3. VELETA (3,428m) N AND NE FACE (Via Olmedo-Carlos)
Rock Climb - AD (III and one of IV)
1st Ascent - 20th Sept 1959 Francisco Olmedo Roelas/Carlos Vazquez Canas

Approach - Either (a) start from the Albergues at Hoya del Moro (2,500m). Climb steadily north past the statue to the Virgen de las Nieves to the Balcon del Veleta (1½hrs) or (b) pay for a lift pass and take the Gondola and chair to below the Balcon del Veleta and walk from there (½hr). From here make short descent onto a traversing path (Veredon Superior) that descends into the Corral de Veleta.

Climb - There is often a rimaye formed under the Corredor del Salon between the rock walls of Veleta and the ice of the Corredor. It is best to do this climb at the end of summer when all ice is gone. The rock climb begins at the base of the NE wall of Veleta. The first pitch is IV, then III and continues with a small chimney and two cracks III of some 30 metres. Finally you reach a small platform where it is only a short step to the top.