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Approaching Collado de Vacares, with Alcazaba behind (Route 28)

Take a map and compass: standalone GPS devices can be very useful, but don’t rely on a smartphone GPS as battery capability will be limited in very cold temperatures. Always carry a sheet map and compass.

Take crampons and ice axe: if you’re heading above the snow line, crampons and ice axe (and the ability to use them) are essential. There are plenty of basic winter skills courses in the Sierra Nevada and the UK that will give you sufficient training and confidence to take modest steps into the mountains during winter. See www.spanishhighs.co.uk for details.

Inform people of your route: make sure you tell somebody your intended route and what time you intend to be back.

Assess the risk of avalanche: check with the Sierra Nevada ski area (www.sierranevada.es/en/) and/or Refugio Poqueira (www.refugiopoqueira.com). See also ‘Winter hazards’, below.

‘The mountains will always be there, the trick is to make sure you are too.’

Hervey Voge