Trailbase Location Area Info

Sierra Nevada, Andalusia, Spain

Sierra Nevada (‘Snowy Range’) is second only to the Alps in Europe in terms of height, with 15 peaks over 3000m, and containing the highest peak on the Iberian peninsula, Mulhacen at 3482m. Stretching some 70km east to west it is home to Europe’s most southerly ski resort allowing the unique prospect of skiing in the morning and sunbathing on the beach in the afternoon. But perhaps one of the biggest draws of this adventure playground is the sense of solitude this bio-diverse wilderness offers.

Trailbase Wilderness retreat, Valor

Located 600m above the Alpujarran village of Valor, set in the Sierra Nevada Natural Park at an altitude of 1600m just below the snowline lies our wilderness retreat. It is reached by a good quality jeep track from the centre of Valor which takes about 25mins during which time the switchbacks give way to breathtaking views of the Alpujarran foothills.

Getting there

Almeria Airport – 105km / 1hr 30mins to Valor. Recommended as the quickest and easiest transfer route.

Granada Airport – 132km / 2hrs to Valor. Recommended for a multi centre city break, and a more spectacular scenery on route to Valor.

Due to the remote location a 4x4 hire vehicle is the only real option. Please contact us so as we can advise the best option depending on your needs.

Places of interest

Trevelez, famed for its cured hams, is located 1hr for Valor and is claimed to be the highest village in Spain.

The stunning whitewashed villages of Bubion, Capileira, and Pampineira located 1.5hrs from Valor are all classified as ‘Cultural Assets’ due to the distinctive Moorish architecture. Capileira is also the best place for rapid access to Mulhacen.

The city of Granada located 2hrs from Valor is home to the magnificent Alhambra Palace, the epitome of Moorish architecture and the last stronghold of the Moors in Europe.

Weather

With only 30kms separating the hot costas from the highest peaks of the Sierra a wild array of temperatures can be expected.

In the high peaks (3000m+) the prime mountaineering season is from late March to mid May when the heaviest snowfalls, which occur from October to March, have subsided. The months from May to September are when the most favourable conditions prevail for hiking in the high Sierras, with temperatures ranging from 18-25c, although some care must be taken in August when temperatures can hit 35c. From October to March the high peaks are best only approached by those with winter mountaineering experience and equipment, or with an experienced guide as temperatures can reach –25c.

In the lower or Baja Mountains the extremes of temperature are biased more towards the summer months with year round hiking/biking a possibility, with only July and August being particularly uncomfortable when temperatures can hit 40c. Spring offers settled weather and hills ablaze with blossom while late summer and autumn make a great time to escape the diminishing UK weather when, although more unpredictable, blue sky days and mild temperatures are not uncommon.

It should always be remembered however that this is mountain terrain and with it inevitably comes unpredictable weather for which you should always be prepared.

Location and Area Info