Sierra Nevada: skiing and hiking from Granada

In short: The Sierra Nevada rises right behind Granada and is the southernmost ski resort in Europe. In winter you ski in Pradollano, in summer you hike to the highest peaks of mainland Spain. Both work as a day trip from the city.

What is the ski resort like?

The ski village is called Pradollano and sits at around 2,100 metres. From there, gondolas and lifts take you up to just below the summit of Veleta. The slopes lie above the tree line, are wide and get a lot of sun. On clear days you can see the Mediterranean from the top.

Because it is so far south, the snow often gets soft in the afternoon. So set off early.

When is the season and how much is the ski pass?

The season depends on the snow. According to media reports, operations for winter 2026/27 are planned from 28 November 2026 to 25 April 2027 (as of October 2026). Whether the resort is actually open and how many kilometres of slopes are running is shown daily on the official website.

The ski pass has dynamic pricing: the cost varies depending on the date and demand. According to media reports, the adult day pass in the 2025/26 season was 60.80 euros. The rates for 2026/27 had not yet been set at the time of our research.

How do you get up from Granada?

By car, you take the A-395 straight to Pradollano. The road is well built but winding. After snowfall, snow chains are mandatory, and the police check.

Without a car, you take the regular bus from Granada bus station to Pradollano. During the ski season it runs more often than in summer. Timetables and fares are on the ALSA website.

What can you do in summer?

Without snow, the Sierra Nevada is a national park for hiking. Up here it is much cooler than in the city, where, according to AEMET (normal values 1981 to 2010), the average maximum in July is 34.8 degrees.

• Veleta (3,396 m): From Hoya de la Mora above Pradollano, a wide track leads to the summit. Technically easy, but long and without shade.
• Mulhacén (3,479 m): The highest mountain in mainland Spain. The usual routes start on the south side in the Alpujarras.
• Short loops from Pradollano: Some of the lifts run in summer for hikers and mountain bikers.

Above 3,000 metres you will feel the altitude. Walk slowly, drink a lot and turn back if thunderstorms build up.

What should you bring?

At this altitude the sun is the biggest risk, in winter as in summer.

• high factor sunscreen and sunglasses
• a jacket and hat, even in August
• enough water, there are hardly any springs up top
• sturdy shoes with good grip
• in winter: snow chains and a full tank

What can you combine the trip with?

In spring, Granada offers something rare in Europe: skiing in the morning and sitting on the beach on the Costa Tropical in the afternoon. In the evening, a tapas round in the city fits in nicely. More destinations are listed under Day trips from Granada.

Having mountains and sea so close is also one reason why Granada is popular as a place to live. You can find the comparison with other places under Where in Spain?.

Frequently asked questions

As of October 2026. Opening hours, prices and entry rules change. Check them on the official websites before your visit.

Cover image: kallerna · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0