Granada province's magical Sierra Nevada landscape is not just a paradise for climbers or hikers in summer. In winter, the Sierra Nevada mountains practically guarantee amazing off-piste snow adventures, as the skiing season lasts from November to the beginning of April, with just the right sort of the “white stuff”. Off-piste skiing for a morning session or cross-country skiing trips that take up to two days to complete, whatever your family's individual levels of confidence and skill should be, there's a resort and instructor to cater for your needs.
Getting there is easy: Granada Airport is close by and the fabled ancient city of Granada lies just at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, a mere 30 minutes' drive from the main ski resorts.
In the past, these ski resorts attracted mostly individual thrill-seekers keen on snowboarding or off-piste skiing, but increasingly, Sierra Nevada snowboarding and skiing schools are focusing on families.
Offering one-on-one snowboarding and skiing tuition for most ages and levels of ability, various schools and solo instructors have also widened their programmes to include fabulous wilderness trips into the neighbouring Genil valley in the Alpujarras. Lasting one or two-days, these excursions take guests via deep off-piste snow routes onto narrow mountain trails that lead to some of the most picturesque villages in the beautiful Alpujarras. Here visitors can relax and stroll through villages where traditional farmhouses still line the cobbled streets and time seems to stand still.
There is a definite trend towards sustainable tourism: nature and eco-friendly programmes are beneficial for both provider and tourists.
There is an emphasis on fun though, with a little bit of education thrown in for good measure. Older kids will love going on treks into the Genil valley, followed by a team of friendly mules that returns everybody's gear back to the starting point at the end of the trip. It's an unforgettable adventure for all. Day trips start from a mere 100.00 euros per person, which includes transport and lunch.
For families less keen on risky off-piste skiing there are usually a number of reliable trails around the resorts that are ideal for cross-country skiing. It's a great way to improve fitness while at the same time enjoying fantastic views and exploring natural treasures of the region.
For mums and dads who are hard-core mountaineers at heart there are various uphill climbing options, from a half day's gentle snow walking trips designed to get them acclimatised to the altitude, as well as having fun with strapping on snow rackets, to full-day excursions that will take their breath away and test their mettle to the limit.
Nearby Attractions:
From the amazing Alhambra Palace complex to the medieval Arabian baths, from live flamenco performances to scrumptious tapas bars, Granada city is a lively, beautiful and buzzing place where all ages will find something to enjoy.
Missing the beach? Costa Tropical in the south of Granada province is just waiting to be explored: one can easily combine a skiing holiday with a beachside break in a single day.
Two hours by car will take families to the Costa del Sol's famous beach resorts: Marbella for example or Malaga city. World-class golf courses, restaurants, amusement/adventure- and water parks, zoos and museums offer families a plethora of things to do and see.
The city of Malaga is a cultural highlight on a trip to Andalucia – famous art collections like the Picasso Museum or the Russian art collection will probably appeal more to older children, but younger kids can romp around two castles or an automobile museum, enjoy a spin on a giant Ferris wheel, or take part in numerous workshops held by local artisans...before returning to the slopes of the Sierra Nevada for the remainder of their skiing holiday!