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Hard to believe, but there is skiing in southern Spain, about a half-hour drive from Granada.

The Sierra Nevada resort has skiing at an altitude of over 10,000 feet and brilliant sunshine most of the winter. When storms arrive, life at the top of this treeless mountain top stops and visitors either drop down to Granada or curl up with a good book. With good weather the views are spectacular—almost unbelievable. From the top of the Veleta peak, skiers can see across the Mediterranean to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco.

The resort town itself, basically a sparse cluster of hotels and apartments at the base of the first series of lifts, is modern with a hint of traditional charm. It is purpose-built. It is here only for skiing and has been well located for that pursuit. It is not a traditionally Spanish enclave, nor does it appear in any sense Alpine; however, if you want to find snow in southern Spain, this is the place to be. When it does snow, it comes down light and dry because of the low humidity in Southern Spain. When it doesn’t snow, Sierra Nevada has one of Europe’s most advanced snowmaking systems.


What Sierra Nevada does exude is the intoxicating Spanish love of the good life. There are lively tapas bars, quaint shops and elegant hotels climbing the mountainside. After skiing no one here forgets good food and spirited nightlife.


In preparation for the the 1996 World Cup, Spain improved virtually every aspect of the village including the access road from Grenada. Even the old original hotels have been given a facelift and more of an Andalusian facade.