Ascent to San Lorenzo, Cabeza Parda and La Cuña

Description of the ascent to San Lorenzo

In search of the first summit the San Lorenzo 5,2 Km

This route starts at the Valdezcaray car park (0h 00min), just at the end of it begins a partly asphalted road that in winter is used as a track where some skiers descend, so the snow that accumulates is usually well compacted.

Following this track shortly after leaving the car park and in the middle of a curve, we will leave on our left the path that ascends to the second level of the resort and where skiers descend, to follow the track that gradually taking height, and without the conditioned snow.

After leaving behind a children's hostel, the forest through which the path runs is giving way to pastures and bushes allowing us to see, if the snow does not cover it, as the path turns changing the orientation of its ascent to see face the first peak of the day, before reaching this curve we have the possibility of shortening by climbing the steep slope that separates the two heights of the road, in summer is clearly seen the path that saves the first unevenness with the path. Once crossed the chosen option we will arrive where these meet again for right in front of us to see our diversion (0h 45min), the main track continues for the right cutting the skirt of the mountain, gaining softly height until arriving at the parking lot of the hill of the San Lorenzo and for the left, the way by which we will continue, that gains altitude quickly bordering the slope of the Hill Colocobia.

In summer the roads are clearly visible while in winter the area tends to accumulate large amounts of snow, even disappearing all traces of them, except for a couple of signs, a metal one, another of wood and the remains of a wooden barrier that prevented vehicles from passing. The path climbs up the slope of this hill, with snow not having the reference of the track we must be careful and choose our path well, at the end the path leads to a service track of the station that passes between two promontories, following this track to the right we reach the Colocobia lift, starting point of the real ascent.

In the esplanade of the lift next to the chairlift house, just in the corner of the parapet that protects it something of the wind begins, if the snow does not cover it, the path that will lead us to the top, to the few meters of route is forked in two, a turn to the right to undertake directly the long ascent by the skirt of the mountain, while the other continues straight on in the direction of the Hoya Corridor, slowly ascending for now, this beautiful route reaches the base of the right shoulder of the mountain and between impressive views ascends this crest, to join in the first before summit, with the path that ascends directly by the slope.

Climbing this spectacular route as well as in summer is fully recommended not involving difficulty, whether concentration, with situations of rain, ice or snow requires experience to assess the possibility of doing it. The path of ascent by the slope of the mountain, a canchal in summer, habitual ascent and more if there is snow, continues until arriving at the first before summit. When the snow covers all this slope becomes a shovel with a certain inclination that depending on the state of the snow, can come to impress the less accustomed. From this summit we can see the entire northern face of the mountain, its Hoya Corridor and the next summits that await us.

The ascent continues by the comfortable right shoulder, after a first hard steepness the slope is losing step by step inclination to arrive at the top of the San Lorenzo (2h 25min), maximum altitude of the day.

From San Lorenzo to Cabeza Parda 1,6 Km

From here and by the opposite slope to the ascent we begin the rapid descent with enough inclination at the beginning and that in summer is an uncomfortable plasterer, it will take us to pass next to another chairlift and following the straight ski slope to arrive at the hill of Nestaza where the ascent to our following summit begins.

This ascent is more comfortable than the previous one, with less unevenness and something smoother allows us to reach the summit of Cabeza Parda with a certain speed (3h 00min), in winter the snow tends to accumulate on the southern slope, forming a long visor that we must avoid.

The descent can be made by going backwards through the same place of ascent, to go out to the ski slope and continue descending through it until it turns, when we leave the slope to join the second option of descent from the top of the Cabeza Parda, that leaving to our left the San Lorenzo and the way of ascent that we have followed, descends straight by the steep slope of the mountain, this descent is more comfortable when the snow smooths the terrain.

Way of La Cuña

Once at the pass, the route continues in search of the next summit of the day, practically in a straight line, leaving on our left a firebreak, converted into a ski slope, through which we descend, which goes down to the main building of the resort and on our right the beginning of the path that leads to the valley of San Millán.

It is a short but deceptive climb in the form of false summits that takes us to the true summit of La Cuña (3h 30min), the lowest mountain in the route but with a magnificent panoramic view.

From here, if there is no snow, or not enough, it is better to return through our steps to the beginning of the previous firebreak to descend through it, if on the contrary we have the right amount and state of snow we can, half way back, divert the descent to join the firebreak near its half and from there go down to the main building of the resort to after crossing it continue the descent by the ski slope on the right that descends directly to the Valdezcaray Car Park (4h 10min), where the route ends.

Technical data sheet of the route

Distance. 10.6Km

Please note that the starting point from which you start the route will influence the distance of the route.

Time. 4:10h

Total time of the route with hard snow, the times of this route can vary considerably depending on the state of the snow and the speed with which it allows us to advance.

Time of year

In winter the area accumulates a large amount of snow that allows us to enjoy magnificent views while we do the activity. In summer it is an accessible and advisable route to enjoy mountains of more than 2,000 m and with a greater probability of good visibility to entertain us contemplating the wide panoramic that they offer.

Required equipment

Material such as mountain boots, crampons and walking ice axe, depending on the state of the snow the route allows you to do it using snowshoes or mountain skis, at least in part. Technical and warm clothing, backpack, gloves, cap, sunglasses and sunscreen, canes, water and food.

Difficulty. High

Physical

Physically demanding route, both for its distance and the unevenness to overcome, we must not forget that you climb and descend three peaks of more than 2,000 m. In addition, the state of the snow can considerably extend the effort.

Severity of the environment

Without a great technical difficulty for someone accustomed and with the necessary experience in the use of specific material for ice and snow. The ascent by the crest of the right shoulder up to the top of the San Lorenzo with ice or snow is not recommended for its exposure and the snow cornices that are formed. The wide slopes with soft snow hide more than one trap, not being able to see the holes between the bushes or between the rocks, we can put the leg being dangerous, especially in the descents.

Orientation

Without any signposting, in summer the paths and tracks are perfectly defined and with good visibility, in addition we have as reference the top of San Lorenzo and the ski resort. With the snow-covered terrain that reaches, at some points, to fill the gap that the road ate to the mountain, we have to identify the three peaks, clearly visible from the car park, so that next to the ski slopes we serve as reference. Fogs and rapid weather changes are common in the area.

Coordinates UTM Datum WGS84

Profile of the route

Cartography, maps and tracks

This sketch of the route is not made to scale nor does it contain all the information relating to the area, it is merely indicative.

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This schematic with the path is approximate and has been created from the derived cartographic base © Instituto Geográfico Nacional "Cuadrante 240 1:50.000".

Senditur has manipulated the tracks to correct the aberrant points that may exist, caused by problems with the reception of the GPS signal. In any case the tracks are always approximate. SENDITUR encourages you to use the new technologies within your reach, using them as support and consultation in your activity, not basing the realization and orientation of the same only and exclusively on them, since they may see their functioning altered by very diverse causes, not functioning correctly and their indications may not be precise.