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Sierra Nevada Resort Reviews

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Visitor reviews for Sierra Nevada Ski Resort

Sierra Nevada Ratings

Overall: 4.1. Based on 102 votes and 81 reviews. Vote

Snowsure: 4.2

(1) Occasionally gets enough snow for skiing, (2) is often closed due to a lack of snow, (3) occasionally suffers from a lack of snow, (4) rarely suffers from a lack of snow, (5) Sierra Nevada is snowsure even in the poorest seasons.

Variety of pistes: 4.3

(1) The ski runs are featureless and unvaried, (3) the ski runs are varied but not extensive enough for a week, (5) Sierra Nevada has diverse and interesting pistes including forests and high alpine terrain.

Off-piste: 3.5

(1) No off-piste worth mentioning, (2) off piste is out-of-bounds, (3) some varied offpiste that stays fresh for one or two days, (5) a vast array of off-piste routes that can stay untracked for several days.

Scenery: 4.3

(1) An ugly resort in a bland setting, (3) average mountain views and resort, (5) a spectacular setting and a beautiful / historic resort town.

Access: 4.5

(1) At least one overnight stop, (2) requires a whole day, (3) requires more than half a day – you may have time for a few turns (4) arrive by lunchtime and ski all afternoon, (5) there is a main airport within an hour of Sierra Nevada.

Public Transport: 3.9

(1) There are no buses or taxis to Sierra Nevada, (3) there are slow or infrequent buses / trains available, (5) getting to the resort is easy with frequent bus / train connections.

Accommodation: 4.5

(1) No places to stay in/near Sierra Nevada, (3) a few places to stay in the resort, (5) a wide variety of accommodation suitable to suit all budgets.

Cheap Rooms: 3.9

(1) No budget accommodation available, (3) just one or two hostels so book ahead, (5) several cheap hostels and pensions available.

Luxury Hotels: 4.5

(1) No luxury accommodation available, (3) just one or two luxury hotels so book ahead, (5) several up-market hotels in Sierra Nevada.

Ski in/Ski out: 4.5

(1) The ski area is located far from any accommodation, (3) a free ski bus takes you to the ski area in a short trip, (5) Ski-in ski-out accommodation is available.

Childcare: 4.2

(1) There are no child care facilities at Sierra Nevada, (5) the resort has excellent child-care facilities including at least one reasonably priced creche.

Snowmaking: 4.5

(1) Sierra Nevada relies entirely on natural snow, (3) there are just a few snow cannons, (5) there are snowmaking facilities on all pistes.

Snow Grooming: 4.7

(1) There are no snow groomers at Sierra Nevada, (3) occasionally some pistes are left ungroomed and in a poor state, (5) all the runs at Sierra Nevada are groomed daily.

Shelter: 3.2

(1) there is nowhere to ski when it is windy or visibility is bad and lifts often shut, (3) there are some trees for poor visibility but main lifts sometimes close, (5) Sierra Nevada is mostly in forest where you can ski in flat-light and windy days, lifts rarely close.

Nearby options: 2.4

(1) If snow conditions are poor at Sierra Nevada, it will be poor everywhere nearby, (3) there are good alternatives within an hours drive, (5) other locations on the same lift pass provide a rich variety of snowsure ski conditions.

Regional rating: 4.5

(1) Sierra Nevada usually has poor snow conditions compared to other resorts in region, (3) has average conditions for the region, (5) usually has the best snow conditions in the region.

Lift Staff: 3.9

(1) The staff at Sierra Nevada are rude or unhelpful, (5) lift staff at Sierra Nevada are pleasant, cheerful and eager to help.

Crowds/Queues: 3.3

(1) the resort is always busy and there are usually long lift queues, (3) it is quiet apart from occasional weekends and school holidays, (5) it is uncrowded and lift queues are very rare.

Ski Schools: 4.6

(1) No ski schools available, (2) one or two ski schools but local language only, (3) a few ski schools but book early for multi-lingual instructors, (4) plenty of ski schools and multi-lingual instructors available, (5) excellent ski schools with friendly multi-lingual ski instructors.

