The prospects for a good day’s ski mountaineering didn’t look too bright as we passed through Granada this morning. Above the ski town we met fresh snow and icy roads. Then, as we reached the road end at the Hoya de la Mora, we burst out of the gloom to find ourselves in bright early morning sunshine.
Furthermore we were the first there and as such had the privilege of making first tracks up the new powder snows. We donned out skins, skis and touring boots and climbed steadily uphill keeping up a reasonable pace. Easier going was found by snaking near the edge of the ski pistes.
Great views over to the Pico del Cartujo area were visible. Below 2000m all was gray and cloudy. After 3 hours we skinned up to the summit of Veleta (3398m), the 2nd highest peak in the Sierra Nevada and the third in mainland Spain. The view eastwards to Mulhacen and Alcazaba was awesome! A real winter wonderland.
Then it was the best bit about ski touring, the descent! As I am primarily a mountaineer and skier second, I still find it incredible that you can get off a 3400m peak and back to the car in 30 minutes. Getting quickly off a mountain has always been an important factor to me. Sure we used the ski pistes, but with avalanches falling all over at the moment this was the safest bet.
The initial 100m of descent was a bit tricky with changeable snow conditions every few yards. Thereafter it was a good fast downhill sprint. As the afternoon clouds and mists rolled in, we arrived back at the car. We had been fortunate, the window of opportunity had been small, but we had completed the ski tour in great weather.
Further information about ski touring in the Sierra Nevada
Mountain Weather for the Sierra Nevada
