Guided mountaineering, winter skills, alpine introduction courses in Spain's Sierra Nevada

Winter skills courses, ascents of peaks and mountaineering days in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Learn how to walk the winter hills in safety.Our winter mountaineering and winter skills courses are held in Spain's Sierra Nevada mountains during the months of December through to the end of May.

Courses of 2, 4 or 6 days duration. Normally 2 instructional days followed by optional practical ascents of peaks and routes, putting the new found skills into practice.

More info (includes Mulhacen climb)......

"We both had a brilliant week and really enjoyed everything we did. We're now busy tying knots and planning our next trip. I would certainly recommend Spanish Highs to anyone considering a Winter/Alpine skills course as our trip easily exceeded all our expectations." Ross Litherland & Cath Crowther.

Throughout the course you will learn the essentials for safe travel on snow and glacial terrain including: crampon and ice axe techniques; glacier travel, including crevasse rescue; basic navigation. To tackle rocky ridges you will learn fixed belay and alpine style running belay techniques. Simple snow gullies and faces will climbed.

We base ourselves in a remote, ruined refuge high in the mountains. From here we cover all the topics contained in our basic winter skills course, but also tackle simple alpine climbs. Snow holing, winter and alpine bivouacing and camp skills are also covered. All in a superb mountain setting!

More info......

"Now having been climbing in the Sierra Nevada, I think it is probably better preparation for alpine and greater ranges than anything the UK can offer. You could quite easily be a novice and pick up the general climbing and mountaineering skills easier here than you can in the UK. Cost, weather, type of climbing, speed required, access, skills needed etc are all similar to the Alps, but in a less intimidating environment. Mike Partridge, Durham

An often underestimated winter climbing destination. We have put together a free Online Winter Mountaineering Guide to assist visting climbers and mountaineers. This is an unfinished project and we hope people will help contribute to the guide.

View more photo galleries..........
• 3 nights trapped in the Refugio de Caballo
Caught by a blizzard our group took shelter in the Refugio de Caballo for 2 extra nights. The lack of mobile phone signal showing the importance of satellite communication alternatives to keep cont...
• Mixed weather on Mulhacen
Sometimes the weather is not always clear and bright, especially on Mulhacen
• Southern Patagonian Icecap 2011
This year our expedition was blessed by windless and sunny conditions, unusual on the Patagonian Icecap. A far cry from the year before. We managed to complete the full itinerary and had some of th...
• Patagonia Icecap 2010
An incredibly hard expedition to the Southern Patagonian Icecap. We got our asses kicked big time by the weather! Having said that the trip was a lifetimes experience and we shall return.
• Raspones de Rio Seco ridge
This fine alpine type ridge is found in Sierra Nevada just south of the road between Veleta and Mulhacen. Approach the base of the ridge from the Poqueira hut. A long Grade 3S route with tricky mor...
• Climbing and scrambling over the Tajos de la Virgen ridge
Mid June hardly seems the correct time to be looking for winter climbing in southern Spain. Yet, we managed, after an early start, to find good snow and ice conditions high in the Sierra Nevada on ...
• Winter climb of the Raspones de Rio Seco ridge
An incredible ascent of the Raspones de Rio Seco ridge in the Sierra Nevada by the “Geezers” from Croydon MC in March 2011. Graded AD and a 3 star winter mountaineering route. The photos give a goo...
• The winter wonderland of the Cebollar and Las Alegas
Above Puente Palo in the Alpujarras lies a winter wonderland of fun and beautiful scenery. Against a backdrop of adverse mountain snow conditions we had headed upwards to the Cebollar hut. But what...
• Ice Climbing in the Sierra Nevada
Photos taken from climbing on Las Cascadas de los Militares above the Hoya de la Mora.
• Winter Skills Courses Sierra Nevada
Winter skills and mountaineering courses based in southern Spain’s Sierra Nevada

