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Access This relatively unknown area in the far eastern “Sierra Almeriense” with easy access is often overlooked. There is no recommendable ski touring here and yet the northern slopes are rocky, steep and broken. When the snow lies low down or a severe cold spell of high pressure arrives from the N then some interesting mountaineering is to be found. This guide highlights the two mountaineering classics of the area but many other climbs of an “exploratory” nature could be made on surrounding mountains and butresses.

Access There are 3 main routes: (1) Via the Hoya de Portillo ranger station above Capileira (3hrs) but depends on getting a car to the 2200m start point in the forest. Little ascent and the easiest route in good conditions. (2) Via the Acequia route (3hrs). Not recommended if snow and ice below 2500m as this route will involve traversing angled slopes. Hard on the old feet! (3) The Poqueira Gorge.

Access By Car From the main Granada ring road (Circunvalación) follow the well signposted mountain road to Sierra Nevada (A-395). This leads to the main ski resort at Pradollano. At km30 and just before entering the resort turn left following signs to Hoya de la Mora and Albergues de Granada. At km35 and at 2500m altitude, the road ends. There are car parks on either side of the road. This is the Hoya de la Mora.

Access There are 3 main routes: (1) Via the Hoya de Portillo ranger station above Capileira (3hrs) but depends on getting a car to the 2200m start point in the forest. Little ascent and the easiest route in good conditions. (2) Via the Acequia route (3hrs). Not recommended if snow and ice below 2500m as this route will involve traversing angled slopes. Hard on the old feet! (3) The Poqueira Gorge.

Access By Car From the main Granada ring road (Circunvalación) follow the well signposted mountain road to Sierra Nevada (A-395). This leads to the main ski resort at Pradollano. At km30 and just before entering the resort turn left following signs to Hoya de la Mora and Albergues de Granada. At km35 and at 2500m altitude, the road ends. There are car parks on either side of the road. This is the Hoya de la Mora.

Risks and Dangers Avalanches Most winters after fresh snowfall there are avalanches all over the Sierras, but they are normally small and localised. The exception was in February 2011 when a massive slide nearly 1km wide in the Barranco de San Juan killed 1 person and injured 2 others. There are 3 major black spots that regularly avalanche. They have become black spots because they cross normal walking or hiking trails that people use.

Climate and Conditions One of the major benefits the Sierra Nevada brings to mountaineers and ski tourers’ is the reasonably consistent and reliable snowfall, combined with the many days of sun each winter. Indeed the downhill ski resort at Pradollano is said to be the sunniest ski resort in the world. Influences From the west - fronts come in from the west bringing wet weather falling as snow on the high ground above 2000m.

Access By Car From the main Granada ring road (Circunvalación) follow the well signposted mountain road to Sierra Nevada (A-395). This leads to the main ski resort at Pradollano. At km30 and just before entering the resort turn left following signs to Hoya de la Mora and Albergues de Granada. At km35 and at 2500m altitude, the road ends. There are car parks on either side of the road. This is the Hoya de la Mora.

Access The Refugio Postero Alto makes a very convenient start point and is ideally placed to access the first northerly 3000m+ peaks of the Sierra Nevada. It lies at the foot of the Picón de Jerez and is good for accessing the mountaineering in the Barranco del Alhori, northern Sierra Nevada and indeed the “Los Tres Miles” Integral. By Car Some 15km S of the busy city of Guadix lies the town of Jerez de Marquesado (1100m).

Raspones de Rio Seco Ridge AD A long, tough alpine ridge. The base is approached from the Refugio Poqueira. Involves sustained airy climbing along the ridge crest. Multiple short abseils required. Some rock of VD and snow up to 45ª. Don’t underestimate the length of this ridge. In good conditions it can take 4 hours, in difficult conditions 8-10! The Raspones gullies PD/PD+ Approach from the Poqueira, Carihuela or Villaviento refuges.