Spain Invests $4M In Ski Facilities In Sierra Nevada Mountain Range

Spain's Sierra Nevada mountain range has allocated €3M ($4M) to improve its facilities for the '13-14 winter season, which is scheduled to begin Nov. 30, according to Juan Gutiérrez of AS. The primary focus has been "strengthening family offers and maintaining the policy of freezing prices due to the effects of Spain's economic crisis." The "biggest addition" is the creation of the "Pista del Mar" ("Slope of the Sea"). Cetursa Ski Resort CEO María José López said, "We have called it the 'Slope of the Sea' because it is the only ski resort in the world with a view of the sea." Other advantages for families include a "children's restaurant and an increase -- from 12 to 14 years old -- in the age range for youth discounts under the family formula." Ski season "is scheduled to run from Nov. 30 through May 4, though this will depend on the weather." Andalucia Sports General Secretary Nacho Rodríguez said, "The goal is to exceed the 900,000 visitors from last year and reach 1 million" (AS, 11/19).