View more videos..........
• The North Faces of the Sierra Nevada
Short panorama video of all the major peaks including Puntal de Vacares, Alcazaba, Mulhacen, Puntal de la Caldera, Cerro de los Machos and Veleta.
• The winter mountains of the Sierra Nevada
James Jackson enjoys the wintry delights of Spain’s Sierra Nevada mountains under full snow cover. Winter Skills Mountaineering Courses and Alpine Mountaineering Courses are run every winter from D...
• Mountain Mayhem
An ascent of Mulhacen and Puntal de la Caldera in the high peaks of the Sierra Nevada by a large group. Ice axe braking en mass followed by a long climb to the highest summits in Spain.
• Scrambling along the Cavall Bernat ridge, Mallorca
Fun and frolics, scrambling and climbing along the wonderful Cavall Bernat ridge in Mallorca, probably the best high class ridge scramble in the med! The whole ridge is a excellent day outing takin...
• Second and third winter ascents of Scary Slab, Alpujarras
South Africans, Brett and Michelle Wakeley make a tongue in cheek ascent of Scary Slab in the Alpujarras. “But its not winter”, you say. It is. Its nearly christmas and they are wearing crampons!
• Camino del Rey, El Chorro
A stunning day’s adventure can be had on the Camino del Rey near El Chorro, Spain. Lot’s of loose stuff around so take helmet, harness and protective slings. Also abseil rope. More details about th...
• Patagonian Icecap Trailer 2010
“The climax is the coming back from a dangerous place”. 36 hours hard going in adverse weather conditions to reach and escape from the Patagonian Icecap in November 2010. Visit our 2010 Expedition ...
• Patagonia Expedition 2010
Our expedition to the Patagonian Icefield (Campo de Hielo Sur) encountered bad weather, blizzards and high winds, which meant that our stay up there was cut short. Also shows trekking around Mt Fit...

A favourite destination for skiers, mountain climbers, snowboarders and walkers, the Spanish Sierra Nevada (which translates as "snowy mountain range" in Spanish) is home to continental Spain`s highest peak, the mighty Mulhacen, which reaches a towering 3,478 metres. Located in the beautiful Andalucia (sometimes spelt Andalusia) region of Spain, the Sierra Nevada is considered the number one destination in the country for winter sports, with a long ski season and excellent snow record. During the spring and summer months, the Sierra Nevada attracts thousands of hill walkers, trekkers and mountaineers, all drawn to the magnificent natural landscape and stunning views. The Sierra Nevada is the second-highest mountain range in Europe, with only the mighy Alps reaching higher altitudes. The snowy peaks of the mountain range contrast starkly with the rest of Andalucia, which is principally known for its warm, sunny weather and beautiful Mediterranean beaches. At the base of the mountain range lies the sun-kissed city of Granada, while the city of Malaga, famed as a popular tourist destination, also lies close by. Part of the mountain range are within the confines of the Sierra Nevada National Park, which has been designated as a biosphere reserve and as such is subject to strict development restrictions. The area covers over 86,000 hectares of rugged landscape, with thundering rivers, vast lakes, many of which are frozen during the winterm and many rare species` of flora, fauna and birdlife. Mountaineers can enjoy the challenge of scaling sheer-sided gorges, although less experienced climbers should always make sure they explore the region with the help of an experienced guide. The park is home to more than 20 peaks exceeding 3,000 metres, including the famous Mulhacen, in the Iberian peninsula.

The Sierra Nevada National Park is home to Spain`s southernmost ski resort, Sol y Nieve (Sun and Snow) which is also a key destination for snowboarders. The resort lies in the western side of the park, and enjoys a long ski season that runs from mid-November to mid-April. The southern location means that, even during the winter there are abundant sunny days, making sunscreen a must at this high altitude. The varied terrain of the Spanish Sierra Nevada means that there are activities for all ages and skill levels, from adrenaline junkies seeking white knuckle thrills to families enjoying summer trekking holidays.

The abundant birdlife makes the Sierra Nevada a popular spot for birdwatchers, particularly in the summer months, while walkers, hikers and climbers head here year-round to scale the peaks or just enjoy mountain walks with dramatic views. Many mountaineers arriving in the Sierra Nevada head straight for La Alpujarra (also known as Las Alpujarras), a range which stretches south from Granada to the Almeria province, and which boasts challenging rock faces galore. At the foothills of the range are almond, cherry, citrus fruit and olive groves, an agriculture is the main source of income in the area after tourism.

Many tourists heading for the Sierra Nevada will arrive at Malaga Airport, which is within two hours drive by hire car or coach transfer. An alternative is to transfer to Granada from the international airports of Madrid or Barcelona, which are both serviced by budget airlines. Granada city is just 48 kilometres from the National Park, and the ski resort itself is reached by taking Europe`s highest road, ensuring some fantastic views.

There are many accommodation options in the Sierra Nevada, from rustic mountain-side cabins to top-end hotels. There is something to suit all types of taste and budget, with good self-catered options being a popular choice for families and groups of friends travelling together. A true year-round destination, the beauty of the Sierra Nevada will provide memories to last a lifetime. To begin planning your trip, visit online discount codes.

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