Sierra Nevada closes after longest and best summer ever

THE Sierra Nevada has seen its longest and most affluent summer in history.

During a 72-day summer, the mountain resort welcomed more than 37,000 visitors – a 23.5% increase on the previous summer.

According to the CEO of Cetursa Sierra Nevada SL, Maria Jose Lopez, reasons for the sudden boom in visitors include extra sporting activities, cultural events and the take off of the Sierra Nevada Bike Park.

The bike park – which has doubled its number of users since last year – has been nicknamed the ‘star of the summer’ by Lopez, after doubling its number of visitors last year.

More than 2,200 visitors used the newly-renovated bike park this season, to enjoy the extra 30km of new circuits, and the Bike Park Mini for beginners.

New transport links to the top of the mountain saw three different lift systems operating for the first time, a telecabin, a chairlift and a travellator.

Park organisers announced the end of the summer season on September 7.