Veleta 3394m, second highest in Spain’s Sierra Nevada Mountains

Climb Veleta 3394m

Veleta is the second highest mountain in Spain’s Sierra Nevada. We have heard people talking negatively about ascending Veleta because of its proximity to the ski resort and the fact that a road and one of the ski lifts run quite close to the summit.  Actually once you know the mountain it is easy to pick a route from Hoya de la Mora 2500m near the ski resort that keeps you out of sight of the resort and ski lifts.  You can even find some reasonable scrambling if you choose for added interest.

We usually start with coffee at the University Albergue  at Hoya de la Mora before making the ascent. From the summit it is good to continue by descending to the Carihuela Refuge at 3200m before following the old road back to your line of ascent.

For many years Veleta was thought to be the highest mountain in the Sierra Nevada and near the start of this walk is the shrine to “The Virgin of the Snows” seen in this picture framing Veleta itself.

It is a civilized ascent from Hoya de la Mora, not only coffee to start but the chance of a beer or ice cream to finish! Sierra Nevada Mountain Guides are always happy to advise on route planning or provide you with a guide. Visit our website at: http://sierranevadaguides.co.uk/