What to Do in Sierra Nevada: The Best Activities for Visitors

Published on January 5, 2026

We often think of mountains as giants of stone and ice that belong only to downhill professionals.

Many travelers rule out high-altitude destinations because they believe that if they don’t know how to handle a pair of skis or a snowboard, there’s no place for them among the clouds.

But what if I told you that the mountain is actually a blank canvas, where there’s room for everything from pure adrenaline to the absolute silence of a star-filled night?

Sierra Nevada is the perfect example that altitude knows no exclusions.

For Athletes and Snow Lovers

Skiing and Snowboarding

This is the resort’s flagship activity, featuring one of the largest and sunniest ski areas in Europe at Sierra Nevada Ski Resort.

With more than 100 kilometers of slopes, it offers routes suited to all levels — from gentle runs for beginners to technical areas for experts.

The quality of the snow and the design of the slopes allow visitors to enjoy a full day of sport under the Andalusian sun.

It is the ideal place both to refine technique and to experience the freedom of gliding down the slopes of one of the most iconic mountain ranges in southern Europe.

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Night Skiing

When the sun sets, the mountain experience is completely transformed under the glow of floodlights.

Night skiing allows you to descend the iconic El Río slope, offering a unique visual perspective of the illuminated resort and the starry sky above.

This option is perfect for those seeking a sense of exclusivity and magic that is hard to find during the day.

Gliding through the silence of the night, with the snow sparkling under artificial light, is one of the most romantic and thrilling activities the resort has to offer.

Snowpark Sulayr

For freestyle lovers, this space represents the epicenter of creativity and aerial tricks on the snow.

It features several lines of modules, jumps, and rails designed for different skill levels, allowing both amateurs and professionals to test their abilities.

Sulayr is not just a jumping area, but a cultural meeting point where adrenaline and technique come together.

Its constant maintenance ensures that all structures are always in optimal condition, guaranteeing both safety and maximum enjoyment for riders.

Ski Mountaineering and Backcountry Skiing

This discipline is ideal for those seeking a deeper and more demanding connection with the natural environment.

Unlike conventional alpine skiing, ski touring allows you to explore areas beyond marked slopes, ascending mountain peaks through your own physical effort.

It’s an activity that combines the endurance of hiking with the thrill of descending untouched slopes.

Sierra Nevada offers spectacular routes that lead to iconic summits, allowing visitors to enjoy breathtaking landscapes far from the crowds.

First Tracks

This experience is designed for early risers who dream of being the first to carve freshly groomed snow.

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It allows access to the slopes before they open to the general public, offering the chance to make the very first descents of the day in an atmosphere of absolute calm.

It’s the luxury of having the mountain almost to yourself, enjoying the perfect texture of freshly groomed “corduroy” snow prepared by the machines.

The experience includes breakfast after the activity, making it the perfect start to an unforgettable day of skiing.

For Families and Non-Skiers

Mirlo Blanco Park

Located at the end of the El Río slope, this park is a paradise for those looking for fun in the snow without having to put on skis.

It offers a variety of attractions that guarantee entertainment for all ages in a safe and controlled environment.

It’s the ideal place for families who want to enjoy the mountains together, allowing children to have their first playful contact with snow.

The park has become a must-stop for any visitor looking for an active leisure alternative.

Russian Sled

This attraction combines the thrill of a roller coaster with the stunning alpine scenery of Sierra Nevada.

Riders sit in sleds that glide along rails, allowing them to control their own speed through a manual braking system.

The route winds along the mountainside, offering exciting curves and panoramic views of the resort.

It’s an experience suitable for both children and adults who are looking for a dose of adrenaline in a comfortable and fun way.

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Tubing

Tubing involves sliding down specially prepared snow lanes using large circular inflatable rings.

It’s an extremely simple activity that requires no prior technique, making it perfect for groups of friends and families.

The sense of speed and the gentle turns over the snow lead to constant laughter from those who try it.

It’s one of the most dynamic and refreshing ways to enjoy the mountain’s icy surface without any technical complications.

Snow Bikes and Sit-Skiing

These alternative modalities offer new ways to experience gliding over the snow.

Using adapted equipment, participants can enjoy the slopes while maintaining a different kind of stability compared to traditional skiing.

They are excellent options for those looking to try something new or who have specific mobility needs. These activities show that snow can be accessible to everyone, regardless of previous experience with winter sports.

Borreguiles Area

Located at an altitude of 2,700 meters, this area is the social and service hub of the resort.

It is the arrival point for the main cable cars and home to most of the ski schools and restaurants.

Even for non-skiers, going up to Borreguiles is well worth it to enjoy the sunshine on its terraces and soak in the vibrant high-mountain atmosphere.

It’s the perfect place to watch the activity on the slopes while enjoying a well-deserved break.

Children’s Snowmobiles

The youngest visitors have their own motor activity area in a closed and safe circuit.

