Snow chains and winter driving in Spain: Sierra Nevada and mountain roads

From the Costa del Sol you can be on snow in a few hours. The Sierra Nevada ski resort above Granada is the closest, and in a cold winter snow can also fall on high roads inland. That is when snow chains matter. Our article on winter tyres in Spain explains the rules on tyres and the tyre markings. This guide focuses on the drive itself: the traffic authority’s snow levels, how to choose and fit chains, and how to plan a trip to the Sierra Nevada.

The DGT snow levels: green, yellow, red and black

When it snows, Spain’s traffic authority, the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico), gives roads a colour level. You will see it on the DGT traffic map, on electronic road signs and in traffic news. As described in the DGT’s guidance, reported in the Spanish motoring press:

• Green (starting to snow): lorries may not overtake. Cars are limited to 100 km/h on motorways and 80 km/h on other roads. Chains are not required.
• Yellow (road partly covered): lorries and articulated vehicles may not drive. The limit is 60 km/h on all roads. Chains are not required, but drive slowly, especially on bends and downhill.
• Red (road covered): lorries, articulated vehicles and buses may not drive. The limit is 30 km/h. Cars need chains on the driving wheels, or winter or all-season tyres with the 3PMSF symbol (a mountain with a snowflake).
• Black (thick snow): no vehicles may drive, even with chains or winter tyres.

Signs on the road can also require chains or winter tyres on a specific stretch. If you do not comply, the fine is normally 200 euros. Agents can also stop you from continuing.

Choosing snow chains

• Metal chains: the classic option, with the best grip on ice and hard-packed snow. They take a little practice to fit.
• Textile snow socks: fabric covers that slide over the tyre. They are light, quick to fit and popular with people who only go up to the mountains now and then. Buy ones that state compliance with the European standard for these devices, and follow the manufacturer’s limits on speed and use.
• Size matters: chains and socks are sold by tyre size. Read the size on the side of your tyre, for example 205/55 R16, before you buy.
• Check your car manual: some cars with low clearance or large wheels only accept certain types of chain.

Chains and socks are sold in car accessory shops, large supermarkets and online. If your tyres are worn and you would rather fit all-season tyres with the 3PMSF symbol, you can compare tyres at Neumaticos (ad), an online tyre shop. Order well before your trip, as fitting has to be booked at a garage.

How to fit chains safely

1. Practise at home: fit the chains once on a dry day, so you know how they work before you need them in the cold.
2. Stop in a safe place: use a lay-by or a designated chain area, never a bend or the carriageway. Turn on your hazard lights and put on your reflective vest before you get out.
3. Fit them on the driving wheels: the front wheels on a front-wheel-drive car, the rear wheels on a rear-wheel-drive car. On four-wheel-drive cars, follow the manual.
4. Re-tighten: drive a short distance, stop and tighten the chains again if the instructions say so.
5. Take them off on clear roads: driving on asphalt with chains damages both the chains and the road, and reduces grip.

Pack gloves, a torch, a mat or plastic bag to kneel on and a cloth. Fitting chains with cold, wet hands is much harder than it looks.

Driving to the Sierra Nevada

The ski resort is at Pradollano, 31 km from Granada, according to the Granada provincial tourist board. You reach it on the A-395: from the Granada ring road (A-44), take exit 132 towards Ronda Sur – Alhambra – Sierra Nevada. The road climbs steadily and is the stretch where chains are most likely to be needed. From the Costa del Sol, most people drive via Granada. Our Granada guide has ideas if you want to stay a night in the city.

• Parking: there is a large covered car park in Pradollano and open-air car parks outside the village, including Los Peñones and Las Sabinas. Parking is charged in the ski season. See the resort’s website for prices.
• By bus: if you would rather not drive the mountain road, the Autocares Tocina buses run from Granada bus station to the resort, with several return trips a day in winter. Buy tickets in advance.
• Season: the opening date depends on snow. Check the resort’s official website and snow report before you go.

Winter driving checklist

• Check the DGT traffic information and the weather warnings from AEMET on the morning you leave.
• Fill the tank before you climb. Queues can be long if a road closes, and you may need the heater for hours.
• Top up screen wash with a winter mix and check the wipers and lights.
• Carry warm clothes, a blanket, water, snacks and a charged phone.
• Keep a long distance to the car in front and brake gently. Use low gears downhill.
• Check that your car insurance includes roadside assistance, and save the phone number.

FAQ: snow chains and winter driving

When are snow chains compulsory in Spain?

When a road is at the red snow level, or when a sign requires them. Winter or all-season tyres with the 3PMSF symbol can be used instead.

Which wheels do the chains go on?

On the driving wheels: the front on front-wheel-drive cars and the rear on rear-wheel-drive cars. For four-wheel drive, follow your car’s manual.

What is the fine for not fitting chains?

Normally 200 euros when chains or winter tyres are required, and agents can stop you from continuing your journey.

Can I get to the Sierra Nevada without a car?

Yes. Buses run from Granada bus station to Pradollano, with several return trips a day in winter.

Useful links

• DGT: traffic information and road conditions
• AEMET: weather warnings in Spain
• Granada tourist board: how to get to Sierra Nevada (Pradollano)
• Sierra Nevada ski resort: snow report, car parks and season

Disclaimer: This article is general information, not legal or financial advice. Rules and prices change, so check with the official source before you decide. Links marked “(ad)” are affiliate links – NewInSpain may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.