Guides Training in Spain’s Sierra Nevada Mountains

Guides Training in Spain’s Sierra Nevada Mountains

All mountain guides and International Mountain Leaders have to undertake “C.P.D.” (Continuous Professional Development) annually to maintain their registration as a guide. For British International Mountain Leaders this is a minimum of two days per year (not including 1^st aid).

Looking at the North Faces of Alcazaba and Mulhacen from near Veleta

Sierra Nevada Guides are pleased to announce that we have been accredited  to run a CPD event in the Sierra Nevada during 2016 which will provide 2 CPD events for those attending.

The Parnassius apolo butterfly feeding on Thyme 3000m asl.

This will be a “showcase” event demonstrating the uniqueness and very best that the Sierra Nevada has to offer as well as climbing the four highest mountains including Mulhacen which at 3482m is the highest mountain in mainland Spain. The specific details of the event are:

Sierra Nevada CPD Event - 3^rd to 8^th July, 2016

Climb Mainland Spain’s Highest Mountain whilst exploring the Flora and Fauna of the Sierra Nevada National Park.

Erigeron frigidus an extremely rare endemic species

Mulhacen at 3482m is the highest mountain in mainland Spain. Situated in Spain’s largest national park, The Sierra Nevada is surrounded by a natural park. Together they have some wonderful scenery, early summer flowers and fascinating geology. It was declared a Unesco Biosphere Reserve in 1986, in recognition of its exceptionally diverse plant, bird and animal species with over 100 endemic species.

An Iberian Ibex near the summit of Mulhacen

An easy (grade 1) scramble on slabs to ascend Veleta

In addition to the natural history of the area we will be aiming to ascend the four highest mountains in the Sierra Nevada: Mulhacen 3482m, Pico del Veleta 3394m, Alcazaba 3371m and Cerro de Los Machos 3329m. 

The itinerary will include some easy scrambling and crossing a short exposed section of chain. Participants will need to bring suitable slings to safeguard themselves. Aspirants will be equipped and coached by the three qualified IML’s from Sierra Nevada Guides who will be leading this event. Four days in the mountains with three nights will be spent in mountain Refugio’s. The cost not including travel or accommodation is £200 per person.  

Full details of the event are here.

The Sierra Nevada Camomile, Artemisia granatensis another very rare plant.

Whilst this event is designed to provide CPD for IML’s it would also provide good experience for Aspirant IML’s and Mountain Leaders considering becoming IML's.

Crossing a section of chain at 3200m near Veleta

Learning Outcomes

To see how plants adapt to the varying climatic zones as we ascend into the mountains.

To observe the uniqueness of the flora and fauna of the area.

To observe the impact man has made through the ages within the National and Natural Park.

To learn how the National Park Authorities have acted to lessen the impact of man on the environment.

Understand the range of maps available for this area and the difficulties of navigation with maps of less reliability than O.S. maps.

Crossing exposed fixed equipment.

Crossing snow patches.

The ''pitfalls'' of running a guiding company either from the UK or from abroad.

Mulhacen 3482m from the Caldera bivouac Refuge.

This course is being led by qualified International Mountain Leaders from Sierra Nevada Guides: Michael Hunt, Jane Livingstone and Martin Riley. Both Jane and Michael are members of BAIML whilst Martin is the first British member of AEGM, the Spanish Guides Association.

Jane, Michael and Martin
Sierra Nevada Guides

Sierra Nevada Mountain Camomile - Artemisia granatensis

Sierra Nevada Mountain Camomile

The Mountain Camomile: Artemisia granatensis is found exclusively in the Sierra Nevada in dry grassland on loose rock over 2500m.  It has traditionally been sought after and used as a medicinal plant for stomach complaints, and its reputation was such that large amounts of money were paid to obtain its benefits. Over exploitation has brought this plant to the edge of extinction and there is now a programme within the National Park to increase its population.

The Mountain Camomile: Artemisia granatensis 

Those once common, it now mainly occurs in the more inaccessible areas where the camomile pickers “manzanilleros” were not able to exploit it.

The one we didn't find!!

