Reproduced from our article 8
Backcountry ski descents from the peak of Mulhacen, Sierra Nevada
Mulhacen west flank
Starts just 100m south of the summit cairns. Can be very icy until mid
height on the descent as high winds tend to scour the top half of surface
snow. At times, when the ice is continuous or transparent, then leave
well alone.
There have been accidents here in similar circumstances. When
the whole face is complete with fresh powder it gives a fantastic run
down to the Caldera. Make sure you keep well to the right of the avalanche
area marked on our map. It is tempting to cut the corner. The advice
is dont.
Mulhacen east face
A difficult but enjoyable run in the right conditions. Start anywhere
south of the summit and before the start of the east ridge. Head down
continuously steep slopes. We only do this in perfect snow conditions
(there can be an avalanche risk on some sloping slabs lower down on the
left), so it is usually a rapid trip down to Siete Lagunas. One always
gets the feeling it is over too quick at times! From there the options
are down to Trevelez or re-apply the skins and contour round the east
flank of Mulhacen at around the 3000m level, linking up to the south ridge.
Mulhacen east ridge leading to Siete Lagunas
Easy angled for the most part. No avalanche dangers and normally good
snow as is on leeward side of the normal prevailing weather systems. You
may have to keep well right at times to find the best snows. The steep
drop off north to Siete Lagunas is possible in places but can only be
recommended to the experienced. From the ridge 75m above Siete Lagunas,
options exist to Trevelez or southwards back to the south ridge at 3000m.
Mulhacen south ridge (normal route)
After heavy snows this is the only safe route until consolidation of the
snow pack occurs. Easy angled throughout, it is nevertheless a long and
fine outing. If heading for the Hoya del Portillo, the boring trudge from
the Mirador de Trevelez south is more than made up for by the thrill of
the descent through the trees at the end of the day back to the Hoya del
Portillo or beyond if the snow allows.
Rio Mulhacen (from Caldera to Refugio de Poqueira)
An extension of the west flank descent or useful if you have been ski
touring on Loma Pelada or the Puntal de la Caldera. Head south from the
Caldera hut and give the lower part of Mulhacens west face a wide berth
by heading out west (see avalanche area on map). Then go where the snow
is. There is normally plenty throughout the winter, and a lot of it too,
as the wind blown snow off the tops tends to congregate here. Enjoy the
descent down the Rio Mulhacen (buried of course) until the 2500m level,
when a escape left contouring the hillside can be made. Just round the
corner the welcoming Refugio de Poqueira is reached.
South summit to Refugio de Poqueira direct
Difficult to find the start point on first acquaintance. Not to be used
in mist unless extremely confident. From the trig point at the south summit
keep west of the ridgeline and drop into the shallow bowl that is actually
the line of the main summer access path. Descend some 50m. To the south
west, steepening snow slopes can be seen. This is in a direct line to
the Poqueira hut. Take these slopes which converge and steepen. There
is a levelling out as the remnants of the old road are crossed. Below
and to the left are a line of small cliffs. The way direct to the Poqueria
hut takes a line just to the right of these. In no time at all you will
be enjoying a jug or two of vino caliente!
South summit lower bowl to Refugio de Poqueira
An easier and less steep option than the above route, although care should
be taken to identify the correct start point where the south ridge is
left. From the south summit go east to find the best snows before contouring
back south and finally south west to rejoin the main south ridge. The
start is at about 3000m and takes a line down the bowl right of the south
ridge. This is at the foot of a steeper section of the ridge where the
slope angles ease. There is a short steeper section and then cruising
skiing south west. Make note of some prominent rocks lower on the right.
You will need to keep well left of these. The slope steepens and the hut
can then be clearly seen. Descend where you can. If late in the season
there is a narrow but reliable shallow gully always filled with skiable
snow slightly to the left. This leads down to the Poqueira hut access
track. Follow this right for 200m back to the hut.
Mirador de Trevelez to Trevelez
Ok. Not strictly Mulhacen, but worth including if the snows lie thick
and deep. The ski route follows the line of the summer access track from
Trevelez, and starts at the Mirador de Trevelez. Head down in an easterly
direction. Can be quite testing in marginal snow conditions or mist. It
is however, one of the most rewarding of the Sierra Nevada ski descents.
You may well have to be quite ingenious lower down to keep linking snow.
There is nothing quite like coming back down to a village at the end of
a good day in the hills though. The local camposinos might well think
you are a creature from another planet as you trudge your way in ski boots
through the high parts of the village on your way to a well earned beer!
