Skiing and freestyle skiing in the Sierra Nevada Andalucia
By Nick Nutter | Updated 5 Mar 2022 | Andalucia | Extreme Sports |
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Poised at the top of the Valetta II to Borreguiles black ski run in the Sierra Nevada, you could be forgiven for thinking the slope is almost vertical. It is an optical illusion, but this run is still the most demanding in Spain.
Extreme skiing is defined as skiing on slopes over 45 degrees, the Valetta II run just slips into this category in parts, you will definitely need to practice your ‘windshield wiper’ turns.
Freestyle skiers are also catered for at Sierra Nevada with a big range of jumps and rails in the purpose created terrain park.
Sierra Nevada stands alone, miles from any other ski area, and high above the Mediterranean and the historic city of Granada. Its location is quite something. From the lifts, skiers can look out to the Andalucian beaches below, which are just a one hour drive away should you get tired of the snow. The most southerly major resort in Europe, Sierra Nevada, meaning ‘snow capped mountain range’ certainly lives up to this name, generally enjoying a 5m to 6m snow base by early spring; one of the deepest in Europe; meaning the resort can stay open until the start of May.
For those wanting less demanding skiing, Sierra Nevada's 105km of runs are for the most part easy to intermediate, and are wide and fast, providing excellent conditions for those who just want to zip around the mountain. Complete beginners can make the most of the dedicated area up by the Borreguiles mountain restaurants, where several different ski schools compete to provide the best service. Additionally, there are 5km of cross-country tracks to explore