While temperatures in the Andalusian city of Granada are already exceeding 30 degrees, just a few kilometres away in the Sierra Nevada it is still the depths of winter. Towering snow walls in late May are creating scenes that even experienced mountaineers can hardly believe.
Spain Expat Press Editorial Team
by Marlon Gallego Bosbach
Particularly around the so-called Ventisquero de Cauchiles at around 2,800 metres above sea level, an extraordinary scene is currently unfolding. Along the road towards Veleta, snow walls of up to five metres in height have formed. Between these white walls, a veritable snow corridor has emerged, currently attracting hikers, runners and cyclists from all over Spain.
Winter landscape despite summer heat
The scenes appear almost surreal. In Granada, early summer conditions are already prevailing, while higher up in the Sierra Nevada the conditions still resemble February rather than late May. Many visitors are pausing their journeys to take photos and videos of the extraordinary snow masses.
According to the operating company Cetursa, conditions like these have not been seen for around five years. This is attributed to several winters with low snowfall as well as prolonged periods of drought in Andalusia. Only the intense precipitation and winter storms of the 2025/26 season have once again brought substantial snow accumulation to the high mountains.
Athletes are praising the exceptional conditions
Endurance athletes in particular are currently making use of the exceptional conditions. Numerous cyclists are carrying out altitude training in the Sierra Nevada under conditions that have become rare in Europe, even in spring.
The athlete Juan Huertas described the experience to Spanish media as “wonderful”. With temperatures ranging between 12 and 15 degrees, it is currently possible to train through snow walls while summer conditions already prevail in the city below. Such conditions can hardly be found anywhere else in Spain at the moment.
Many hikers are also impressed by the extraordinary landscape in the Sierra Nevada. In particular, the tranquillity of the high mountains and the unusually large amounts of snow for late May have created special moments for numerous hikers and mountaineers. At this time of year, the classic summer season would normally already be underway in the region.
Tour de France professionals are training in the Sierra Nevada
The spectacular snowy landscapes are currently also attracting numerous international elite athletes to Andalusia. Several well-known professional cyclists are currently preparing for the Tour de France in the Sierra Nevada.
Among them are stars such as Tadej Pogačar, Primož Roglič, Remco Evenepoel, Wout van Aert, Juan Ayuso and Carlos Rodríguez. Several riders have published images in recent days of their training rides through the towering snow corridors. The footage quickly spread across social media, once again making the Sierra Nevada an international talking point.
“Subida al Veleta” produces spectacular images
For additional attention, the traditional “Subida al Veleta 2026” took place last weekend. The renowned mountain climb is considered one of the toughest cycling events in Spain.
Participants had to complete a route of around 38 kilometres with approximately 2,250 metres of elevation gain. The finish line was located at over 3,100 metres above sea level, making it one of the highest paved mountain finishes in Europe. Around 300 cyclists rode directly through the massive snow walls of the Ventisquero de Cauchiles.
Particularly spectacular: during the race, professional skiers jumped over the snow walls alongside the course, creating striking images that have since gone viral.
Extreme weather shaped the 2025/26 winter season
The current snow masses are the result of an exceptionally intense winter in Andalusia. Several strong Atlantic storms brought enormous amounts of precipitation to the Sierra Nevada between January and February.
In some areas, more than one metre of fresh snow fell within just a few days. At higher altitudes, snow depths of almost four metres were recorded. At the same time, hurricane-force winds, freezing rain and avalanche risk temporarily led to the closure of the ski resort.
The severe winter storms also damaged the ski resort’s infrastructure. Among other things, the famous support tower 23 of the Laguna chairlift was severely damaged and required extensive repairs. Overall, the resort was completely closed for 16 days during the 2025/26 season – more than ever before.
Almost 900,000 skiers despite a challenging season
Despite all the weather extremes, the season was economically successful. According to official figures, around 896,000 winter sports enthusiasts visited the Sierra Nevada, an increase of almost four per cent compared with the previous year. March 2026 in particular became the most visited month in the history of the ski resort, thanks to the enormous snowfall and excellent conditions.
The situation in the Sierra Nevada clearly illustrates how extraordinary the 2025/26 winter season in Spain has been. While beachgoers are already filling the Andalusian coastline, just a few kilometres away athletes are still making their way through towering snow corridors in the high mountains.
