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.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing in the forests above Capileira, Alpujarras
If you’ve never tried it....you should! Its good fun and very easy to learn. There are some great trails offering wonderful scenery. Snowshoe-ers of every level of skill and experience will find plenty of trails to meet their aspirations.
When the snows are fresh and deep, beginners can start off in the forests of the Alpujarras. In particular Puente Palo recreation area above the village of Cañar provides some interesting terrain for those new to snowshoeing.
The high forest road above Capileira leading up to car park at the Hoya del Portillo also gives access to fine, forested snowshoeing areas.
You can access high start points at the Hoya de la Mora above the ski centre which gives access to high snow bowls. Here though you are in high mountain terrain and crampons and ice axe should always be carried. More information about the snowshoeing in the Alpujarras and Sierra Nevada.
Winter Mountaineering
Mountaineering in the Sierra Nevada
Hard to believe that within 2 hours drive of the Costa del Sol you can find some of the highest mountains in western Europe outside of the Alps.
First though a word of advice! Get yourself onto a short beginners mountaineering course and learn how to use ice axe and crampons for security. Then, with new found confidence, the mountains can become your playground. Newcomers can start off on the gentler slopes of the Cerro de Caballo or Cerrillo Redondo, both accessed from Lanjaron. The higher peaks, including the ascent of Mulhacen, staying at the guarded Poqueira hut, will beckon.
For the experienced mountaineer, the north faces of Mulhacen, Veleta and Alcazaba offer long routes in a quiet environment. We have a basic online winter mountaineering guide available.
Backcountry and Ski Touring
Backcountry skiing Puerta de Ragua
Leaving the crowded pistes behind you this is the ultimate way to travel in the mountains! The non-glaciated Sierra Nevada is one of Europe's best areas to learn the basics of travelling through the high mountains on skis. It is backcountry skiing at its finest!
Equipment can be rented out from various shops within the ski village itself, so it makes sense to try a simple day tour from there for your first off piste adventure. Adhesive skins are applied to the base of your skis and, together with heel lift bindings, allow for rapid uphill progress. You should be able to ski red runs on piste in good style before venturing away from the pistes.
The northern slopes of Veleta from the Hoya de la Mora or the Loma del Dilar give a good days skiing. The ultimate is a 2 day tour to climb Mulhacen and staying overnight in the guarded Refugio Poqueira.
We use our excitable Siberian husky, Khumbu, to assist in pulling us uphill. In North America and Scandinavia this is also a separate sport called “skijoring”. We tried it out here and it works. Well almost. Unfortunately, if Khumbu sees a mountain goat all hell breaks loose and you end up being dragged sideways at great speed. Not much fun on two planks of wood! Worth a try for dog lovers though?
We run beginners and intermediate ski tours and provide guiding, gear and instruction
Cross Country Skiing
Skijoring with husky, Khumbu
Cross-country skiing (Esquí de Fondo in spanish) is easily mastered. It is a way of life for many people in the Alps and Scandinavia but relatively unknown in southern Spain. Yet there are prepared forest tracks available in good winters from the centre at the Puerta de la Ragua above La Calahorra, just south of Guadix. La Calahorra is a great place to stay and is a good destination for Family Holidays.
The majority of the cross-country there takes place on prepared and signed forest trails, and these are graded from blue to black, easy to difficult, the harder trails having more ascent and descent.
There is also husky dog sledding available at the centre. More information can be found on the official website at http://www.puertodelaragua.com.
Note
It is important that in all of the above activities you check out weather and avalanche conditions first. There are many sources available on the internet. One of the best resources is the ski centre itself at www.sierranevadaski.com or our consolidated mountain weather sources.