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Granada - Sierra Nevada ski resort |
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Many people only associate Spain with sand and
sun and are surprised to find that Spain also offers a
wide range of winter sports. Spain's number one location
for winter sports, the Sierra Nevada is located just two
hours away from the Costa del Sol. Located above
Granada, it has the best snow and the longest season in
the country. One can look forward to five months of
snow.
Sierra Nevada has 61km of ski slopes with 45 pistes
and 6 off-piste routes. There are 2 cable cars, 12 chair
lifts and 5 ski lifts. The ski resort is open from 9am
to 5pm although you can ski at night at weekends and
bank holidays. Night skiing was introduced in 1994 with
lighting along the El Rio slope (3km/545 vertical drop). |
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The sport
has gained in popularity and
the resort, which provides
its fans with ideal
conditions, is working to
promote this new discipline.
An on-slope half pipe is
being built for surfers,
this will be available
depending on snow
conditions.
Specialised snowboarding
shops and schools are also
available in the resort. In
addition to alpine skiing
and snowboarding, Sierra
Nevada offers many other
winter spotrs including
cross-country skiing,
artistic skiing (ballet,
jumps, moguls), telemark
skiing, trekking and
adventure skiing.
It is
also the place to be seen,
even if you don't ski.
There's a stigma attached to
the resort - its a cool
place to be seen and you
have to have the most trendy
of gear.
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If you have never been to Sierra Nevada because you haven't got the
essential gear, then that's no longer a valid excuse for everything you need can
be hired on a daily basis. If your excuse is that you can't ski then forget that
too for there is no shortage of schools that will assist everyone from beginners
to experts. Because the area has such a pulsating nightlife, the slopes tend to
be less crowded between 9am and 11am and between 1pm and 3pm, presumably the
time when the skiers are sleeping off the effects of the night before.
Over recent years the resort has turned to technology to extend the season by
investing in artificial snow machines and now the resort has 16 of them that
generate snow round the clock. The resort has the best groomed snow in Europe.
With the resort being just 30 minutes away from the city of Granada, nowhere
else in the world can you be playing golf in the sun then within such a short
time, be skiing or snow-boarding at a top resort.
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Pradollano - The resort village |
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Sierra Nevada´s village area has been greatly enhanced thanks
to the construction of new alpine-style buildings. One of the villages most
important features is the four-storey underground parking complex with a
capacity of 2,880 vehicles.
The village offers a variety of services including quality
hotels in a range of categories which include jacuzzi, squash, workout areas,
sauna and indoor swimming pools. There are also shops, night clubs, pubs and
bars, discotheques etc. There is a new medical centre, child day-care centre,
banks with ATM´s, supermarkets, sports and fashion boutiques, gift shops,
magazine and newspaper kiosks, ski rental, photo-developing services,
hairdressers, car rental, taxi service and a pharmacy.
The road to the resort is narrow and winding and as you get
within a mile of the resort, snow begins to appear on the ground and the air
turns cold. Be prepared for traffic jams at the top, especially at peak times.
Even the coaches go to the top which does appear to cause problems. We found the
best place to park is the main underground park, good but expensive for
long-term. From here its easy to access the facilities. There are ample bars and
restaurants, hotels and shops. Queues for the lifts were very long and the bars
were all packed to capacity. The whole place pulsates with life and energy.
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Most facilities are located around the main Plaza. You can also catch the small tourist train here that takes you round the resort. If you take the lift from the main square, at various stages before the peak you will find bars and restaurants offering panoramic views and blazing sunshine reflecting off the slopes.
The Sierra Nevada is the place to be for a ski holiday or even on one of the many day trips from Granada.
The Sierra Nevada is also a beautiful place to visit out of season, when there is no snow. You will find it a peaceful place with plenty of hill walking routes. The air is clean and fresh and there are still a few cafes and bars open for refreshments. You will find ample free parking unlike during the ski season when it can become very crowded and busy.
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The road to the resort is very
winding and narrow. Take extreme care, especially when
icy.
Allow plenty of time to arrive - during the season
the road can have queues for several hours.
Why not try one of the hotels on the way up to the
resort - they're cheaper and less busy than those in the
centre
Remember to take de-icer with you for your car.
If you are early enough you can get free parking on
the roadside before the main resort. |
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