Sierra Nevada  is one of the best ski resorts in Spain. The figures speak for themselves: 115 runs, 350 artificial snow machines, 15 ski schools serving all levels, two snowpark cross-country skiing circuits, and the list goes on.

Of utmost importance is the resort's commitment to improving the quality of the snow and the attention received by the clients who, in the resort, become guests. The supply of hotels in the resort totals 26,628 beds throughout. Another of its assets is the modern Montebajo Sports Club (tel.: 958 249 192), with areas where you can practise sport, relax or pamper your body in a therapy centre.

Sierra Nevada is a trend-setter in so far as new types of snow sports are concerned. One of these is ski-cross, which consists of a very steep run on which the skiers rush down at top speed as if they were motor-cross bikes. From 17 to 20 March, the resort will host a trial of the World Cup in the Freestyle, Ski-Cross and Bumps disciplines.

The irresistible attraction of Granada 

Undoubtedly, the ski and mountain resort of Sierra Nevada is located in marvellous surroundings. It belongs to the Granada municipality of Monachil. This area of the Penibético mountain range forms part of a nature park which has been listed by the Unesco as a biosphere reserve. Granada is just one hour away. It only takes a little bit longer to get to the Motril pass and be at Malaga's international airport in 90 minutes. Also worth remembering is that this area also is home to the Balneario (Spa) de Lanjarón, on the southern part of the mountain where you can see for yourselves the effects of its famous mineral waters.

Those enjoying the ski season in Sierra Nevada must keep a moment to visit Granada. A walk through the narrow streets of Albaicín and Sacromonte, or a visit to the wonders of Alhambra and El Generalife is altogether too tempting.

One very important piece of advice is that during the visit, you must go up to see the views from the Mirador de San Nicolás, with the Alhambra and city at your feet and, beyond, the peaks of Sierra Nevada. At the Oleum  restaurant   try some typical dishes such as the cocido andaluz (Andalusian stew), lamb or their delicious tapas.

Sierra Nevada's gastronomy is extremely good, but for a really top class meal, the best idea is to place yourselves in the hands of the two brothers, Miguel and José Pedraza, which run two twin restaurants with the same name: La Ruta del Veleta. One is in Cenes de la Vega, on the way out of Granada, and the other in Monachil, very close to the ski resort. This is an excellent way of trying the traditional Andalusian cuisine of the 21st century.