Logo-altavista-property-black

In Marbella we are blessed with one of the sunniest climates in the whole of Europe – as many a tanned international resident will proudly profess. However, did you know that a two and a half hour drive would bring you to the slopes of the continent’s most southerly ski resort? Nestled in the snow-capped mountains overlooking the historic city of Granada (32 km away), the Sierra Nevada ski resort is set to open later this month (November) much to the delight of fans of the white stuff. Boasting the second longest ski season in the world, this trendy resort is typically open from the end of November until May, which has much to do with the altitude of the resort as its highest peak Mulhacén – a vertigo inducing 3,482 m above sea level.

The snowy slopes of the Sierra Nevada
The snowy slopes of the Sierra Nevada
Such is the height of the Sierra Nevada that on a clear day it’s even possible to see the Moroccan coastline and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea from the top of the resort. In addition, the jet set destination is no stranger to famous faces, as it has welcomed guests such as Sean Connery and Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe in the past. More recently it was reported that Prince Felipe of Spain and his wife Leticia arrived by helicopter for a few days of downhill fun.     Another feather in the snow-dusted cap of the resort is the après ski that can be found after the sun goes down. Dotted around the centre are around a dozen bars and restaurants allowing you to sip on a cool beer or two to help alleviate any muscle stiffness following a day on the slopes. The Sierra Nevada started to make a name for itself after the World Alpine Skiing Championships was cancelled in 1995 due to poor snow (it was held the following year) and an important period of investment in its infrastructure commenced. Now an army of artificial snow machines allows the Sierra Nevada to open even if no snow has fallen. In total skiers and snowboarders can enjoy 101 kilometres of slopes, broken down into: very easy (18km), easy (40km), difficult (51km) and very difficult (8km). Adrenaline junkies are in for a surprise this season too with the arrival of Europe’s largest snow park, the Sulayr Park, which is bound to get some pulses racing. So if you fancy a white Christmas in southern Spain this winter, perhaps you should head up to the Sierra Nevada pronto. For more information visit www.marbellaskiclub.com or http://sierranevada.es/