The first autumn storm bringing snow has
arrived today in The Sierra Nevada with snow lying at 2600m on the northern
slopes. We use the webcams at: the Sierra Nevada Ski resort and the
Poqueira Refuge to glimpse into the mountains. Today, both of these are showing snow!
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| Near the summit of Cerro del Caballo 3011m, Europe's most westerly 3000m peak. |
Although the snow from these early storms
does not normally stay very long it’s time to start thinking about winter
conditions and being prepared, carrying clothing and equipment to be safe in
winter conditions. Remember too
that the days are drawing in and it’s getting dark earlier.
Autumn storms are not all bad! The rain and snow bring much needed water to replenish the springs that many hill farmers depend on. Our own "mountain cortio" situated at 1300m relies on two natural springs for its water supply, one of which has dried up during the summer.
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| Looking towards Mulhacen from Puerto Molina |
Winter in the Sierra Nevada brings a whole
new dimension to the walking and
mountaineering. It’s all well and good having the right equipment, but good
navigation skills are essential as is a knowledge of the weather and how to
look after yourself. The British Mountain Council have a booklet that can be
downloaded free of charge that contains some useful information for hill
walkers. They also have a good video called “winter
skills” that’s worth viewing and is good revision too, even for seasoned winter
mountaineers.
Of course it’s worth considering skills
from qualified professionals.
Sierra Nevada
Guides are the only qualified British International Mountain Leaders operating in the Sierra Nevada and Alpujarra.
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| Sun and blue skies, snowshoeing in the upper Rio Lanjaron |
If you want to brush up on your navigation and mountain skills, a day with us in the mountains starts from 30 Euro’s to 70 Euro's depending on numbers.