Pico del Veleta and Port d'Envalira

GT Destroyer
GT Destroyer Posts: 1,719
edited December 2013 in Tour & expedition
Ridden the Veleta before, but a long time ago and want to have another go, and on the way do Envalira as well. I can only go before the start of April, ie last 10 days in March, anyone know if they will be ride-able then weather-wise or is that a stupid question
500 Miles in 5 days

Comments

  • hdow
    hdow Posts: 184
    In Granada this week the snow line varies between 1700 & 1900m. Expect much of it to lie & only the roads to be kept clear where there is an economic or social reason. Would expect things to be a little better in late-March though

    HarryD
  • GT Destroyer
    GT Destroyer Posts: 1,719
    thanks harry - Has anyone been in late March before, and where did you find out about the 1700 and 1900m snow line?
    500 Miles in 5 days
  • hdow
    hdow Posts: 184
    The www.aemet.es weather forecast website gives snow lines as part of its weather forecasts for local sites. Many of the other weather forecasters do the same (not noticed it with the Met Office though)
  • VeloPeloton
    VeloPeloton Posts: 72
    Port d'Envalira will not be open by then. I think it would be mid May before it opens.
    Don't bother riding it unless you like traffic. It is a horrible road, best avoided in my view.
    Vélo Peloton Pyrénées Café and Bike Rental
    https://pyreneesrental.bike
    https://velopeloton.com/
  • andrew_s
    andrew_s Posts: 2,511
    The Veleta definitely won't be open to anywhere near the top. It's a ski resort, and I've seen patches of roadside snow lasting into the middle of September. There's a Hostal (Universitario) by the car park at 2300m where the Vuelta stages finish, and there's the astronomical observatory, so the road may be open that far.
    Similarly, the Envalira won't be open to the top. The road is normally kept open all year, but it will be via the tunnel.
  • GT Destroyer
    GT Destroyer Posts: 1,719
    I rode it years back with my Dad in the height of summer, and remember there being snow up at the top - Oh well, will have to be some UK climbs then - Thanks for replies
    500 Miles in 5 days
  • IanSmitton
    IanSmitton Posts: 12
    No chance that Veleta will be open - the paved road up to around 2,600m should be good though - I've done up to there a few times in February / March before.

    If you haven't done before, go via Monachil - the road is much quieter and much nicer scenery, although it is also a bit steeper in places.
  • andrew_s
    andrew_s Posts: 2,511
    The road via Guejar Sierra also avoids the main road http://goo.gl/maps/5NPuk

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