Winter Mountaineering Guide, Sierra Nevada, SpainGrade F

Cerro de Caballo

admin — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 10:25:28 +0000

To the NE and SE of the summit area there exist some good lines of easy terrain eminently suitable for a beginner or those new to the sport.

Trip Report and photos showing a visit to the area to climb

Refugio de Elorrieta (3,201m) to the Cerro de Caballo (3,015m)

admin — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 14:38:53 +0000

Winter – F
1st Ascent – Unknown
An easy traverse all above 3000m. Better if done in conjunction with the Tajos de la Virgen ridge.

El Pulpito (2,983m)

admin — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 08:49:51 +0000

Winter – F
1st Ascent – Unknown
Approach from Poqueira Hut contouring round the lower slopes of Loma Pela. Cross the easy slopes at the foot of the Raspones and enter a small valley. Follow the valley up and the left to the summit.

Mulhacen (3,481m) S Ridge

admin — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 08:22:41 +0000

Winter – F
1st Ascent – Unknown
Simple ascent, better used as a descent.

Mulhacen (3,481m) E face

admin — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 08:20:50 +0000

Winter – F/PD
1st Ascent – Unknown

From Siete Lagunas. A easy snow ascent in a great area. 500m ascent to the summit up simple snow slopes. Has been used as a fast glissade off the summit but only in perfect snow conditions!

Mulhacen (3,481m) W ridge (via Normal)

admin — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 08:17:24 +0000

Winter – F
1st Ascent – 22nd January 1934 Demetrio Spinola/Daniel Rooner
Access via the Poqueira (2hrs) or Caldera (5 mins) huts. 500m of snow with a normally icy section at mid height. About 1.5hrs to the summit from the Caldera.

Alcazaba (3,366m) SE face (via Siete Lagunas)

admin — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 08:11:43 +0000

Winter – F
1st Ascent – Unknown

Approach from Siete Lagunas. Take the broad ridge N of Siete Lagunas and either follow the ridgeline upwards or traverse rightwards for a small col. Both lead easily to the summit (3hrs). Descent the same way. This is the easiest route to the summit in winter.

Laguna de las Yeguas (2,882m) to the Elorrieta hut (3,187m)

admin — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 18:21:23 +0000

Winter – F/PD
1st Ascent – Unknown

Quickest approach is via Borreguiles above the ski centre. Traverse past the iced up Laguna and then follow the trail along the side of Tajos de la Virgen to the Elorrieta hut. N.B This is an avalanche blackspot and fatalities have occurred here!

Veleta (3,394m) North ridge (via Normal)

admin — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:33:02 +0000

Winter – F
1st Ascent – Unknown

Approach – Either (a) start from the Albergues at Hoya del Moro (2,500m). Climb steadily north past the statue to the Virgen de las Nieves to the Balcon del Veleta (Los Posiciones) (2hrs) or (b) pay for a lift pass and take the Gondola and chair to below the Balcon del Veleta and walk from there (½hr).

Climb – Keeping as close to the cliff edge on the left as possible make an ascending traverse. There is sometimes sheet ice or verglas here and there have been accidents. Follow the edge L round to the summit (1½hrs).