They have a fully stocked mountain equipment rental facility in Lanjaron in the heart of the Sierra Nevada. So, don’t be weight penalised by the airlines! Winter or summer they have the following available at reasonable hire rates (n.b their own guided activities include the rental of equipment).

Mountaineering and Ski Boots for hire

Winter Mountaineering Boots and Sizes

Scarpa Freney XT – Size 45 (UK 10.5)
Scarpa Alpha – Size 45.5 (UK 11)
Hanweg – Size 44 (UK 9.5)
Scarpa Freney – Size 42 (UK 8.0)
Hanweg – Size – 43 (UK 8.5)
Scarpa Freney Pro – Size 44.5 (UK 10)
One Sport Insulated – Size 45 (UK 10.5)
Scarpa Freney Pro – Size 40 (UK 6.5)
Meindl – Size 44 (UK 9.5)
La Sportiva Nepal Extreme – Size 45 (UK 10.5)

Winter Mountaineering Equipment

Crampons – various makes both for B1 and B2 boots, strap ins and step ins.
Ice Axes – a large range of general mountaineering axes through to technical ice climbing axes.
Helmets and Harnesses.
Ice screws and snow stakes/deadman belay devices.
Alpine and Expedition rucksacks (40 to 80 litres)

Skis by Hagan

Ski Touring equipment and Snow Shoes

Mountain Skis by Hagan

Downhill and Touring Ski Boots -
Scarpa Denali – Size 45 (UK 10)
Dynafit – Size 44 (UK 9.5)

Other mixed manufacturers:
Sizes 45, 44, 42, 45.5
(UK 10.5, 9.5, 8, 11)

Various makes of snowshoe
- Tubbs, Camp, TXL, Salomen.
Even some old fashioned ones that ascended Mt McKinley 20 years ago!

Rock Climbing Gear

Available are full racks for sport climbing, ropes, helmets and harnesses. Also rock slippers and shoes of all sizes. Good for climbing nearby at Lanjaron, Alfacar, Orgiva, Capileira, Los Vados, Niguelas and Pinos de Valle. Also nuts, chocks and other protection gear for traditional rock climbing.

Camping

They have mountain tents, trekking poles, bivvy bags, sleeping mats, stoves, fuel, pots, pans and even a kitchen sink! There are some sleeping bags available but these are for summer use only.

Snowshoes, crampons, rucksacks and some of the axes

Rental Rates 2010

Rock climbing, ropes, winter belays and tents

See Mulhacen summit forecast for next few days
Met conditions from the ski centre

Snow making Sierra Nevada 5th Nov 2009

A recent clear out and repair of our tent stocks has made me re-evaluate which tents we use for which location and mountain activity. Basically we recommend high quality tents from well known makes such as Terra Nova, Bibler (now part of Black Diamond) and Hilleberg. Yes, I know there are many other fine tent makers out there, but I can only comment on what has worked for us over the past 10 years as mountain guides.

We don’t compromise for the sake of cost. This is false economy! We always go for the best quality, even though it will invariably be a higher price than competitors. I have a simple way of looking at this. You may end up paying €100 more but if you get 100 better quality nights in the mountains for 2 people then 50 cents a night extra per person is well worth it in my opinion. True?

So what do we recommend you use, when and where? All the tents below have similar characteristics ie. are quite expensive but well made with quality materials that have stood the test of time and use.

Summer Sierra Nevada, Spain (normally Jun until Oct incl)

NalloGTR

2 person lightweight tent

Hilleberg Nallo 2 GT
Weight: 2.6kg (1.3kg a person)
Typical cost: 440GBP
Manufacturers webpage and specification
Comments:

We have used our Nallo for many years. A large and roomy interior with a massive vestibule for storing rucksacks, cooking in, or for somewhere for the dogs to sleep! Well made and stable.  Loads of headroom. Simple and quick to erect. We have had 2 poles snap in 8 years use, both on the same night on an incredibly gusty evening camping at Siete Lagunas en route to doing Los Tres Miles 3000m peak traverse. This was in late August so was unexpected!

Hilleberg Akto

1 person lightweight tent

Hilleberg Akto
Weight: 1.5kg (1.5kg a person)
Typical cost: 330GBP
Manufacturers webpage and specification
Comments:

The Akto was my second foray into the 1 man tent sector. My first purchase being a Terra Nova Solar. This is much roomier and I like the large side entrance which is useful for storage and cooking. Strangely, there is only 1 centre pole. The front and back panels do take a bit of getting used to but once erected do function well. Not as stable as a Nallo in cross winds when the centre pole can bend alarmingly. Nevertheless a very light and roomy tent. Also just about suitable for 2 persons who know each other very well!

