Guests of Finca Los Tigres may be surprised to discover that, during the winter months at least, skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports are a real possibility.

The Sierra Nevada mountain range, the eastern tip of which can be seen from the vicinity of Agua Amarga, is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the south of Spain, villages and hamlet that have not changed in centuries, as well Europe’s southernmost ski resort. It is the second-highest mountain range in Europe.

Whilst the snowy southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada are a mere one hours’ drive away, just north of the city of Granada (a three hour but surprisingly painless journey by car along the deserted – by British standards - Andalusian motorways) lies the ski resort of Sol y Nieve (Sun and Snow). The resort hosted the 1996 World Championships and has several ski runs of various difficulties.

Despite no shortage of snow during the winter months (the ski season lasts from December to April), snow cannons are available on selected runs for use late in the season, and visitors often remark on the surprisingly warm temperature by comparison with other European ski resorts. That said, the outside temperature is known to plummet dramatically the closer to Granada you are as you drive westwards from Agua Amarga.

Sol y Nieve is incredibly popular with Spaniards, especially at weekends, with many visitors from Granada as it is so near.

Home to over thirty independent ski schools, and with other activities ranging from snowboarding to ice skating on offer, a visit to the Sierra Nevada cannot fail to be a wonderful day trip for all the family.

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