Hire and Repairs: 4.6

(1) Nothing can be sourced, not even ski-wax or ptex. (3) there are some ski shops but rentals need to be booked in advance, (5) good quality ski equipment can be purchased or hired and overnight repairs are possible.

Beginners: 4.6

(1) Beginners can only watch others ski and snowboard, (3) a few gentle slopes but beginners will get bored in less than a week, (3) Vast areas of gentle terrain.

Intermediates: 4.7

(1) No intermediate terrain at Sierra Nevada, (3) intermediate skiers will get bored after a few days, (5) vast areas of cruising runs.

Advanced: 4.3

(1) Nothing for advanced skiers and snowboarders, (3) enough steep terrain for a few days with some good offpiste, (5) Enough steep terrain and offpiste areas to entertain advanced skiers for at least a week.

Snow Park: 4.5

(1) Not even a kicker at Sierra Nevada, (3) average sized park quite well looked after, (5) huge park area and expertly crafted pipes, jumps and boardercross trails.

Cross-country: 3.5

(1) There is nowhere to go for cross-country skiing around Sierra Nevada, (3) there are some cross country trails available, (5) the area features many spectacular and well maintained cross-country trails.

Luge/Toboggan: 3.1

(1) No designated luge or toboggan runs, (3) there are toboggan runs that open quite often, (5) Sierra Nevada has long and well maintained luge / toboggan facilities suitable for all ages.

Mountain Dining: 4.1

(1) Nowhere to buy food by the pistes, (3) some places to eat up on the mountain but they are often busy and expensive, (5) there is a variety of excellent mountain eateries right next to the slopes to suit all budgets.

Eating: 4.3

(1) Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. (5) A wide variety of places to eat and drink in the resort, from fast food to fancy restaurants.

Apres-Ski: 4.5

(1) Nothing to do, not even a bar, (3) there are a few bars in the resort but nothing special, (5) clubs and bars stay open until very late and have a friendly atmosphere.

Other Sports: 3.9

(1) No sports facilities at all apart from ski lifts, (3) resort has just a small public swimming pool, (5) resort has all kinds of sports facilities, including a full-size swimming pool.

Entertainment: 3.9

(1) Besides the snow and walking there is nothing to do here, (3) the non-skier will find things to do for few days but may become bored after a week, (5) the resort area is a fascinating place to visit, regardless of winter sports.

Winter Walks: 3.7

(1) Very limited walking and no snowshoe trails, (3) a couple of designated scenic walking/snowshoe trails, (5) extensive and diverse winter walking trails for all abilities.

Ski Pass Value: 3.3

(1) A 1 week ski pass is overpriced compared to the number of lifts available, (3) the ski pass is averagely priced and covers a reasonable number of lifts, (5) ski passes are excellent value for money and cover a lot of lifts spanning a big area.

Value (National): 3.5

(1) Overall, Sierra Nevada is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the country and not worth the money, (3) overall represents average value for money, (5) overall offers the best value resort in the country.

Value (Global): 3.6

(1) Overall, Sierra Nevada is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the world, (3) overall it offers pretty average value for money compared to resorts from other countries, (5) internationally the resort offers excellent value for money.

