Climb Mulhacen, the highest mountain in mainland Spain
Ascend Mulhacen, Sierra Nevada, via day, multi day, night and skiing tours
Mulhacen rises to 3482m making it the highest peak in the Iberian Peninsula and continental Spain. It is part of the Sierra Nevada range in the Cordillera Penibetica. Its name comes from the Spanish transciption of Muley Abul Hassan, the penultimate Muslim King of Granada in the 15th century. Legend has it he was buried on the summit of the mountain, though the name is post-Reconquista. Mulhacen is also the highest peak in Europe outside the Alps and the Caucasus Mountains, and the third most topographically prominent peak in Western Europe, after Mont Blanc and Mount Etna
Mulhacen has been climbed by our team more than 210 times (up to July 2011), more often than not in full winter conditions.
We offer the following guided climbs throughout the year
Summer ascents:
1 day - to and from the Hoya de Portillo. About 8-9 hours of walking
is involved (1300m ascent), ascending by the long south ridge and descending
via the west flank.
2 days - Day 1 we climb up to the Poqueira Hut at 2500. The walk takes
4 hours and involves 900m ascent. There we stay the night. The Poqueira
Hut is a guarded refuge and has beds, blankets, meals and wine. A great
place to spend the night before ascending the peak. Day 2 we follow
the Rio Mulhacen before climbing the steep west flank of the mountain.
After summiting we return is down the long but easy south ridge. About
8 hours walking with 1000m ascent.
Winter Ascents:
The ascent in winter is normally undertaken in a 2-day trip. The route
is as above. Clients will be supplied with ice axe and crampons and
suitable instruction given during Day 1. We shall advise you beforehand
of the clothing and equipment requirements.
Night Ascents:
We are the first and only company to offer the unique experience of
a night ascent of the peak, arriving at the summit as dawn breaks. A
truly wonderful experience that can be enjoyed year round, weather permitting.
See http://www.sierra-nevada-news.com/2010/04/brilliant-sunrise-following-a-night-ascent-of-mulhacen/
for more details.
Ski Mulhacen
Mulhacen at 3482m is a magnificent ski touring peak in good snow conditions.
From December to May inclusive we can offer ski descents of the peak.
But, what descents are available and which are the best for backcountry
skiing enthusiasts? As can be seen from our trail map on the right, there are options for all grades of skier. Easier ways for the beginner or for marginal snow conditions, and tougher runs for the more experienced on good days. Most 2 day ski tours will overnight either at the Refugio de Poqueira (guarded), or the Caldera refugio (unguarded), or even wild camp at Siete Lagunas.
Descents are the interesting part of any ski tour. Will it be a headlong, exhilarating dash down the mountainside on perfect snow or will we be getting exasperated with the changing crud, ice, breakable crust and slush? Will we be back at the hut in 20 minutes or in 90? Mulhacen has the ability to deliver all of these and more.
Read detailed descriptions about the Backcountry Skiing Descents from Mulhacen. Note. It goes without saying that on every ski tour axe, crampons and helmet should be carried and used if necessary! If you are planning your own trip to the Sierras then please contact us at Spanish Highs Mountain Guides. We can advise on current mountain and snow conditions, access points, route choice and even provide gear and equipment hire.
Mountain Meteo - Mulhacen Summit Conditions
Weather by meteoexploration
Iberia Peninsula weather forecast for all mountain areas of Spain
Mulhacen weather forecast - Great resource showing very detailed forecasts. Very useful.
Route profile
Mulhacen Summit Photo Gallery
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