Abi from SPAIN writes:
I live nearby and go fairly regularly throughout the ski season. Sierra Nevada has a strange location, being very southerly, and as such, suffers from some very changeable weather conditions. On the whole it's sunny and hot, but I've had some very cold days up there too - the hieght and isolated postition (not in a large mountain range) seem to attract some wind. It's a pretty decent resort if everything is open, although this is not always the case. Good skiers can cover pretty much all of it in 1 and a half days. Parking is a pain - the underground resort car park charges a fortune (20 or more Euros per day) so park early on at the car park on the approach road for 2 Euros a day. It's a bit of a walk in , but wear trainers and a backpack to put them in later, and carry your ski boots (boarders with comfy boots need not worry of course). Accommodation in the resort is pricey, although you can stay in Granada and drive up the mountain in 30 mins - not a bad option. There are also a few hotels half-way up that are cheaper. The atmosphere in the resort is good - lots of bars, a good number of restaurants and shops etc. - although not quite like the apres ski of Austria. Being Spain, if you want to go out at night it doesn't really start until midnight. The look of the resort is variable - some chalet style buildings which are pretty, some ugly blocks - but far better than the uglier French purpose-built resorts. Some English is spoken, but beware, not everywhere..so brush up on Spanish beforehand. The resort info line strangely gives an English option, but then puts you through to staff who are Spanish-speaking only. Food is far cheaper than in French and Swiss resorts, and cheaper than Austria, but about the same as Italy. A big roll and chips and a coke for lunch on the maountain is about 7.50 Euros. The lift pass is just under 30 Euros per day. A great place for beginners, intermediates and those who live nearby - but for good skiers heading out from the UK, perhaps the Alps are a better bet. By the way - Baqueira-Beret in the Spanish Pyrenees is well worth a look - I drive the 12 hours up there sometimes because I like it!
2004-03-07 |
