Julian Alps, Slovenia

Julian Alps, Slovenia, a set on Flickr.

Some of our photo's from recent trips to Slovenia.

Explorations in the Julian Alps

Mid August saw the intrepid Mountain House team taking off for our second trip to Slovenia. This time we headed north of Triglav, using the stunning Vrata valley as our base. Our evenings were spent gazing at the north wall of Triglav, as the setting sun turned the rock red. We also managed some great and adventurous walking ahead of Jane's IML summer assessment the following week.

Highlights of the trip included; beautiful and varied mountain scenery, exposed, but well protected mountain paths, scrambling behind the pericnik waterfall, too many gentians to really appreciate, being told by the ladies at the Aljazev Dom that we were their best guests, finding the Pension Stare at Bohinj, and of course last but by no means least, Jane passing the IML summer assessment!

Pension Stare, Bohinj

Location:Triglav National Park, Slovenia

Integral de los tres mil

This is a traverse of the main ridge of the Sierra Nevada taking in the 3000m summits.  Mike and Jane from Mountain House hosted a party of 5 from Scotland for their guided version of this trek supported by Rik and Dominic (ML trainees) who carried the tents and stoves.

The group were all keen Munroists, who had decided to turn their hands (or feet!) to the Sierra Nevada's equivalent.  The ridge was gained from Trevelez, near Puerto Trevelez.  Ascents were made of: Cerro Pelado (3182m), Puntal de Juntillas (3143m), Picon de Jerez (3088m), El Contadero (3099m), Puntal de los Cuartos o de la Atalaya (3154m), La Mojanera (3135m), Pico de la Justica O de la Atalya (3141m), Atalaya del Cuervo O Pico Cuervo (3147m), Cerro del Mojon Alto (3117m), Puntal de Vacares (3144m), Alcazaba (3369m), Mulhacen (3479m) the highest mountain in mainland Spain, Pico del Veleta (3396m) and Cerro del Caballo (3011m) Europe’s most westerly 3000m peak.

The trip spent 6 days walking with 3 nights camping and 2 nights in huts.  The nights before and after the trek were spent in a hotel in the Spa Town of Lanjaron.

It should be noted that there are different maps to the area and some mountains are named differently and the heights vary from map to map!

Although “work” for the Mountain House team, this was a most pleasurable week spent with good company.

Alcazaba at last!

The mountain house team finally made it to the summit of Alcazaba, the third highest peak in the Sierra Nevada as part of our reconnaissance for the 'Integral' Trip starting this weekend.

On the way, Rik and Dom enjoyed some high altitude bouldering!

Multi-Adventures in the Sierra Nevada

Mountain House Holidays hosted a group of people with Learning disabilities for a “multi activity” week in Spain’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. Rock climbing, canyoning, abseiling, swimming in rock pools, precarious rope bridges, mountaineering (in the snow)  to 3205m and even a trip to the beach were enjoyed.  Vast amounts of ice cream were consumed and a liking for the local beer was developed by everyone!

An exhausting week where people went home for a rest at the end of the holiday!

Classic Mountain Walking in Spain’s Sierra Nevada

There are places still available on this classic mountain walking week which takes in the best of Spain’s Sierra Nevada mountains. 10^th to 17^th September.

This is a full board fully guided walking week with 6 days of guided walking.  We meet you at Malaga Airport provide the holiday which includes 5 nights in a hotel, 2 nights in a mountain hut and aims to ascend Mulhacen which at 3482m is the highest mountain in mainland Spain. At the end of the holiday we return you to Malaga Airport for your flight home.

Details of this holiday can be found at:

http://mountain-house.co.uk/high-mountain-walking-holiday/

Slovenia 2012

Following our successful visit to Slovenia’s Julian Alps, we will be introducing some holidays there into our programme for 2012.

The spring flowers are at their best in the high alpine pastures at the end of May and beginning of June.  It is a time when the Marmots come out of hibernation and can be seen in family groups with the young ones play fighting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDij7Lb7Rfc&feature=related

As well as Marmots we were amazed to see Golden Eagles soaring above us and dropping into their Eyries.

The classic alpine chalets of the high farms are wonderful and the people so friendly.  We will be based in a traditional high village called Stara Fuzina just a few minutes walk away from Lake Boinj. Some days the walks will start from the hotel, though on a couple we will drive just a few minutes either to gain some height of to get to the other side of the valley.

Keep an eye on our programme and join us for the stunning nature, sceneary and walking