One of the lesser-known benefits of owning at Royal Palms Mijas is that, far from being just a beach resort, in winter you also get a ski resort nearby included too. From your base on the Costa del Sol it’s barely a two-hour drive to the slopes of Sierra Nevada, where you can spend a full day on the slopes, then be back on your terrace in time for a late dinner. The road trip is genuinely manageable: just under 200 kilometres from Mijas to the Sierra Nevada ski station, depending on traffic and conditions.
Sierra Nevada isn’t only about novelty value. It is a high-altitude, full-scale mountain resort above Granada, with a base around 2,100m and lifts rising to roughly 3,300m. The result is a unique kind of luxury: winter sun, crisp air, proper terrain, and then returning to the coast to enjoy the contrast of Mediterranean life.
How to get there from Mijas with the least fuss
For most Royal Palms owners, driving is the simplest option, especially if you want flexibility for early starts, equipment and a relaxed return. The usual route is along the coast on the A-7 or AP-7, then inland on the A-44 towards Granada, finishing on the A-395 up to Pradollano, the resort village. The final section is a proper mountain road, well signposted and generally kept open, but after heavy snowfall, you may be required to carry or fit snow chains.
A few practical pointers make the day smoother. Leave early, particularly on weekends and Spanish holidays when the access road and parking can get busy. Take water and a light snack for the car, as altitude and dry air can catch people out. If you are hiring a car, ask about winter tyres or chains in peak season. Even if you never use them, having them avoids a wasted trip if conditions change.
If you would rather not drive, it is possible to go via Málaga to Granada by train, then continue by bus or transfer up to the resort, but it is slower and less convenient if you are carrying ski equipment.
Understanding the resort layout and what the sectors really mean
Sierra Nevada is divided into several main ski areas including Borreguiles, Veleta, Loma Dílar, Río, Parador and Laguna. Borreguiles is the hub for learners and improvers, with wide pistes, gentle gradients and most of the ski schools. Loma Dílar and Río are popular with confident intermediates who want longer cruising runs and a sense of flow. Veleta and the upper areas tend to be where you head for steeper pitches, higher altitude conditions and more demanding terrain.
Across the mountain, there are well over 100 km of marked pistes and around 30 lifts, so variety is not an issue. You can keep mixed-ability groups happy without splitting up all day, which is not always the case in smaller resorts.
Advice for skiers who want more than a gentle potter
If you are returning to skiing after a long break, booking a morning lesson is well worth it even if you are competent. It shortens the adjustment period and helps you get the best out of the terrain, especially if visibility changes or the snow firms up later in the day.
For improving intermediates, aim for longer linked descents rather than repeating the same short run. Sierra Nevada has several extended pistes that allow you to work on rhythm, confidence and endurance without feeling rushed or boxed in by narrow sections.
If you are an experienced skier looking for a more athletic day, start higher earlier. In most resorts the best snow is above the mid-station and Sierra Nevada is no exception. Factor in altitude too. At over 3,000m, some people feel it on day one, so take the first few runs at a sensible pace and keep hydration high.
Night skiing is another way to make a short stay feel like a longer trip. On selected evenings the resort opens illuminated slopes for skiing after dark, creating a very different atmosphere and allowing you to extend the day without needing to stay overnight.
Where to stay: on-mountain convenience or Granada sophistication
If you want ski-first convenience, stay in Pradollano so you can walk to lifts, rental shops and lessons. Hotels in the village range from practical and comfortable to more luxurious spa-focused options, which are welcome after a cold day on the mountain.
If you prefer a more rounded escape, base yourselves in Granada and treat skiing as a day trip. The city is under an hour from the slopes and offers a completely different evening experience, with historic streets, serious food culture and a lively social scene. For couples or groups where skiing is only part of the plan, this can be an excellent balance.
Restaurants and nightlife: what it’s actually like
Sierra Nevada’s après scene is surprisingly cheerful because the sun often encourages terrace culture even in mid-winter. Pradollano has plenty of cafés, casual bars and sit-down restaurants clustered around the village, making it easy to stop for a drink, late lunch or early dinner without planning too far ahead.
Nightlife is relaxed rather than high-octane. You will find DJ-led bars and late venues in the resort, but if you want a bigger night out, Granada is more suitable, with cocktail bars, late tapas spots and a broader mix of venues, all without the overwrought party-resort atmosphere.
Don’t like skiing? There’s something for everyone
This is where Sierra Nevada really works for mixed groups. Pedestrian access is available on certain lifts, so non-skiers can ride up for views, photos and lunch without putting on ski boots.
Pradollano also has family-friendly snow attractions, including sled-style rides and play areas, which are popular with both children and adults who want a taste of the snow without committing to lessons. Add a spa session, a sunny mountain lunch and a scenic gondola ride and you have a mountain day that does not revolve around piste mileage.
Do not overlook summer Sierra Nevada
Finally – the ski slopes are not just for winter! With a home at Royal Palms Mijas, this beach-plus-mountains lifestyle can be enjoyed to the full in summer too. The resort operates during the warmer months, offering hiking routes, mountain biking and organised outdoor activities and events. Lift access in summer helps walkers reach higher trailheads, making dramatic landscapes accessible without turning the day into a serious endurance hike.
From Royal Palms Mijas, this gives you a second weekend playground. Cooler evenings, high-altitude walks, wide open views and clear skies that feel a world away from the coast, all without flights or long travel days.
For owners at Royal Palms, Sierra Nevada is not a once-a-year ski trip. It is an easy extension of everyday life, whether that means a spontaneous winter day on the slopes, a spring hike above the clouds or a summer escape from coastal heat. It is this ability to shift between landscapes and seasons so effortlessly that makes the location of Royal Palms Mijas so very exceptional.
Does having a world of lifestyle choice all within easy travelling distance sound appealing? Contact us to find out more not only about our Royal Palm location but also about the extensive community amenities to be found within this outstanding gated residence.
