Pico de las Nieves facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pico de las Nieves |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,949 m (6,394 ft) |
| Prominence | 1,949 m (6,394 ft) |
| Listing | Ultra |
| Geography | |
 Pico de las Nieves
Location in Canary Islands
|
|
| Location | Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain |
| Geology | |
| Mountain type | Stratovolcano |
Pico de las Nieves is a famous mountain on the island of Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands, Spain. It is a type of volcano called a stratovolcano. This mountain stands 1,949 meters (6,394 feet) above sea level.
For a long time, people thought Pico de las Nieves was the highest point on Gran Canaria. However, there's another mountain nearby, Morro de la Agujereada, which is 1,956 meters tall. This makes Morro de la Agujereada slightly taller.
Gran Canaria has the highest peak in the province of Las Palmas. It also has the third highest peak in all the Canary Islands. Only the islands of Tenerife and La Palma have taller mountains. In the 1950s, Canary Islands Pine trees were planted again on the slopes of Pico de las Nieves.
What's in a Name?
The name "Pico de las Nieves" means 'peak of the snows' in Spanish. This name comes from a cool fact about the mountain. Long ago, people built special pits right into the mountainsides. These pits were called "neveras," and they were used to store snow.
The first of these snow pits was built in 1694. Workers used wooden shovels and baskets to collect the snow. They would pile it up, making big "mountains" of snow. Then, they carefully placed the snow into the pits. They packed it in rows, using wood or cork to separate layers of straw.
These large blocks of ice were called "sabanada." In June, they would be carried down the mountain. People used straw baskets covered with blankets to keep the ice cold. Horses would carry the ice to an ice cream shop in the Cathedral of Las Palmas. This journey took about five or six hours.
The snow and ice had many uses. It helped sick people by lowering their body temperature during fevers. It was also used to cool drinks for important people. Water from the melted snow pools was even used to water crops.
Amazing Views
Most of the very top of Pico de las Nieves is a military base. It has a large, round radar that looks like a giant ball. But don't worry, visitors can still go to a platform just below the base.
From this platform, you can see amazing sights! On a clear day, you can see half of Gran Canaria island. You might even see Pico del Teide, a huge mountain on the island of Tenerife. A very famous landmark you can see is the Roque Nublo. This is a giant rock that stands tall, and it's the second highest peak on Gran Canaria.
You can easily reach the peak by car. There's a road that the army uses, which is also open to visitors. The peak is located where three towns meet: Tejeda, Vega de San Mateo, and San Bartolome de Tirajana.
Images for kids
-
A view of Pico de las Nieves.
See also
In Spanish: Pico de las Nieves para niños
