We have just had a week long visit by members of the Eagle Ski Club to Spain's Sierra Nevada. A good weeks ski touring was had, despite some adverse weather affecting some of the itinerary. During the week the party skied Mulhacen, the highest peak in mainland Spain.
The** Eagle Ski Club** is the UK's largest and most active ski touring and ski mountaineering club, with over 800 members. Club members, Simon Duvivier and Peter Brown, recently visited the Sierra Nevada to try out the ski touring potential. The photos are courtesy of Simon Duvivier.
Weather conditions were mixed which led to an affected start to the trip, but by ascending to the Poqueira hut, one bleak and windy afternoon they got themselves into a position in which to take full advantage of a two day weather window. Spanish Highs ski guide, Jens Foell, accompanied the pair.
Access to the Refugio de Poqueira is limited. The normal sheltered route via the Poqueira Gorge is not advised due to landslips, mudslides and bridge collapses. The high route from the Hoya del Portillo over the Alto del Chorrillo was badly affected by strong winds so we accesses the hut via the high acequia route, starting from just below the forest of the Hoya del Portillo. This gave some shelter and skiable terrain very near to the drop off point. The hut was reached in 5.5 hours, good going in the difficult conditions.
Overnight a full on blizzzard raged and temperatures were down to nearly zero in the valleys of the Alpujarras. The following morning the weather window arrived and the team skinned up to the Refugio de la Caldera (now completely buried) and enjoyed a fantastic descent down the substantial snows of the Rio Mulhacen back to the hut.
Next day the fine, but extremely cold weather continued. The top half of the west flank of Mulhacen had been blown clear of snow, so an ascent was made up the gentler, snow filled slopes of the SW face. Spectacular views of the surrounding mountain unfolded on the ascent. The summit shrine of the mountain was buried under the snows.
A descent was made back to the forest edge below the Hoya del Portillo in under 2.5 hours, skiing all the way and without having to stop to re-apply skins. Snow was a combination of great powder with windblown icy sections. The final ski was down alongside the firebreak to the transport pick up point.
The following day an attempt on the Cerro de Caballo was made but the lengthy approach, due to difficult access to the Ventura trailhead, and deteriorating weather conditions cut short the trip. Still, a enjoyable descent was made back to the waiting transport.
The last day was spent rock climbing at the local Lanjaron crags. It is hoped to welcome the "Eagles" again next year to the Sierra Nevada.
On the southern ridge of Mulhacen
Skinning up the sw bowls of Mulhacen
That magic combination of sun and snow!
On the summit of Mulhacen
Removing skins for the descent back down the mountain