey). When you are in the Sierra Nevada region, you will find there is a wide array of restaurants, bars, and dance clubs. If the weather is warm enough, one area establishment holds barbecues on their outdoor terrace. The heat from the grills keeps the surrounding patio warm and cosy. Local resort hotels have a few outdoor pools with swim up bars; you can unwind after a day of skiing in a heated pool while enjoying a cold drink or spiked cup of hot chocolate or coffee.

Nightlife:

The resort areas within the Sierra Nevada region are usually small with a number of hotels, bars, dance clubs, specialty shops, and restaurants. Do not let the small size fool you, however. After the sun sets, the party begins. Dance clubs such as Nevada 53, Mango, or La Chicle draw in a young crowd for drinks, dancing, and peppy music. Those heading towards the mid-adult years will probably prefer Sala Muley or Crescendo where the music is more to their liking. All dance clubs require a cover charge. While the price may be startling at first, remember that the cover charge usually includes a couple of free alcoholic beverages.

Summary:

In 2001, the Sierra Nevada area hosted the World Aerial Games. Due to this fact, you may already have seen what the skiing in Sierra Nevada is like. Instead of experiencing it on television, why not go in person? The skiing in Sierra Nevada awaits, and it can be the most sublime time of your life. Plan your vacation today!

Useful Business Links for Sierra Nevada:

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