The best winter access is normally by the Poqueira Gorge via the Cebedilla electric complex. The route is normally very straightforward, protected from winds and more sheltered than other access routes.
We went up to the Poqueira Hut yesterday but because of the recent heavy snowfalls of last week, access is difficult along this route.
Firstly, we had to park the car near the horse trekking stables of Dallas Love. The road from here on to the Cebedilla is blocked by snow, landfalls etc. It seems a long haul to the station but I can assure you is even longer coming back!
The best start point would in fact be the village of Capileira itself. Take one of the paths heading N out of the village and they join up with the Cebadilla blocked road half way along. The whole of the Poqueira Gorge above here has deep snow (over 1.5m in places) that has been blown in by the strong winds. Going is very, very tough!
Best to make an early start because then there is more chance of finding hard snow or ice rather than deep uncolsolidated powder. Be prepared though for a difficult and frustrating time.
It took us 5.5 hours to get from the car at the stables to Cortijo Tomas and a further 1.5 hours to reach the hut. The return was a nightmare as the hot sun has made the snow a squelshy mush. We ended up back at the cars well after nightfall a round trip of some 12 hours.
Above the hut there is still a considerable avalanche risk but the main route up Mulhacen is hard and icy until the afternoons.The west flank of the mountain is sheet snow/ice and makes for a quick ascent. Best to return to the hut via the south ridge.
