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The first major snowfalls can arrive between the end of October and the end of November, and further falls in December will generally consolidate the snow pack for the remainder of the winter. In lean years it will be January before this consolidation process has occurred. This period provides very changeable weather and ground conditions: winter one day, spring the next, and back to autumn on day three.

Winter influences

The northern and eastern aspect of the Cerro del Caballo, seen from the east (Route 12)

From the west – fronts come in bringing wet weather, falling as snow on high ground above 2000m. This can bring heavy early-season powder, which usually means great news for the skiers but is not so good for road access into the mountains – nor for winter hillwalking, as it may necessitate the use of snowshoes and make things very arduous.

From the north, north east or north west – when these fronts arrive it will be very cold with overnight temperatures between -10ºC and -20ºC at 3000m. Needless to say the wind chill at these times can be arctic. Snow may fall down to 1000m and very occasionally below this.