This week Mike and Jane from Sierra Nevada Guides decided to “have a look” for the plant using someone’s photo from the internet which gave a good idea of its general location.  Whilst descending from Veleta 3396m the 2^nd highest summit in the Sierra Nevada they chose a route via the San Juan valley which would bring them under the old observatory. However not actually carrying a copy of the photo they failed miserably.

Two days later making a traverse on Cerro de los Machos 3327m they were rewarded with seeing several plants in two separate locations.

Cold Fleabane - Erigeron frigidus

Generally the alpine flowers in the Sierra Nevada are stunning in June and July. The Sierra Nevada boasts some 86 endemic species of plants and many more endemic species of fauna.

Sierra Nevada Guides are particularly interested in the areas wildlife and are keen to share our knowledge during the walks we lead.

Sierra Nevada Guides are the only qualified British Guides (International Mountain Leaders) operating in the Sierra Nevada.

Sierra Nevada Guides are always happy to help you plan your trip to the Sierra Nevada, even if you do not use a guide (though you will have an easier time if you do!).

Climb Mulhacen

Mulhacen 3482m

Mulhacen with Alcazaba (to the left)

Climbing Mulhacen which at 3482m is the highest point in mainland Spain. This puts it high on the tick list of many visitors to the area and mountaineers from across Europe.  Although a fairly straightforward walk for competent mountaineers in summer, it is a different proposition in winter requiring a high degree of winter skills. 

There is a guide to climbing Mulhacen on The Sierra Nevada Guides website.

Mulhacen Summit

In the summer months the Sierra Nevada National Park operate a bus from the village of Capileira up to Mirador Trevelez 2700m from where it is possible to ascend Mulhacen's South Ridge. It is fair to say that probably most people use the bus though it is perfectly possible to make a good circuit there and back in a day from the "road head" at Hoya del Portillo above Capileira. 

Mulhacen's West Ridge from The Caldera Refuge

A good circuit is to ascend Mulhacen's South Ridge and descend its West Ridge to the Caldera Refuge. It is possible to return along the old road back to Mirador Trevelez, but if you have enough time descend the Rio Mulhacen and visit the Poqueira Refuge where drinks and snacks can be bought.  It is possible to complete a circuit back to Mirador Trevelez from here or back to Hoya del Portillo depending on your starting point.

The Poqueira Refuge

Another popular way is by spending a night at the Poqueira Refuge. An easy day to the refuge either along the acequia to Las Tomas then a steep pull up or more easily from Hoya del Portillo. Day two from the hut, follow the Rio Mulhacen to the Caldera Refuge then ascend Mulhacen's short but steep West Ridge, stopping to admire the views out across the North Face. Descent is down the easy angled South Ridge to Mirador Trevelez before taking the ridge (or dirt track road) back to Hoya del Portillo via the viewpoint at Puerto Molino.

Alpine Accentor at Mulhacen Summit

For those interested in wildlife, there is normally much to see, especially in summer.  We have been amazed at the butterflies around Mulhacen summit on many occasions. Alpine Swifts, Alpine Accentors, Choughs, Eagles and Vultures are common sights. It would be rare not to see one of the many "cabra de monte" which are Iberian Ibex.  They have become quite tame at the popular lunch spots and are frequent scroungers!


The flowers of the Sierra Nevada can be quite spectacular too. 

Estrella de las Nieves (star of the Snows) with Gentians

Early summer is the best time to see flowers as the winter snows retreat. Walking up Mulhacen from Hoya del Portillo takes you from below the tree line, through sub alpine and into alpine climatic areas.  Each has its own plant varieties, many of them endemic to the Sierra Nevada.
The wet areas known as "borreguiles" can be quite spectacular so if you are planning to make your ascent during the early summer (July), do consider taking in the Rio Mulhacen.

Information about the various routes up Mulhacen, maps, National Park bus, etc can all be found on the Sierra Nevada Guides website.

"Cabra de Monte" - The Iberian Ibex near the summit of Mulhacen

Mulhacen like any big mountain can be quite dangerous in poor weather and especially in winter conditions. Most days in the summer months it is usually a straightforward climb for experienced mountain walkers with the skills to navigate and look after themselves in the mountains. High winds are frequent and afternoon storms are a possibility even in summer.

Sierra Nevada Mountain Guides are always happy to advise visitors to the area or provide you with a qualified guide.