A hard days ski mountaineering on Tajos de los Machos

Ski mountaineering in Spain’s Sierra Nevada at times can be quite testing and committing. This route describes a long, tough day’s ascent of Tajos de los Machos that was made more difficult by the remote access and hard icy conditions.

Ascending the bowl of Tajos de los Machos

In marked contrast to the relaxed ski touring on Cerrillo Redondo the previous day, this tour was to prove a much sterner test. The normal track to the Refugio Forestal de la Pluca was badly affected by snow, so the car had to be left at the southern end of the Pico de Las Alegas ridge. Ski and skins were put on at the car. The forest track was followed before cutting up left and passing through pine forests and onto the open slopes of Pico del las Alegas.

The eastern traverse of Las Alegas became steep and icy as the summit was by-passed, before reaching the broad 2650m col beyond. Here Tajos de los Machos sat on the right hand side of a wide snowbowl. The whole area was extremely icy so harscheisen (ski crampons) had to be mounted onto the skis for enhanced grip. At times blue, transparent ice showed through to the surface. Precarious at times.

Nearing the summit

In the upper bowl just before the final headwall skis were left in favour of mountaineering crampons. By heading our right to the ridge fine views were had over the rest of the Sierra Nevada. The summit at 3085m was then quickly reached. A cold bitter wind came in from the west. The view west over to the Cerro de Caballo and Pico del Cartujo was incredible.

Descent down the icy bowl

After returning to the skis a careful descent was made down the icy corrie. The ascent of Las Alegas was favoured over the icy traverse. From the summit of Las Alegas a route down back to the car was spotted. Better snow conditions led down though the upper slopes into the forest and eventually back to the car. This proved a delightful end to an interesting but tiring day.

Video of the trip below. Thanks to Geoff and Mike (of Spanish Highs Mountain Guides), for the information and report.