Tips to get the most out of your ski trip to Sierra Nevada
Getting away to enjoy the snowy slopes of Spain should be something you look forward to and enjoy. A time for true relaxation. But if you’ve never been before, or go underprepared, you could find that your time isn’t all that it could be.
Whether you’re planning your first family ski trip to Sierra Nevada or are looking for ways to improve on your last visit, our guide to getting the most out of your ski trip to Sierra Nevada should help.
SPF!
This is one that so often goes unconsidered, but Sierra Nevada is, after all, the most southerly ski resort in Spain, and so it benefits from huge amounts of sunshine. You may be able to relate if you’ve made this mistake before but going skiing without any sun protection can soon see you looking and feeling a little raw.
We’re not just talking a mild factor, oh no. You want to be opting for factor 40 or above because not only is the weather favourable, but you’re also at a high altitude and exposed, meaning you will burn quicker than usual.
Do everything early
In Spain, lunchtimes are often a little later. Generally, you’re looking at a Spanish lunchtime of around 2pm, so by opting for yours earlier, you’re sticking to a reasonable hour you’re used to, and avoiding long queues. It also means that when you head out onto the slopes later on, you have more of it to yourself as most other people will be having their lunch!
Arrive early or prepare to queue
Unfortunately, you’re not the first to discover how fantastic Sierra Nevada is for skiing, and it is almost always incredibly busy. As you probably know, the ski seasons are long, so it’s usually pretty popular all year round during those ski months. However, there is a trick to avoiding lengthy waits.
Arrive early.
It sounds like such an obvious tip, and in a way it is. But the ski slopes open at 9am, so you want to be getting up at the first sign of sun to get yourself ready. It’s certainly worth the early rise, as the later you leave it, the longer you will find your wait.
Book your ski passes in advance
Every year, El Lodge has been able to issue ski passes to our guests directly from the hotel and prior to their arrival. Due to the reopening restrictions set by the ski station, Cetursa, we will no longer be able to do so.
Alternatively, Cetursa has opened an online store where you may purchase daily, weekly or season-long ski passes in advance, which you can recharge at any point throughout the season. On the site, you will also be able to track daily capacity in real-time, as ski passes will now be limited to 50%. Once the full capacity has been reached on any given day, no further ski passes will be sold.
Once you have purchased your ski passes by registering with a username and password, you will receive instructions to personally print and pick up your passes at select kiosks located at Pradollano plaza.
Again, we strongly urge you to purchase your ski passes in advance to ensure a smooth stay. Should you have any questions about this new system, please do not hesitate to contact us.
