The Sierra Nevada dominating Granada is Europe's highest mountain range after the Alps. There are no less than 14 peaks rising to over 3 000m, with Mulhacén culminating at 3 483m. Covered in snow and ice for much of the year, the Sierra Nevada has an extremely well equipped ski resort (including facilities for skiing at night) that can also serve as a base, year round, for rambling. The classification of the range as a National Park in 1999 should serve to protect its ecosystem.