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These snowmobiles are specifically designed for children, allowing them to experience riding on snow under professional supervision.

It’s an activity that helps build children’s confidence and coordination while they have fun in a unique environment.

The circuit ensures that young adventurers can enjoy the motor experience without interfering with other activities at the resort.

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Snowshoeing

Walking with snowshoes is the most authentic and unhurried way to discover the hidden corners of the winter mountain.

This system prevents walkers from sinking into the snow, making it easier to access routes and landscapes that would otherwise be difficult to reach on foot.

It’s a full-body physical activity that encourages observation of local wildlife and flora in a peaceful setting.

Ideal for those who prefer the silence of nature and the slow rhythm of a walk over the speed of the slopes.

Unique Experiences and Relaxation

Snow Groomer Rides

This exclusive activity allows visitors to climb aboard the powerful machines that prepare the resort’s slopes.

During the ride, guests can observe the nighttime maintenance work and reach elevated points to watch the sunset.

It’s a fascinating opportunity to learn about the technical side of the mountain while enjoying privileged panoramic views.

The experience often concludes with the sight of Granada’s lights shining in the distance from the summit.

Astronomical Observation

Thanks to its high altitude and exceptionally clear atmosphere, Sierra Nevada is a remarkable natural observatory.

Guided sessions are organized to observe stars, planets, and constellations far from the light pollution of cities.

It’s an educational and awe-inspiring experience that connects visitors with the vastness of the universe.

Learning about the cosmos surrounded by the silence of snow-covered peaks is one of the most memorable experiences the destination has to offer.

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Montebajo Sports Club

For those seeking a moment of disconnection and well-being, this club offers sports and relaxation facilities in an alpine setting.

It features a heated swimming pool that allows guests to swim while gazing at the snow through its large windows.

It’s the ideal complement after a day of physical activity, helping to relax muscles and restore the mind.

A space dedicated to health and comfort that elevates the travel experience to a state of complete well-being.

Gastronomy

The gastronomic offering in Sierra Nevada is varied and blends traditional mountain dishes with contemporary touches.

From cozy slope-side kiosks to restaurants with spectacular views, there are options to suit every taste.

Enjoying a hot, hearty dish or grilled meat after a cold day is an essential part of the mountain ritual.

Local products and quality service ensure that every meal becomes a pleasure for the senses.

Summer Activities

Bike Park

During the summer months, the resort becomes a benchmark destination for downhill mountain biking enthusiasts.

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The lifts are adapted to transport bikes, allowing access to circuits with different levels of technical difficulty.

It’s an adrenaline-filled discipline that takes advantage of the mountain’s natural elevation to offer long, thrilling descents.

The alpine terrain provides a technically demanding and visually stunning setting for cyclists.

High-Mountain Hiking

As the snow melts, a network of trails is revealed, crossing landscapes of slate rock and glacial lagoons.

Summer routes make it possible to reach peaks such as Mulhacén or Veleta, discovering the unique biodiversity of Sierra Nevada National Park.

Walking at these altitudes offers an unparalleled sense of freedom and views that can extend all the way to the Mediterranean Sea.

It’s the perfect activity for nature lovers seeking fresh air and physical challenges in a majestic setting.

Veleta Chairlift

In summer, the lifts continue operating to make access to the higher areas easier without the effort of the initial ascent.

The chairlift allows visitors to reach areas close to the summit of Veleta in just a few minutes, making it accessible for families and hikers alike.

It’s a comfortable way to enjoy high-mountain views and fresh air without the need for extreme physical preparation.

From the lift’s arrival point, opportunities for walking and photography are virtually endless.

“Sierra Nevada por todo lo Alto” Festival

This music event takes place in August and offers open-air rock concerts in the Pradollano area.

It is a free festival that aims to promote culture in an unbeatable natural setting.

The combination of live music, workshops for children, and the cool mountain climate makes it a must-attend event of the Granada summer.

It’s the perfect excuse to head up to the mountains and enjoy a different kind of cultural experience under the summer sky.

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Discover Local Gastronomy with Sazón The Folk Cook

After exploring the peaks and uncovering every corner of Sierra Nevada, your body may ask for more than just rest — it may ask for a real connection with this land.

What if the perfect ending to your trip were stepping into the heart of a local home?

At Sazón, we believe the time has come to reclaim the authentic flavors of Spain — those lovingly preserved through generations by the hands of our mothers and grandmothers.

We invite you to enjoy an unprecedented experience: sitting at the table of one of our local cooks, who opens the doors of her home to share our culture with you, without filters and in capital letters.

Taste the most traditional dishes, live like a true local for a few hours, and discover why our cuisine — made with time and love — is our greatest legacy.

Book your gastronomic experience with sazon tfk and savor the true essence of Granada.

Explore our experiences with local cooks.

Are you looking for original gastronomic experiences?

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