 Poster: A snowHead
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Me and a mate have come up with an idea that we could take our non skiing OH's to the Spanish coast for a week in early April and we would sneak off for a day here and there and go skiing in the mountains.
Is this doable..?
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Sierre Nevada resort only closes at the end of April (actually on 8 May last year - admittedly exceptional!), so if you have a car and stay at a reasonable distance - e.g. Nerja - then yes, it is very doable.
Early April is a little bit early for full-on beach time (in particular the sea will be cold) but otherwise very pleasant on the coast; it is also the perfect time for inland excursions. For instance, depending on the OH's interests, you could drop them off in Granada on the way to the resort for a day of exploration while you go skiing, and meet them up for dinner later.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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@FrequentFaller, As balso says, very doable! The chances are that the beach will be lovely in April but yes, the sea will be a bit cool. It's an easy drive to to Pradollano.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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The beach will be fine but sea will be chilly and any outdoor pools week be cold.
I keep thinking of doing it from San Javier........will keep an eye on conditions
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Granada's a fine city with plenty to see eat and drink.
Stay away from Sierra Nevada at weekends, it becomes quite busy if the snow is half decent.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Wondered about this myself now that Mrs Z doesn't ski.
Where have people stayed on the coast?
What were the coastal temps like in early April - good enough to sunbathe?
I'm happy to drive 1.5 hours each day to the slopes.
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A 1.5hr drive from the slope restricts you to the coast between Nerja and Salobreña (east of there, the coast is wild but the settlements are small and surrounded by seas of plastic greenhouses, I would stay away). Nerja has fine beaches and is likely to be lively enough in April, as it's a small town rather than a village or tourist resort. Cannot comment on the likes of Almuñécar or Salobreña. Beach likely to be fine as others have said, but with cold water.
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Done this when the wind shut the lifts, drove down to the beach and sat drinking beer while the chiringuito barbecued sardines for tapas . Be aware though that if there is snow on the mountain road the Guardia set up a block to stop anyone without chains, also the traffic can back up for miles at weekends.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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There are lots of nice villas with sea views on Monte de los Almendros near Salobreña. That area is the closest place on the coast to Sierra Nevada.
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Love that idea about staying in Nerja and then having a few day trips to ski up in Nevada. This is exactly what was planned. Glad we did. In fact Nerja is one of the few places in Spain where you can take a day off to ski in Granada and then be back home late afternoon for a few hour sunbathing. And this was in the winter! It is very do-able as one or two have alluded to. A few ways to do it. Getting there: BUS - you can catch a bus from Nerja bus station to Granada. This is fairly short, all things considered. probably not a good idea if you are taking your own equipment. This is not direct to Sierra Nevada. However, there are services departing from Nerja and arriving at Sierra Nevada via Granada bus station. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 3h 40. https://www.alsa.com/en/web/bus/bus-schedules. Taxi from Nerja - This is the most direct and it was very convenient to be driven right outside the 'Nevada car park' with younger kids and much equipment. https://nerjataxis.net/ . Just make sure you agree a price up front. Or drive your self by hiring a car. Roads are steep, obviously, so you may need at least a 1.5 engine with a bit of power. This is a local one right in the centre of town - http://www.lessaggro.com/ There are loads of cheap but very decent laces to stay in Nerja town itself.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Much prefer La Herradura to Nerja and have driven up from La H to Sierra Nevada. Very, very straightforward and the final few km up the hill are not too bad at all.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Easily done. Pick your day for lots of sun and not too much wind - that is what I do. You could of course drop your o/h off at the Alhambra on the way - a bit of a hill from there into town but a good gateway. Road up is excellent with the odd three lane passing bit as well. Very well signed from motorway just before Granada. Big underground car park on right as you get into town not cheap but very convenient. Plenty of hire shops. If you can find it there are also self service kiosks to get your lift pass. Lots of cafe/restaurants at the end of the piste in to town, many of which are serious sun tan spots, and the odd one up the mountain but I find it best to go down for lunch for choice or being Spain ski right through our lunchtime when and at about 330-4pm have lunch at Spanish lunchtime. Recommend particularly the Laguna sector for the most scenic and interesting skiing. Off piste can be very dodgy and icy as the wind can scalp the place.
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