Lorraine Williamson
Sierra Nevada ski resort, perched in the mountains of Andalucia, has extended its ski season until May 4 following an unexpected turn in the weather.
Significant snowfall in April has transformed the latter part of the season, giving skiers a rare opportunity to enjoy spring skiing in southern Spain.
A seasonal boost for Spain’s highest resort
As Spain’s highest-altitude resort, Sierra Nevada typically attracts crowds from major cities like Madrid, Granada, and Alicante. While it’s no stranger to busy weekends, the recent snow has sparked renewed interest from locals and international visitors alike. The resort is now poised to make the most of its extended season.
From dry start to snow-filled finish
The season didn’t begin smoothly. Early 2025 saw little natural snowfall, raising concerns about whether the slopes would open at all. Cetursa, the publicly owned company that manages the resort, responded by investing €5 million in artificial snow equipment.
Thanks to 364 advanced snow cannons, Sierra Nevada opened with just 12 kilometres of pistes. For comparison, 70 kilometres were available at the start of the 2015 season. It was a difficult beginning, but the strategy paid off.
Conditions improve with April snow
The resort’s fortunes changed in recent weeks. Up to 50 centimetres of fresh snow have fallen at higher elevations. As a result, more than 40 kilometres of slopes are now open. Cetursa has highlighted the extended season as an ideal time to visit, with excellent snow and fewer crowds.
Labour disruption avoided after talks
A planned ski lift workers’ strike, which threatened operations in April, has been averted. Staff from Cetursa Remontes had proposed a full-day stoppage and several partial strikes. However, successful talks with the Andalucian government led to a last-minute agreement. Ski lifts are now running as normal.
Live music and competitions to mark the extension
To mark the season extension, a line-up of entertainment and events has been scheduled. In Borreguiles, live DJs and bands will perform for visitors. Meanwhile, competitive events across various disciplines will take place in Loma de Dílar.
With conditions now favourable and the season running through early May, Sierra Nevada offers a unique mix of snow, sport, and spring sunshine.