One of the most frequent questions we get is whether the lift pass is included in the lesson price. The answer is no: at Explora you pay for instruction with a qualified instructor, and you buy your lift pass separately. Pair this guide with how to get to Sierra Nevada.
Why is the lift pass separate?
Cetursa Sierra Nevada manages the lifts and sells passes independently of ski schools. Every skier or snowboarder needs their own pass to access runs and gondolas. Explora lessons include teaching, not lift access.
Where to buy your lift pass
You have several options. The easiest: buy it online in advance at sierranevada.es. On the day you can collect it at the automatic forfait machines in the car parks and at the middle and top stations of the Village chairlift (Silla del Pueblo), without queuing at the ticket office. Passes are also sold at Plaza de Andalucía (Pradollano). Buying online remains the best way to avoid waits at weekends and during school holidays.
Which type of pass do I need?
It depends how long you will be on snow. If you only have a half-day lesson (3 hours from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm), a half-day or short-hours pass may be enough, depending on what the resort offers that season. If you book a full day or plan to ski on your own as well as the lesson, you will need a full-day pass. Check current rates at sierranevada.es.
Accident insurance: do not forget it
In addition to the lift pass, Cetursa offers an on-slope accident insurance fee. At Explora we strongly recommend it. It is a modest cost that can make a big difference if you have an incident on the mountain.
Lift pass and lesson: coordinating times
If your lesson starts at 10:00 am, you need an active pass before taking the gondola. If it starts at 2:00 pm, buy your pass in good time so you are not rushing. Remember that from Pradollano to Explora's meeting point at the resort can take an hour with queues and travel.
Do children need a lift pass?
Yes. Everyone using the lifts needs their own pass, regardless of age. The resort usually has reduced rates for children: check online or at the ticket office.
Common mistakes to avoid
Arriving at the resort without a pass and finding a 40-minute queue at the ticket office. Buying a half-day pass when your lesson is a full day. Forgetting accident insurance. Not bringing proof of your online pass (screenshot or confirmation email).
Is ski equipment included?
No. Like the lift pass, equipment (skis, board, boots, poles) is rented separately or you bring your own. We recommend José Luis Sáez, next to the Al-Andalus and Borreguiles gondolas: with Explora you get 20% off (mention it when you rent). Directions to the rental shop.
Quick summary
Lift pass: buy online, at the car-park and Village chairlift machines, or at Plaza de Andalucía. Accident insurance: recommended. Explora lesson: instruction with qualified instructor only. Equipment: José Luis Sáez with 20% off, or your own.
Book your lesson at Explora
Once your lift pass is sorted, choose your lesson type and book online. We confirm by email and we do not charge upfront. Book before 1 November 2026 for 10% off.
On snow with Explora
Want to try it in a ski and snowboard lesson?
Take the guide onto the snow: ski and snowboard lessons with Explora in Sierra Nevada.
