Skiing in Spain (Sierra Nevada)
The Sierra Nevada is a Spanish ski resort just a 2-hour drive from Malaga, located high above the city of Granada in Andalusia. Its highest point is Mount Mulhacén at 3,479m, the highest peak on the Iberian Peninsula.
Sierra Nevada is a lively resort with a varied ski area, perfect for 3 or 4 days on the slopes. The season is generally open from December to April. You can also take ski lessons, as the area is perfectly suited to beginners.
The advantages of going skiing in a converted van :
The 4 main reasons:
- The converted van is often a more economical accommodation solution than local hotels, in a resort perfectly suited to this type of vehicle.
- The converted van is equipped with a stationary heater that can run all night long, so you can sleep peacefully.
- This solution gives you enormous flexibility in managing your schedule, which is perfect for a ski holiday where logistics are essential.
- It’s a unique experience to be able to sleep in a van in the high mountains, close to nature. But it’s also a pleasure to prepare a nice hot meal in your converted van and enjoy a splendid view of the mountains.
Where to sleep in a converted van in the Sierra Nevada
The resort has thought of the needs of van and motorhome travelers. Indeed, the Las Sabinas parking lot (geolocation: https: //goo.gl/maps/4FR3aDLrBcriNXmZ9) is perfect for easy parking, yet close to the center of the Sierra Nevada resort. The view is unobstructed over the snow-capped mountains and the Granada valley below. It’s the easiest way to park, and it’s free too. What’s more, you’ll be in close proximity to other campers to share your experiences in the resort, or simply if you need olive oil for cooking. A pick-up bus stops at the entrance to the parking lot to take you closer to the resort center, but it’s perfectly possible to walk 15 minutes to reach the hypercenter while enjoying the fresh mountain air. This bus is practical when you have your own equipment stored in your converted van: ski boots and skis.
Ski passes and equipment rental:
The easiest way is to buy your ski pass directly online at https://sierranevada.es/en/invierno/forfaits/ski-passes-and-tickets/.
You will then receive a purchase confirmation with an associated QR code. This QR code will enable you to print your ski pass easily from the terminals located in the village square, near the gondola access. This is a single package valid for all days paid for online. Take advantage of our special offers with a cheaper package every Wednesday. You can also buy your pass directly at the ticket office, but there will certainly be a longer wait.
To rent your ski equipment, we recommend the El oso blanco store, which is conveniently located close to the slope exits and very inexpensive. If you plan to ski for several days, you can leave your rental equipment in the store when you return from your day’s skiing.
Camping Villsom offers quiet, shady pitches just 30 minutes from the historic center by bus (stop next to the campsite).
Downtown parking lots remain noisy and often very small. Ideally, you should head slightly out of town to spend the night at theAlcala de Guadaira just a 20-minute drive from the town center, to enjoy the peace and quiet and the view of the ruins of the village’s ancient castle. The motorhome park at the port of Gelves along the Guadalquivir, equipped with washing machines and other services, on the banks of the Guadalquivir! The janitor will welcome you 24 hours a day for €15/night.
The following nightspot is also ideal for a quiet night’s sleep not far from the city center: La Rinconada .
Where to eat and drink in the Sierra Nevada?
There are plenty of small mini-markets in the Sierra Nevada village where you can do a little shopping and prepare some hot meals in your converted van. Of course, there is a wide choice of restaurants within the Sierra, we recommend these three unique addresses:
- La Fondue de Noa: The perfect restaurant for Swiss fondue or raclette, typical mountain dishes. It’s important to book in advance.
- Restaurante La Antorcha: Mainly meat restaurant. A sausage tree makes this place special, very good service.
- Crescendo Lounge: the ideal place to relax after a great day’s skiing or hiking. A large open fireplace in the middle of the room, huge sofas to make you feel at ease and a very convivial “après ski” atmosphere. Board games are also available.
On the ski slopes, you’ll find a wide range of mountain restaurants. We recommend
El Chalet Suizo
which offers raclette, fondue, salads, pasta, etc…Of course, it’s also a good idea to prepare your own packed lunch in your van, so you can enjoy a leisurely lunch in the ski area. So you can enjoy nature, peace and quiet, and an extraordinary view of the Andalusian region, where it’s possible to see the Mediterranean Sea and sometimes Morocco if the weather’s right.
Which van to hire for your ski holiday in the Sierra Nevada
If you want to spend a few days in the Sierra Nevada in comfort, we recommend a converted van. This converted van model features stationary heating, WC, shower with hot water, kitchen area with fridge, two large double beds (van for up to 4 people). What’s more, the Sunlight Fiat Ducato is equipped with solar panels on the roof, perfect for recharging your secondary battery during the day’s skiing.
Depending on weather conditions, VanBreak may be able to rent you socks for the tires of your Sunlight Fiat Ducato van. In general, the resort is easily accessible via the only road from Granada. On the road to the Sierra Nevada the scenery is splendid
What you need for your van trip
It’s important to be well-equipped for a trip to the Sierra Nevada. Recommended equipment: ski pants, warm waterproof coat, gloves, hat, neck warmer, sunglasses, sun cream, lip balm, mountain boots, thermal top, ski mask, rucksack.
What are the Sierra Nevada's unique assets?
It’s a friendly resort on a human scale, and perfectly suited to travel by van or camper van. With a special ski pass, you can ski at night, when some slopes are illuminated for a safe and unique experience.
You’ll find the Andalusian ambience right in the heart of the mountains, with sunny terraces, tapas bars and a lively nightlife. You can get around the resort on foot, with the possibility of using chairlifts in the village with your ski pass.
If you’re not skiing, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, snowshoeing, massage spas, tobogganing, sleigh rides or simply enjoying the village terraces or high-altitude restaurants for an invigorating getaway.
