The eternal debate over which is better—the sea or the mountains—is easily settled in Granada province, where you can have both. The majestic Sierra Nevada rises above the city home to the famous Alhambra, and yet is less than an hour’s drive from the coast. If you love winter sports but aren’t a fan of biting cold, this resort will be a real discovery, as temperatures here are usually a few degrees higher than on northern slopes.
After the New Year holiday hustle dies down, the mountains return to their natural rhythm, offering one of the best winter experiences. The snow pack becomes firmer, the sun shines more often, and skiing feels more vivid and authentic. No wonder many seasoned skiers consider this month the perfect time to rediscover southern Europe’s top resort.
Recent snowfalls have created a landscape worthy of the very best seasons. A blanket of snow now covers much of the mountain range, opening up a wide and varied ski area. Dozens of kilometers of runs are open in almost every sector of the resort. From the beginner slopes in Borreguiles to the long trails down to Pradollano, the full vertical drop is at athletes’ disposal once again—something that rarely happens this early in the year.
One of Sierra Nevada’s key advantages in January is the outstanding quality of its snow. Thanks to stable temperatures and minimal sudden weather changes, the snow cover stays in top condition, ensuring excellent skiing day after day. Adding to this is another important factor—a mild climate. As the southernmost ski resort in Europe, it offers long daylight hours and lacks the extreme cold found elsewhere. This is especially appreciated by families with children and those who ski only occasionally.
But Sierra Nevada is about more than just skiing. January brings a packed calendar of events catering to all kinds of visitors. In Pradollano, the heart of the resort, you’ll find kids’ areas, sledding runs, and playgrounds for enjoying the snow even without skis. There’s also always the option to simply take a stroll, admire the views, or relax with a cup of coffee on a sunny terrace, soaking up the mountain atmosphere.
The area’s unique natural landscape adds another dimension to your trip. The resort is part of a national park with peaks reaching almost 3,500 meters and remarkable biodiversity. On calmer days, the mountains invite you to venture beyond the slopes and explore hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and quiet corners where winter feels especially tranquil.
The real difference of this place is revealed at the end of the day. Just a few kilometers separate the resort from Granada—a contrast you’ll hardly find anywhere else. In less than an hour, travelers descend from snowy peaks to cobbled streets of an ancient city. The chance to go out for tapas, get lost in the Albaicín quarter, or admire the illuminated Alhambra turns an ordinary ski trip into an unforgettable adventure.
January is also when Sierra Nevada becomes more accessible and welcoming. There are fewer lift lines, less noise, and more space to ski. It’s the perfect time for unhurried runs, leisurely breakfasts with mountain views, and to return home feeling like you’ve experienced a true, classic winter.
By the way, Sierra Nevada is more than just a resort—it’s an entire mountain range in Andalusia, part of the Cordillera Bética. Here you’ll find the highest point of continental Spain, Mulhacén (3,479 m). The area is both a national park and a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Thanks to its southern location and altitude, the resort boasts one of the longest ski seasons in Europe. It’s not uncommon for skiing here to last until early May, when the beach season is already in full swing on the coast.