Spain Ski Season Kicks Off EARLY! Is Sierra Nevada Ready?

Sierra Nevada, the jewel of the Spanish ski scene and the southernmost major resort in the country, has officially thrown open its slopes for the 2025/26 winter season. I've been watching the snow reports closely, and I can tell you, Saturday, November 29th, was a welcome sight for skiers and snowboarders eager to carve their first turns of the year. With 7 kilometers of perfectly groomed runs in the Borreguiles area beckoning, it was, by all accounts, the best opening day in the last four years. Let's hope this is a sign of a great season to come!

Spain Ski Season Kicks Off EARLY! Is Sierra Nevada...

Cetursa Sierra Nevada, the resort operator, proudly announced that nine lifts were spinning from day one. This includes the vital Al Ándalus and Borreguiles gondolas, along with five chairlifts and a couple of magic carpets for the beginners. This is a pretty substantial offering for so early in the season! The skiable vertical drop is a respectable 355 meters, and the snow depth is holding firm at 20 to 40 cm of hard-packed snow.

However, it's not all fun and games. Resort authorities are urging everyone to stay on the marked pistes. Apparently, there's a significant risk of ice lurking in the off-piste areas, and nobody wants to start their ski season with an unexpected slide. The early opening is a testament to the hard work of the snow-making teams, who've been battling fluctuating temperatures for weeks. Recent natural snowfall has also helped build a solid base.

"We are delighted to offer the most complete opening day in recent years," said a Cetursa representative. "Conditions are excellent for late November, and our snow production teams remain on standby to further enhance the snow cover in the coming days." And honestly, it sounds like they're ready to capitalize on every chance they get to make more snow!

Beyond the downhill thrills, Sierra Nevada is offering a full range of winter activities from the get-go. The Mirlo Blanco activity park, the Mirlo toboggan run, and the ice-skating rink in Pradollano are all ready to roll. Up in Borreguiles, you can hit the snow slides or grab a bite at the Central Grill and D’Puro Burger restaurants. There is something for everyone here.

Sierra Nevada's early start puts it right up there with the first major Spanish resorts to open their doors this winter. Baqueira Beret, La Molina, Formigal-Panticosa, and Astún have also started running lifts, while Masella actually opened a few days earlier on November 26th. Some French Pyrenean resorts, like Les Angles (November 28th), also got a jump on the season.

The plan is to keep the lifts running daily until the traditional closing weekend around April 26, 2026. Of course, that could be extended if the snow gods are kind, as has been the case in recent, colder seasons. Fingers crossed! As a southern resort, it's at the mercy of the weather more than its northern counterparts.

For many skiers in southern and central Spain, this opening signals the unofficial start of winter. With a promising weekend weather forecast and more cold fronts on the horizon, Sierra Nevada is expecting a surge in visitors. I know I am planning a trip as soon as I can!

You can find tickets and the latest snow reports on the official Sierra Nevada and Infonieve websites. Lift passes are around €42 per adult per day, with different deals and offers available. Get out there and enjoy the snow!