Night ascent of Mulhacen, highest mountain in mainland Spain
Normally this is a glorious trip seeing in the new day. But, rather than seeing the spectacular morning sunrise they had hoped for, they were met with a full on snow blizzard above 3000m. Nothing like we reported in our article "Brilliant sunrise following night ascent of Mulhacen" some time ago. Some you win, some you lose! James takes up the story.............
The ascent of Cerrillo Redondo - skiing up my back garden
The week before had been warm. Granada basking in 30 degree heat. The snow had retreated uphill. We aimed to start low at 1800m but would we still find good ski touring on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains?
Plan a weeks mountaineering in the Sierra Nevada mountains
The following article was originally posted by David on his interesting site at http://spreadys.wordpress.com/. Thanks to him for allowing us to reproduce below. The article gives important hints and information to consider when planning a winter trip here. Also links to resources used. You will also find a great video of the trip below
Mountaineering traverse of the Raspones ridge, Sierra Nevada
By Gary Brown and his friends of the "Geezers of Croydon" MC. No idea if any Brit/Irish has done this before. Maybe a first British/Irish winter ascent?
A first visit to Lanjaron by mountaineer John Ormsby in 1866
In March 1867 he read his report before the Alpine Club and its magazine, The Alpine Journal, was then published in full. This included a basic map, which just marked the most important peaks, rivers and major towns of La Alpujarra.
The effects of windchill when in the mountains
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.
All the seasons in one week in the Sierra Nevada
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, whilst the more sheltered North faces were still inaccessible to the high avalanche risk. So our first day climbing was spent in T-shirts rather than belay jackets as we went rock climbing instead.
A day of surprises snowshoeing in the Sierra Nevada
Against a backdrop of adverse mountain snow conditions we had headed upwards. But what turned out was a day full of surprises as we enjoyed the mountaineering and winter potential of the Sierra Nevada.
Skiing down Mulhacen, highest mountain in mainland Spain
Report and photos 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.
Ski touring in the bowls of San Juan, Sierra Nevada
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.
More fox related attacks on campers at Siete Lagunas
We have been reporting an increasing number of fox related attacks on campsites in the Sierra Nevada for some years. The incidence usually decreases in the middle of winter when the pesky critters drop below the snowline in search of food. This year however they are remaining on the high ground and becoming braver in their approaches. We have just had a report from Martin Kuster who had his mountaineering trip ruined, not only by the poor weather, but also by a series of attacks.
Alternative winter sports available in the Sierra Nevada
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 this winter wonderland.