If you haven’t spent a winter on the Costa del Sol, you’ll be amazed to learn that you could be enjoying breakfast with Mediterranean sea views in the morning, then skiing down snow-covered slopes in the afternoon. It’s quite the contrast and one of the many reasons we love this part of southern Spain.
Just over two hours from Marbella, Sierra Nevada is the kind of place that feels worlds away, without needing to go very far at all. It’s high-altitude escapism with sunshine, scenery and a laid-back ski town atmosphere that suits everything from a quick overnight trip to a full weekend of winter adventure.
Whether you’re into skiing, snowboarding, sledging with the kids or just fancy some mountain air and a long lunch in the sun, here’s everything you need to know about making the most of Sierra Nevada this season.
How to get there
The drive from Marbella to Pradollano (the resort village at the base of Sierra Nevada) takes just over two hours. It’s a beautiful, mostly motorway route past Málaga and Granada, with plenty of stop-off options if you want to make a day of it. Once you begin the mountain ascent, you’ll wind your way up through pine forests and start spotting snow-capped peaks.
No need for snow chains unless there’s been a fresh heavy snowfall, the roads are well maintained, and you’ll often be driving under clear blue skies.
Top tip: Avoid Friday evening or Sunday late afternoon if you can. It’s a popular spot for weekenders, so an early start on Saturday morning is ideal.
Where to stay
Sierra Nevada has a good mix of slope-side hotels, self-catering apartments and alpine-style chalets. If you’re going for convenience, stay in Pradollano, where everything is walkable: lifts, rentals, cafés, restaurants and bars.
Favourites include:
- Hotel Melia Sol y Nieve – right in the heart of the resort, with a spa and excellent facilities.
- El Lodge – part of the Marbella Club group, this boutique, stylish hotel is just outside the centre, with ski-in ski-out access and a roaring log fire kind of vibe.
- Inside Plaza – great for families or groups looking for apartment-style accommodation close to the lifts.
On the slopes
Sierra Nevada has over 110km of pistes and some of the best snow coverage in southern Europe. The season often runs from late November to April and thanks to the resort’s high altitude, conditions are typically excellent through winter.
There’s something for every level:
- Green and blue runs are perfect for beginners and early learners.
- Red runs criss-cross the resort for confident intermediates.
- Black runs and off-piste zones (when open) keep the advanced crowd happy.
- And for a bit of fun: night skiing is available on select weekends, when the lower runs are lit up after dark.
There are also excellent English-speaking ski schools, reliable equipment rental shops, and even snow parks for freestyle lovers.
What if you don’t ski?
You’ll still have plenty to do. Non-skiers can ride the gondola up to Borreguiles, enjoy a hot chocolate (or something stronger) with a view, or explore the trails by snowshoe.
Children, and their parents, will love the sledging slopes near the village, and if you prefer to stay warm indoors, there are several spas, tapas bars and restaurants to hole up in while the rest of your group hits the slopes.
Where to eat and drink
Food in Sierra Nevada is hearty, Andalucian and perfect after a morning in the cold.
Try:
- La Muralla – a great little restaurant in the village centre with excellent wines and slow-cooked local dishes.
- Tía María – casual, cosy and ideal for families.
- Vivac – modern mountain dining with a great view.
Most hotels have their own restaurants, and there are quite a few good spots to enjoy a drink or tapas after skiing, just don’t expect late-night après-ski parties. The atmosphere here is more fire-side Rioja than champagne showers.
Why we love it
There’s a certain magic in switching from sea to snow within a single day. In the morning, you walk along Marbella’s promenade, and by the afternoon, you’re amid white peaks and quiet mountains. This contrast highlights the unique charm of the Costa del Sol.
And if you’re thinking of buying here, either as a full-time move or a second home, weekends like this are exactly why people choose Marbella and the surrounding areas. You don’t have to choose between lifestyles. Both are equally attractive and appealing.
Build the lifestyle you actually want
At Kore Estates, we understand that property isn’t just about square metres and views, it’s about how you live. That means knowing the best weekend getaways, the hidden gems and the places that make your everyday feel like a holiday.
Ready to find a home that puts mountains, beaches and everything in between at your fingertips?
Get in touch with Kore Estates today and let’s make it happen.