A snow feast in the Sierra Nevada.
One of the surprising advantages of living in sunny Marbella is that during the winter months you can enjoy a beachside lunch in the sunshine and within a two-hour drive be on the ski slopes of the Sierra Nevada resort, situated in the mountain range visible from the city of Granada. Seen from the gardens of the Alhambra Palace, their snowy peaks glisten year round, and this year the snowfall promises to be one of the best yet: great news if you are a keen skier or snowboarder. As of the end of November 2016, some 42km of routes were available at the resort on its opening weekend, thanks to an unexpected abundance of snow. Needless to say, ‘powder’ fans flocked to the Sierra Nevada for the first weekend of what is the longest ski season in Europe, as it lasts until 30 April 2017. According to reports from the successful launch of the 2016 – 2017 season, 51 of the resort’s 124 slopes were able to open, including some of its favourites: Tubo del Veleta, Panorámico, Tubo de Borreguiles, Lastrón and Descanso Damas. Nine of the 24 ski lifts were also in action and they were kept busy over the weekend, ferrying skiers and snowboarders up the slopes. And with more snow forecast it is likely that the Sierra Nevada will continue to see plenty of action. If you’re going to visit the Sierra Nevada for the first time, don’t forget to take plenty of layers of warm clothing. It might be a balmy day down on the coast, and you may even be able to do a spot of sunbathing in the winter sunshine, but up on the ski slopes it is about -2C during the day, and colder at night. Don’t worry if you don’t already have ski clothing, skis or snowboards handy, as it is possible to hire ski equipment at the Sierra Nevada resort. Novices can book classes and there is a crèche for younger children. You can also book accommodation through the website and it is probably sensible to make reservations early, especially if you are thinking of a weekend visit. Ski passes are also available online. There are other activities available at the resort for families with children. Dreamland and Snow Garden in Borreguiles are at the top of a ‘Magic Carpet’ conveyor belt. Dreamland is an alternative to the crèche and offers care for children aged three to six years of age. The Dreamland play area is outside the Snow Garden chalet and when the conditions are right, the professional staff teach children how to make gentle descents within the enclosed space. Living in Marbella really does offer a surprisingly diverse array of activities, and the ability to combine beach life with the ski slopes is one that you won’t find in many other parts of the world.