Jupiter bivvy

1 person hooped bivvy bag

Terra Nova Jupiter
Weight: 840g (840g a person)
Typical cost: 250GBP
Manufacturers webpage and specification
Comments:

I never got to grips with the old style bivvy bags. Sure they worked ok and were very light but the drawback for me was always the claustrophobic nature of the head covering. The advent of hooped bags changed that. One of the best around now is the Terra Nova Jupiter with a massive hooped section. Now you can while away the time reading or playing on your ipod! Terra Nova also do a Saturn bivvy which has a second smaller pole near the foot area. They are low to the ground so getting in and out can be a bit of a pain but they will never get blown over by the winds. Goretex outer ensures it is waterproof.

Winter Sierra Nevada, Spain (normally Nov until May incl)

Ultra Quasar

2 person alpine tent

Terra Nova Ultra Quasar
Weight: 3.3kg (1.75kg a person)
Typical cost: 450GBP (Offers now direct from Terra Nova at 350GBP!)
Manufacturers webpage and specification
Comments:

The Ultra Quasar is a lighter version of the bombproof Quasar (see below). You save 1.1kg and quite a few bucks over it’s expedition style neighbour. Everything else is the same. Great space for 2 (or maybe 3?). The double vestibules are perfect for storage or cooking on those dark winter nights. Ventilation options keep the inside dry on the coldest nights. As everything with Terra Nova, there is a genuine feel of quality about it. Perfect for winter mountaineering in the Sierra Nevada

Summer Alpine (normally June until Sep incl)

i-tent

2 person alpine tent

Bibler I-Tent
Weight: 2.2kg (1.1kg a person)
Typical cost: 500GBP
Manufacturers webpage and specification
Comments:

Single skin Goretex skin. Easy erection from inside even in a blizzard. High head space and narrow footprint for small ledges. Well made, strong and above all…..super light. At only 1.1kg a person, this is an incredible alpine tent. Perfect for 1 or 2 nights out in the high mountains. The only drawback is the lack of a vestibule which unfortunately is an optional add on at 119GBP, but well worth it. I also believe that if I had a choice again I would rather go for the slightly larger El Dorado tent they make. A must have for alpinists!

Patagonian Icefields (Nov and Dec)

Quasar

2 person expedition tent

Terra Nova Quasar
Weight: 4.3kg (2.15kg a person)
Typical cost: 450GBP
Manufacturers webpage and specification
Comments:

THE expedition tent. This is the one I have most confidence in. For taking the worst weather that the Patagonian Icecap can throw at you and never bat an eyelid! When the blizzard is howling outside you will know that there will be no epic story of survival against the odds looming. Spacious, 2 vestibules and strong. I remember once being hit by storm force winds high on Aconcagua (Camp Berlin, I believe). Other climbers were struggling to retain control, but the Quasars, lent to us for the expedition by those nice people at Terra Nova, stood the test. Recommended for expeditions to wild places.

Mulhacen 2009 Algarve Press

A Portugese alpinist, Luis Nadkarni, is joining Spanish Highs Mountain Guides in January to enjoy the delights of winter mountaineering in the Sierra Nevada.

The Algarve Press always carry features on Luis and his adventures (see right). Luis is 49 years old.  He is a Professional Sailing Instructor (Coach) and a member of  the Algarve´s Mountaineering and Climbing Association (AMEA) and Portuguese Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (FPME).

You can follow Luis at http://www.luisnadkarni.blogspot.com/

Related:
Visit the Lanjaron weather station live datafeed
View past weather records
Sierra Nevada Mountain Weather Forecasts

alpujarra-weather-records-oct-09

Scrambling in Mallorca

The Tramuntana mountains of Mallorca are an ideal walking and scrambling destination for those mountain lovers wanting wild mountain scenery, dramatic views and adventurous challenges.

Mallorca was my first introduction to Spanish walking. I first went there in the early 1990’s and was amazed at the scope and variety on offer. I revisited and took walking groups there until the delights of mainland Spain and in particular the Sierra Nevada took over. Last week I returned after a 10 year absence and renewed my acquaintance with the glories of this Mediterranean island.

I believe the best base to be at Puerto Pollensa in the north. This gives easy access to some of the finest walking and scrambling spots. Accommodation is plentiful and reasonably priced, outside the summer and busy times. We can recommend some accommodation there if you are planning your own visit.

Suggested guide book is the excellent “Walking In Mallorca” by June Parker (Cicerone Press). Here are some of our own favourite walks and scrambles:

The Cavell Bernat ridge

On the Cavell Bernat ridge

Quite simply the finest ridge on the island. Similar to the best Skye has to offer yet only 352m above sea level and accessible in under an hour from the outskirts of Puerto Pollensa. No car necessary. Imagine if you could reach the Skye ridge in 45 minutes!

The ridge is for experienced scramblers or rock climbers only. You need a good head for heights and some route finding ability. The rock is sound and sharp but makes for very arduous and slow going. Dramatic views in all directions and especially vertically down to the sea below!

