UKH

I know there is a lot of snow there at the moment but just how feasible is it to head there for the second week of February for a weeks hiking??. I'm flying into Malaga and thinking of heading to Granada and perhaps doing a big round through and over the mountains, carrying my food and tent. I would of course carry my axe and crampons. I have never been there before and my ideal options would be the perhaps camp below the snowline and climb over the passes/tops during the day. Any advice would be much appreciated. How easy is it to get gas and maps in Granada?. Thanks
Stephen

In reply to goatee:

These people might be able to help with information. http://sierranevadaguides.co.uk/

In reply to phizz4:

Thanks for that. I don't intend using a guide but I will mine the site for info. Thanks

In reply to goatee:
Coleman Gas you can get at Deportes Sherpa in Calle Paz in Granada or more easy to find is the Intersports on Gran Via in Granada (both are closed usually on Sat afternoon and Sundays) There is also a big Corte Ingles in Calle Darro that is open most days They have a camping/hunting section upstairs where they often have gas but maybe dont bank on this one.

There is a fair bit of snow at present and it will be bloody cold in Feb with -25 windchill not uncommon. There are however some bivvy huts that, if accessible and not buried, can be used
http://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/Sierra-Nevada/6day/top
http://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/Sierra-Nevada/webcams/latest
Hut info
http://www.spanishhighs.co.uk/mountain-huts-refuges-sierra-nevada.php

A good little trip is to take bus Granada to Trevelez + walk up to Siete Lagunas (camp spot by old threshing circle by an aquaduct below Siete Lagunas) next day up to Siete Lagunas and climb Alcazaba then back down to Siete Lagunas + Camp (watch out as sometimes foxes can be a problem round here.)
Following day Climb Mulhacen easily from Siete Lagunas descend other side down towards Caldera hut and on to Cariguela bivvy hut underneath Veleta (Could be a long day depending on depth of snow and be careful around Col de Lobo for very real avalanche danger) Climb Veleta in about 30 mins from hut. Its a cold hut but much better than camping
Next day drop down ski run then back up towards Elorrieta bivvy hut(usually full of snow) again watch out for avalanche danger, and continue easily along ridge to Caballo and down to bivvy in Caballo hut
Next day walk out to Lanjaron (feels longer than it should be !)
Eat well in Lanjaron (Bistro 31 is v.good for food + English understood) and get bus back to Granada (try Bodegas Castaneda and the Gran Taberna in Granada as more interesting Spanish bars Calle Navas also has many good bars)
Let me know if you want any more info

In reply to L.A.:

Many thanks for that reply. Lots to look into and great info there. Cheers

In reply to goatee:
No problem. Personally Id forget about the tent in Feb as its too cold. Id get the bus to Capileira and use the manned Poqueira hut for food and a bed for a couple of days to do Alcazaba and Mulhacen from and then head up the Rio Seco to use the Cariguela hut for Veleta and then on to Caballo hut + Lanjaron

In reply to goatee:

Lots of useful info on our website:
http://sierranevadaguides.co.uk/information-about-the-sierra-nevada/

We are always happy to advise visiting climbers and walkers, just mail us direct.

In reply to goatee:
I think you will need skis or snow shoes, and snowshoes won't be much good higher up on steep slopes. Mulhacen is over 4000m so you are likely to hit deep powder. You would be better near the coast, lots of good ridge walks, around Costa Blanca. I was there much later then your going, and skis were the only way to travel in the high mountains.

In reply to Jim 1003:
Mulhacen must have grown a fair bit since I last did it as it was only 3485 m then ! Snow shoes can be hired at hut if required but not usually necessary and there are no steep slopes on the S ridge route