Skiers and snowboarders will find challenging runs in the spectacular setting of the Sierra Nevada resort; however, the snow, due to the resort’s southern latitude, can be variable. Sierra Nevada has 48 pistes covering 70kms, ranging from beginner to advanced levels. Snowboarders are looked after with a park and half-pipe reserved for their use. Expert skiers can take advantage of some sensational off-piste skiing with spectacular views of the Mediterranean and, on particularly clear days, Morocco.

There's a good range of accommodation in Sierra Nevada’s Pradollano resort, from luxurious hotels with health and fitness centres to cheaper hostels and Alpine-style self-catering apartments. However, they all charge resort prices for their food and drinks and, if you are on a budget, you may want to stay at one of cheaper places on the road leading to the mountain, or in Granada itself.

The slopes rise to an elevation of 3,300m, with the longest run stretching for six kilometres. The ski season lasts from December to May, with snowfalls more variable than at resorts in the Pyrenees or Alps. While beginners are catered for, most of the pistes in Sierra Nevada are for more experienced skiers. There are eight green, 24 blue, 34 red and four black pistes.

Snowboarders are looked after with a park and half-pipe reserved for their use. Expert skiers can take advantage of some sensational off-piste skiing with spectacular views of the Mediterranean and, on particularly clear days, Morocco. However, you should try to avoid the weekends if possible, as the resort becomes packed with day-trippers and queues can be long.

Four restaurants provide drinks, fast-food and à la carte meals on the slopes. Additionally, the resort village of Pradollano is packed with bars, restaurants and bakeries. When the sun goes down, you'll find the village a lively nightspot with plenty of music bars and discos. Sierra Nevada is known as a place where the beautiful people like to hang out, but if you get bored of the resort’s nightlife, then head to nearby Granada. This historic city is also home to a university and consequently has a vibrant bar and club scene.

The season lasts from December to May. Granada and Malaga airports are within easy reach. From Granada take the A-92 by car or by bus.