From Seville to Sierra Nevada

Sierra Nevada is the southernmost ski resort in Europe and the highest in Spain, about three hours from Seville. It has slopes for all levels, lots of sun and Granada within forty minutes, so it’s the easiest snow escape from Seville, whether for a day or a weekend.

Sierra Nevada, the southernmost ski resort in Europe

The resort is in the municipality of Monachil, in the heart of the Parque Nacional de Sierra Nevada (Biosphere Reserve since 1986 and national park since 1999). The town of the resort, Pradollano, is about 2,100 metres high, and the slopes rise to near 3,300 metres, beside Pico Veleta. In total there are more than 112 kilometres of marked slopes.

It hosted the Alpine Ski World Championships in 1996 and for years it was called Solynieve, because here the sun is the norm for skiing. The slopes are divided into several areas:

• Borreguiles: the beginner and school area, with wide green and blue runs. Accessed from Pradollano via the Borreguiles gondola.
• Laguna de las Yeguas y Veleta: the upper part of the resort, with red and black runs and the best views.
• El Río: the long run that goes down to Pradollano; on some nights of the season you can ski it under artificial light.
• Loma de Dílar: the Snowpark Sulayr area, with jumps, rails and rails.
• Parador and Montebajo: quiet runs among pines, in the lower part.

When to go: season 2026-2027

The resort plans to open on November 28, 2026, provided there is snow; snow cannons help open the beginner area even with little snow. The season usually lasts until late April.

• January to March: the best snow and the most open resort.
• March and April: spring skiing. Long days, more sun and less cold, ideal for going with kids or learning.
• December: depends a lot on how it snows; check the forecast before booking.

If you can, avoid long weekends (Constitution, Christmas, Day of Andalucía and Semana Santa): pistes, car parks and rentals get crowded. During weekdays there are many fewer people and accommodations are cheaper.

The pass: how much it costs and how to save

El forfait es el pase que te deja usar los remontes y las pistas. En Sierra Nevada tiene precio variable: cambia según el día y según cuándo lo compres. Como referencia, la temporada pasada el día de adulto rondó los 55-70 €. Las tarifas oficiales se publican en sierranevada.es.

• Buy it online and in advance: it’s cheaper than at the box office.
• Consecutive days: a multi-day pass costs less per day.
• Half day: from 13:00 until closing, if you arrive late or you’re with children.
• Families: the Family Formula reduces the children’s pass from three consecutive days (you must present the family book).
• Pedestrian: if you don’t ski, there’s a ticket to go up and down by cable car to Borreguiles.

The pass includes the mandatory travel insurance, but it does not cover accidents on the slopes. You can add station insurance when buying, or bring your own. If you go two days or more, Snowmotion will manage the pass for you at no cost and you pick it up at their shop, with no queues.

How to get there from Seville

• By car (about 3 h 15 min, about 290 km): A-92 to Granada and from there the A-395, the Sierra Nevada road, about 35 km of ascent (40 minutes). Refill fuel before you start the climb.
• Tire chains: carry them in the trunk from November to April, or winter tires. With snow, the Civil Guard may require them on the A-395; check the road status on the DGT site before you go.
• Parking: Pradollano car parks are paid and fill up quickly on weekends. The largest is the covered one under Plaza de Andalucía, next to the cable cars and the Snowmotion shop.
• By train and bus: Santa Justa to Granada train (about 2 h 30 min) and ALSA bus from Granada’s bus station to Pradollano (about 1 hour). Schedules change every season: check them at alsa.es.
• By bus: from Plaza de Armas station to Granada (about 3 hours) and the same ALSA bus to the station.

Day trip there and back? It’s possible, but it’s more than six hours of driving in total. If you set off from Seville at 6:00, you’ll reach Pradollano around 9:30. To really enjoy it, we recommend spending at least one night, at the station or in Granada.

A day of skiing from Seville, step by step

1. 6:00: departure from Seville via the A-92.
2. 9:30: you park in Pradollano and have breakfast.
3. 10:15: you pick up the gear at the rental shop, with an hour and a half to spare.
4. 11:45: a 2-hour lesson at Borreguiles.
5. 14:00: lunch at Borreguiles or in Pradollano.
6. 15:00: practice what you’ve learned on the green and blue runs.
7. 16:30: last run, return the equipment and head back to Seville.

What to bring

• Layered clothing: thermal base layer, fleece, and a waterproof jacket and pants.
• Gloves, a hat or helmet (Snowmotion rental includes a helmet for under-13s).
• Sunglasses and a face mask for windy days.
• High-factor sunscreen and lip balm: at 3,000 meters the sun burns even when it’s cold.
• Water and some snacks in your backpack: eating on the slopes is expensive.
• Your ID and family book if you’re using family discounts.

If you don’t ski

• Take the cable car to Borreguiles with the pedestrian ticket to view the slopes and the ridge from above.
• Sledding and snow games in the areas reserved for non-skiers.
• Snowshoeing walks and snowmobile tours with the resort’s operators.
• The atmosphere after skiing in the Plaza de Andalucía at Pradollano, with sunlit terraces.
• Granada and the Alhambra, a forty-minute drive.
• In summer, the lifts operate for hiking and mountain biking, and it’s the gateway to climbing Veleta.

Where to stay

• In Pradollano: at the foot of the slope, without driving. The most convenient and priciest option.
• In Granada: cheaper and with more options, and you combine the snow with the Alhambra and tapas. Expect about 40 minutes of uphill travel each morning.
• In Monachil or Güéjar Sierra: country-style houses halfway, good for families and groups.

Above you’ll find Sierra Nevada accommodation on Booking. If you book lessons, Snowmotion can also help you find lodging at the station.

Frequently asked questions about Sierra Nevada

How long does it take to get from Seville to Sierra Nevada?

About 3 hours and 15 minutes by car: around 290 km via the A-92 to Granada and the A-395 to Pradollano. By train or bus you’ll need to change in Granada and it takes around 4 hours.

Can you go there and back in a day from Seville?

Yes. If you leave at 6:00 you’ll arrive around 9:30 and you can ski until 16:30, but that’s more than six hours of driving. To make the most of it, it’s better to sleep one night at the station or in Granada.

When does Sierra Nevada open in 2026?

The 2026-2027 season is scheduled to start on 28 November 2026, provided there’s snow. The season usually runs until late April.

How much does a day of skiing in Sierra Nevada cost?

Depends on the date. The adult day pass was around €55-70 last season; full equipment rental starts from €27 per day at Snowmotion, and a group lesson with equipment included from €65.

Where can you take skiing or snowboarding lessons in Sierra Nevada?

We recommend Snowmotion, a school with qualified instructors and small groups, with a 4.9/5 on Google. It has its shop in Plaza de Andalucía in Pradollano, 20 metres from the Borreguiles cable car. Book at booking.snowmotion.es or call 660 57 87 95.

From what age can kids start learning to ski?

From 3 years old. Snowmotion offers group ski courses from age 3 and snowboard from age 9, plus private lessons for any age.

Is it necessary to bring chains to go up?

From November to April it’s wise to always carry them or go with winter tires: with snow they may be required on the A-395. Check road conditions on the DGT before you head out.

Where to park in Sierra Nevada?

In the paid car parks of Pradollano. The largest is the covered one under Plaza de Andalucía, next to the cable cars. Weekends and long weekends fill up quickly.