Show all 35 ratings

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February 07, 2015
Paddy from Ski Ireland Ireland
We have been skiing in Sierra for 12 years now. With the exception of a few local holidays the queues are non existent especially away from the beginners area. Snow conditions are usually great with plenty of variation. A bit short of anything extreme but then so am I. If you want to eat stay away from the mountain and eat in the town, Pepe Bollo does a great toast, eggs and bacon. I have skied all over Europe and a bit in USA and I must say I really enjoy all this resort has to offer. Don't forget your sunglasses.
February 03, 2014
Matt Fox from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
Brilliant ski resort. Having skied in all the Andorran, Bulgarian and some Austrian, I would not go past the Sierra Nevada. Great skiing, fabulous facilities and as usual in Spain the people are very friendly. Accommodation can be pricey and the lift pass is steep. However, the ease of access to the resort, only 1.5hrs max from Malaga airport more than make up for this.
December 09, 2013
Mike Warrington from Ski Spain Spain
Well, what a difference a year makes. A totally different start to this season than last year. Whilst the resort is open there is very limited skiing because of the total lack of snow or rainfall. We have had no significant rainfall since May of this year and the snow on the slopes is principally man made. I have not been up to the resort yet as there is no point until, or even if, we get any significant snowfall. Other European resorts as yet do not look overloaded with snow either. Hopefully, we will get snow soon, but none is on the horizon!
April 10, 2013
Mike Warrington from Ski Spain Spain
Hi. Yes, its me again! Just had a glorious day up on the Sierra Nevada. Not a cloud in the sky, good snow, although did get a bit 'mushy' lower down by the afternoon and finished the day chickening out of coming back down the Rio, instead opting for a lift in the cable car! Would recommend anyone thinking of some late season skiing to get up there this week as next week and after until May it is a 'three day week' Friday, Sat, Sunday. Sun strong so do not forget your suncream!! Good tans to be got!! Thats me for this season---have a great summer all.
March 08, 2012
Vicky from Ski Spain Spain
Ok, I admit that I am biased about this, bearing in mind that as I right this, I am looking out at Mulhacen back lit by a full moon. In skiing I am very much a beginner, but that has not stopped me taking various trips to the ski resort itself during the winter months. I live about 50 mins drive away. Skiing wise, I found that the beginners section on the slopes were pretty good, though it could be said that the green slope is pretty blue at the top, which to the terrified novice, can be tricky. I did not use a ski school either, something I regret now, as having investigated for a trip up to the resort this year, I have found an abundance of English speaking instructors. There are plenty of places to eat. I have not sampled many, but am sure that there is something to everyone´s taste. I read a comment from someone stating that there was not much choice for veggies.. this could be said for many places in Spain, where if it has not got pork in it, you are not sampling traditional fare. Snow wise, this year has been quite poor as we have had very little bad weather at all. I am hoping that what there is left, lasts till the end of the month when I go! From a tourists point of view, with the beautiful city of Granada just down the road and so many other options for sports available, this resort (though not so cheap) is fantastic!! I love it!!
November 12, 2008
Hugo Leitao from Ski Portugal Portugal
Sierra Nevada is a nice resort. In my opinion, here are the positives and negatives: POS: - Good Weather - Good Vertical descent (1200m) - Well groomed slopes - Quite good snowpark - Good nightlife NEG: - Ski pass is expensive - Very Crowded (especially on Weekends and Holidays) - Lack of snow in the last years - It opens even if it has almost no slopes open, and they charge the full price of the skipass. - You can spend most of the day in queues for the lifts on weekends - After 2-3 days you did every piste
January 06, 2006
John from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
Quite a nice resort, it can however get very busy. Make sure you arrive before 10 o'clock because that's the peak time when everyone wants to hire ski equipment. Pistes are really easy but they are great for beginners and intermediates but it isnt much of a chalenge for experienced skiers/snowboarders. It is nice for a day or two but I wouldn't recommend it for more than a week.
January 10, 2011
shani from Ski South Africa South Africa
Weather was fantastic in Sierra Nevada - open skies and wind not too strong- very enjoyable!
November 22, 2019
Alastair McFarlane from Ski Spain Spain
Stayed at the Melia hotel many years ago on a UK package that did not work out too well. High winds, white out snow, few lifts open and icy conditions. Hotel at best described as mediocre. Roll forward 30 years and the ski area is extensive, the hotels expensive but cost of ski hire and passes much cheaper than France or USA. Biggest difference is access to the resort. From Nerja we can check the snow report, leave at 7am, park in the underground car park all day for €20 and be on the first lift skiing at 9.30am. Ski all day, jump back in the car and enjoy a restaurant meal overlooking Burriana beach back in Nerja at 8pm. Go midweek outside school holidays and you will have the resort to yourself, often in glorious sunshine. Maybe for a holiday visit book a hotel in Granada, get a hire car and check out the weather forecast. Resort is not a great place to be in bad weather but on a sunny day it really can be quite superb...
January 09, 2007
Dani from Ski Spain Spain
Hi Patrick, Only one way to get back is WALKING or just wait till 08.30 than you can take the chair lift. Good luck Dani