From north to south we usually take a short rope to safeguard  the tricky descent of the double tower (see slideshow below). The crossing of the “window” ledge is spectacular and the initial climb up to the first tower much easier than it looks from the col below.

Much more description is unnecessary. Follow the crest as far as your courage and/or ability will allow. 5hrs. The full ridge from north to south is strictly for suitably equipped rock climbers.

Massanella (1367m)

Looking towards Cuber s.face Massanella

The highest accessible point in Mallorca. A fine peak but better ascended by the quieter route in from Almallutx near Cuber to the south. Long approach gives access to a small col that requires some easy scrambling and then the magnificent south face of the mountain. Few others are seen on this route.

Here you can choose the standard you wish to climb or scramble at (see slideshow below). Make your way up various rock slabs and walls to the summit ridge and the south peak. There is a way to the right for those who find it all a bit unnerving. A short walk and you reach the main summit point.

Descend via the notch some 30m south of the summit. Steep and exposed but feels secure within a crack system (see slideshow below). A rope may be helpful for the nervous here. After that an exposed traverse and short gully lead to easy slopes above the Col des Prat. Return south and rejoin the ascent route after a fine but long mountain day. 6hrs.

Tomir (1103m)

A personal favourite and a fine, friendly mountain. Easy access and a short steep ascent mean the summit can be reached in just a hour 15 minutes after parking the car at Binifaldo. Great expansive views northward towards the Formentor peninsular.

We normally descend NE towards the Col del Puig de Ca and then round via Aucanella. About 5hrs.

Torrente de Pareis

The Torrente de Pareis gorge

To vary your scrambling holiday try this gorge walk/scramble. Start at Sa Colobra and and at Escorca. Great if two cars or a friendly driver available, but the latest bus times do not easily mean a return can be made to Sa Colobra. If not possible then ascend and descend the gorge the same way. Twice the fun!

Dramatic scenery. Good scrambling in places. Do not attempt after rain!

About 4 to 5 hours return trip up and down the gorge

Guided Scrambling and Walking

Spanish Highs Mountain Guides run walking and scrambling holidays to Mallorca on demand.

A note on Birdwatching in Mallorca

Marsh Harrier at S'Alburfera

During our week’s wanderings we came across some fantastic bird life. Highlights included:
Tomir – Black Vultures
Massanella – Black vultures, Griffon Vultures
Cavell Bernat – Eleonoras Falcon
S’Alberfura – Marsh Harrier, Osprey, Hen Harrier

Any good bird guide will suggest Mallorca as an ideal birdwatching venue.

Birdwatch Alpujarras are running birdwatching excursions and holidays to Mallorca.

Photos

A slideshow of our latest trip includes some of the main scrambling areas and the descent route off the double tower on the Cavell Bernat which can be hard to locate. Also photo of the south face and descent from the notch on Massanella.

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The aerial photo clearly shows the central highest peaks of the Sierra Nevada covering Veleta, Mulhacen, Alcazaba and Puntal de Vacares. Siete Lagunas can be seen in the left foreground. Very little snow remains but the ski centre remains confident that skiing will start at the end of November as usual.

Aerial Photo Sierra Nevada main peaks October 2009

What a nice surprise we had yesterday en route from Malaga to Palma Mallorca. We had chosen to fly with Air Berlin. Why? They were cheap. Nothing diferent there then. But what a different experience to the normal cattle laden planeloads travelling from the UK.

Firstly there was no mad rush at the boarding gates. Everybody was sat down and relaxed. Contrast this to the chaotic mess at a Ryanair gate. Why? This was mainly because Air Belin passengers checking in online get a choice of where to sit. They choose for you but if you wish to change a little plane schematic comes up and you point at where you wish to sit. The boarding tickets are then printed. How simple is that? Thus everybody at the boarding gate knew they had a seat of their choice.

Secondly the flight itself. It was strangely quiet. From the moment we boarded there was no screeching from the stewards in unintelligible scouse or cockney accents. We weren’t even bombarded with offers to buy lottery tickets, cheap car hire or hotels accommodation. They didn’t even instruct us on how to fit the safety belts as a small TV show reminded us. In fact the only time we heard from a steward was when she asked us if we would like coffee or tea! There was no mention of mobile phones, overhead lockers or indeed cuddly toys!

In short, they treated us like responsible human beings not misguided sheep. The flight was a pleasure and we shall fly with them again if we can.

Well done Air Belin! Ryanair, Eastjet and others take good note because Air Belin have shown me a vision of future low cost air travel.

On Pointe Lachenal. Grand Capucin behind

Irishman, Neil Wilson, who completed an alpine introduction course with ourselves here in the Sierra Nevada, has sent us these photos from his alpine trip in 2009. During the stay in Chamonix in the French Alps, he seems to have completed;

Traverse of Pointes Lachenal, Cosmiques Arete, Midi Plan traverse and the Frendo Spur.

Great achievement and photos!