The first half of winter brings with it mainly difficult mountains conditions. High winds, low temperatures and deep snows become the norm. In 2010 we didn’t manage to ascend Mulhacen until late February, such was the ferocity and consistency of the bad weather. But, how have we fared this year? The winter so far hasn’t [...]
Read More alpine instruction, Alpujarras, David Thomas, granada, James Jackson, Jane Fields, Jens Foell, Mountaineering, Mulhacen, ski descents, Snowshoeing, winter skills
Windchill is a factor we take into account most times when we visit the high Sierras. We ignore it at our peril. A 32km hour wind at 0 degrees centigrade gives an effective -12.5 degree “feel” to the temperature. The chart below will help in ascertaining the dangers. Most likely from December to February each [...]
Read More air temperatures, Mulhacen, wind chill, windchill chart
Beth and Stephen from Leeds came to the Sierra Nevada with a clear idea of what they wanted to do: winter climbing and mountaineering. However, just after they arrived we met for a drink in Lanjaron: the sun was shining and it was 26C. Up in the mountains that meant the snow was melting fast, [...]
Read More alegas, Cebollar, elorietta, Lanjaron, militares, Mountaineering, Mulhacen, poqueira hut, puntal de la caldera, Tajos de la Virgen, Winter Mountaineering
A person remains missing after an avalanche occurred in the Barranco de San Juan, east of the Virgen de las Nieves in Granada’s Sierra Nevada. Also in the same avalanche, another two other people were injured but managed to escape on their own. Sources to the 112 Emergency Service in Andalucia said they received several calls from individuals [...]
Read More accident, avalanche, barranco de san juan, mountain accident, Mulhacen, virgen de las nieves
What is it like to ski down Mulhacen, the highest mountain in Spain? Report, photos and video from our guide, Jens Foell and clients, who found out recently after a frustrating few days weather led eventually to a marvelous descent in perfect powder snow conditions. Continues Jens…………… You might feel frustrated when you come on a ski [...]
Read More capileira, highest mountain, Mulhacen, Sierra Nevada, skiing
The forecast wasnt good which is why we had large smiles when we arrived at the Hoya de la Mora to find perfect weather and snow conditions. Sure, the winds were high, but the sun and gleaming white snows more than compensated. We skinned up past the Virgen de las Nieves and up keeping as [...]
Read More Alcazaba, Coral de Veleta, Mulhacen, Sierra Nevada, ski tour, snow conditions, virgen de las nieves, winter ski
The Sierra Nevada makes a wonderful winter holiday destination. Most people though are only aware of the downhill skiing opportunities, based at Pradollano on the northern slopes of the range above Granada. However, during the winter months from December to May when snow is in abundance there are many more ways for you to enjoy [...]
Read More Alpujarras, capileira, crampons, Cross-country, downhill skiing, mountaineering course, Mulhacen, puerta de la ragua, Sierra Nevada, southern spain, Veleta, Winter Guidebook, Winter Mountaineering
The Christmas holiday period unsettled spell is set to continue bringing more snow above 2000m. In the past week we have seen average snowfalls of 1m, more in drifting NE and E facing slopes, less on SW windblown slopes. A harder crust has begun to form windslab. This new layer overlays a very hard icy, [...]
Read More avalanche dangers, christmas holiday period, Lanjaron, mountain weather, Mulhacen, Sierra Nevada, Veleta
The Sierra Nevada makes that fantastic Christmas scene with its snow peaked mountains and its views towards the Mediterranean sea. For those wanting a Cheap Holiday in the snow without paying the prices of the Alps, the Sierra Nevada makes a great alternative. If it is “different” you are wanting, then maybe you would like to try out [...]
Read More cheap holidays, christmas, holidays, Mulhacen, Sierra Nevada, ski touring, Snowshoeing, Veleta
With the onset of winter in the Sierra Nevada mountains, our winter mountaineering and climbing season will start shortly. Although we had an exceptional snow year last year, the mountains were all but inaccessible until February due to incredible amounts of precipitation and wind, leading to accumulated snow depths of 15m+! But, what will this year bring? [...]
Read More backcountry skiing, course availability, mountaineering courses, Mulhacen, poqueira, rio mulhacen, sierra nevada mountains, snow level, Winter Mountaineering, winter skills