We set off from the recreation centre at Puente Palo in the Alpujarras. I was disappointed to find that the high temperatures of the previous week had affected the snow pack and we had to walk up through the forest track carrying the skis and boots. Not quite what I had in mind. After 45 minutes however, the snow on the track began to thicken and it wasn't long before we donned our boots, skins and skis. We skinned up though the remaining forest before emerging into a beautiful white landscape.
We had an idea to climb the peak of Cerrillo Redondo, at just over 3000m, a marvellous viewpoint, but way out to the right of us. In front of us the slopes above the forest were too good to miss though, so we headed straight up. There were open areas without snow so we had to link the best and most continuous lines.
What followed was pure joy as we weaved in and out of gullies and open slopes linking the snow as best we could. At one point we had to take off skis and walk 5m to link with another snowfield. The snow was in perfect condition. By this I mean, 10cm of soft surface snow with a hard base. Even better, as we skinned upwards, the conditions remained the same and didn't deteriorate.
We emerged onto the long south ridge of Cerrillo Redondo some way south of the reigning peak. Here the ridge was blown clear of snow and so our uphill progress came to an end. It didn't matter. We had had a perfect, interesting and relaxed ascent. Now for the best bit!
Skins off. Boots tightened. Clothing and pack adjusted. What is to come? Off we went. Oh joy. Linking turns. Faster. Faster. Just like the piste! Wind blowing through the helmet. Left. Right. Faster. Wow! Of course, it's not always like this. Some days it's hard going through crud, ice, brakeable crust, slush. But when it's good, it's fantastic!
Near the bottom of the run we were met and swamped by our excited dogs who chased us down the remaining snows to the forest edge. In total, maybe 600m of incredible descent down a deserted mountainside. A quick walk directly down the forest break and we were back at the car. What better ski touring day could you wish for?
Spanish Highs Mountain Guides run day and multi day ski touring and mountaineering tours from their base in Lanjaron.