A Day Trip to Sierra Nevada from the Costa Tropical – Ski and Snow in Andalusia
Introduction
One of the best things about staying on Costa Tropical is how close you are to everything — beaches, cities, mountains… and even snow! From Almuñécar or La Herradura, you can reach Sierra Nevada ski resort in around 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on traffic and winter conditions and enjoy a full day of skiing before returning to the sea for sunset.
It’s one of the few places in Europe where you can ski in the morning and return to the coast for sunset by the sea! - a true Andalusian winter experience.
Suggested Schedule (Based on Our Experience)
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 06:30–07:00 | Depart from Almuñécar (allow ~1h 45 min drive to Pradollano). |
| 08:30–09:00 | Park in Plaza de Andalucía, pick up pre-booked rental equipment. |
| 09:30–15:30 | Ski or snowboard – enjoy sunny slopes and mountain views. |
| 13:00 | Lunch at one of the resort’s terraces or cafés. (Later bigger lines) |
| 16:00–16:45 | Return rental gear, have a coffee in the village. |
| 17:00 | Drive back to the coast. |
| 19:00–19:30 | Back in Almuñécar in time for tapas or a seaside dinner. |
Ski Lifts & Slope Map - Book Online in Advance
- Lifts open: 8:30 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. (last chairlift around 5:00 p.m.)
- Slope map: Sierra Nevada Piste Map
- Buy ski passes online: Sierra Nevada Forfaits
Tip: We highly recommend buying your ski pass online and in advance.. In the high season it is very difficult to get in on-site.
Ski Equipment Rental – Book Online in Advance
All rental shops are located in the Pradollano village, just steps from the main lifts. It’s essential to book your equipment online at least one day before, especially on weekends or during school holidays.
- Mulhacén Ski – right by ticket offices, great service.
- CaranvaSports – online booking, good for beginners.
- Intersport Rio Sierra Nevada – large selection, open 8:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
Tip:Booking online guarantees your size and pickup time — otherwise, queues can reach up to an hour in peak season.
Parking – Book Underground in Advance
Parking is the most important thing to plan ahead. Spaces in the main underground parking under Plaza de Andalucía fill up fast — especially on weekends and holidays.
- Reserve early: Official Sierra Nevada Parking
- Location: right under the main square (Plaza de Andalucía) in Pradollano.
- Open: 24h daily, with direct elevator access to the ski area.
- Capacity: over 2,600 cars, but usually full by 9:00 a.m. on weekends.
Pro tip: Arrive before 8:30 a.m. or your spot may be gone even if you booked late.
What to Bring
- Warm layers and waterproof jacket (temperatures can drop below 0°C at the top).
- Sunglasses and sunscreen (also lipstick with sun protection!) – the mountain sun is strong.
- Gloves, hat, and neck warmer.
- Water and snacks – mountain cafés are pricier.
- Phone charger / power bank for photos and GPS.
What to Do If You Don’t Ski
Not everyone comes to Sierra Nevada to ski — and that’s perfectly fine! The resort offers plenty of activities and beautiful viewpoints for visitors who simply want to enjoy the snow and mountain atmosphere.
- Take the cable car up to Borreguiles (no skis needed!) and enjoy panoramic views from 2,600 m above sea level.
- Have lunch or coffee on one of the sunny terraces in Pradollano and watch skiers glide by.
- Enjoy a short winter walk along the resort’s main paths or take photos of the stunning mountain scenery.
- Shopping & souvenirs: explore small boutiques selling local products, winter clothing, and handmade items.
Even without skiing, Sierra Nevada is worth a visit — the crisp mountain air and breathtaking views are unforgettable.
About Sierra Nevada
Sierra Nevada is one of Europe’s southernmost ski resorts, with over 112 km of pistes and spectacular views stretching all the way to the Mediterranean Sea on clear days. It’s located just 90 km from Almuñécar, and easily accessible by car via the A-44 and A-395.
You can find real-time updates about open slopes, snow conditions, and webcams on: sierranevada.es/en
Back to the Coast
After your day on the slopes, driving back to Almuñécar at sunset is magical — the sea glowing orange, mountains fading behind you. Enjoy dinner by the sea, maybe a warm jacuzzi, and you’ll realize how special it is to stay in a place where the mountains and Mediterranean meet.
👉 Explore more local adventures: Things to Do on Costa Tropical
🧭 Quick Links Summary
| Category | Link |
|---|---|
| 🎫 Ski Pass | Buy passes online |
| 🗺️ Piste Map | Piste map Sierra Nevada |
| 🎿 Equipment | Mulhacén Ski / CaranvaSports |
| 🅿️ Parking | Underground Parking Plaza Andalucía |
| 📍 Resort Info | Sierra Nevada Official Website |
Planning your winter escape from Costa Tropical?
Stay with us in Almuñécar or La Herradura – enjoy heated pools, saunas, and sunshine just an hour from the snow.
👉 Explore places to stay on the Costa Tropical
Frequently Asked Questions – Sierra Nevada Day Trip
Is Sierra Nevada suitable for a day trip from the Costa Tropical?
Yes. Sierra Nevada can be reached from the Costa Tropical in around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours by car, making it ideal for a full-day winter trip.
Can you ski and return to the coast on the same day?
Absolutely. Many visitors ski in Sierra Nevada during the day and return to the Costa Tropical in the afternoon to enjoy sunset by the Mediterranean Sea.
Do I need to ski to enjoy Sierra Nevada?
No. Non-skiers can take cable cars, enjoy panoramic viewpoints, relax in cafés, or simply experience the snowy mountain atmosphere.
Is winter the best time to visit Sierra Nevada from the coast?
Yes. Winter is the most popular time, as it offers the unique opportunity to combine snow-covered mountains with mild Mediterranean weather on the same day.
Do I need to book ski passes and parking in advance?
Yes. During winter weekends and school holidays, it is strongly recommended to book ski passes, equipment rental and parking online in advance.