Snow arrives in The Sierra Nevada!

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!

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.

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.

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.