October 11, 2019 | TRIPS
VERDON GORGE CLIMBING TRIP
A short tale about a climbing trip to the iconic Verdon Gorge.
A short tale about a climbing trip to the iconic Verdon Gorge.
It was my second time visiting this little paradise in the south of France, and still it felt a bit intimidating and exposed. There is nothing easy about the Verdon Gorge. It was hard to get lodging at a decent prize in town, so we ended up booking a mobile home in Castellane, about 25/30 min drive to the Parking of La Carelle. And we made it. We only had three climbing days ahead of us, so we had to use them wisely.
For th first day we decided it was best to choose some ¨easy¨, routes. The guys I am travelling with have little experience on multipitch route, and let alone handling all the exposure at Verdon. So We went for some routes at the Belvedere de la Carelle. We splitted in two teams and got ready to rap down.
Climbing in Verdon implies full commitment. You choose a route, you rap down and pull the rope, and then you have ti be able to climb up. If you do your homework, you have look around for alternative exits. and also have the topos for an easier route, in cas you can´t make it up the route you have choosen.
First day went down and it was great. We climbed fun routes and enjoyed a nice day in the sun.
Next day we went for a slighty harder route. Hellfest, 7a, 260mts. It was a blast. ONe of the better routes i´ve climbed here so far. Sustained climbing on amazing rock and very well protected. It was much fun.
Third day we went for a route i´ve been wanting to climb for some time. L´Encastete. 7a+, 280mts. we climbed the first two pitches and got shut down by some rain. So we ended up bailing. The first two where something amazing. I will come back to climb this route to the top.
Discover climbing in Montserrat near Barcelona. Multi-pitch routes, unique rock formations and guided climbing courses with SouthClimb.
LEARN MOREWadi Rum is undoubtedly a place we will return to. It has captivated us. Adventure climbing on good rock with extraordinary cracks.
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Santi is the best climbing guide you can imagine. As a reference, we two are 6a-7a climbers, but we wanted a local guide to help maximize efficiency in a foreign area. He was highly recommended to us by a friend who Santi guided a few months back, and he was as wonderful as described. He takes his role as Guide seriously and comprehensively, from helping you plan ideas for areas to concentrate on, considerations of weather and season, logistics for where to stay and how to get there (he picked us up one day, and we met him in our car another), as well as making himself available to help with any other questions or needs for the trip as a whole (not just the climbing part). Our long chain of detailed texts show how dedicated and sincere he is in wanting to help plan the best trip possible for you. This was highly unique, unexpected, above and beyond, and much appreciated. Before you've even met, he treats you more like a friend coming to visit Spain than a client that he is just doing business with, and that warmth goes a long way and sets him apart from most any other guide I've experienced (i've had great guides in my life, so this just reinforces Santi's particularly special character). Like I really felt like we were friends, and still feel like we are, as he reaches out and keeps in touch still and I really appreciate that relationship. Humanity, sincerity, and kindness in business--what a crazy (wonderful) concept! As a climbing guide specifically: he is consummately professional, impressively knowledgable and safe, as well as comfortingly sensitive to your climbing abilities and needs, and tailors each day with climbs that are perfect for you--if you want to be comfortable or if you want a little/big challenge, if you want to experience highlights of an area by switching up crags in the same day. He knows the areas so well and of course knows how to choose the walls that are in the shade or in the sun for whatever time of day or season you are climbing. There is so much variety and fun for either multi or single pitch too. In addition, when we were all climbed out for the day, he took the opportunity to show us the beauty of the local areas, playing also a photographer and travel guide. He also went home to let us borrow his guide book to other areas that we were headed to later, and kept in touch to make sure the rest of our trip went smoothly. So nice! Here is a person who treats his job as a climbing guide and ambassador for the area with such deep consideration and earnestness, and who treats his role as a human being with exceptional kindness and faith. We are so grateful that he came into our lives as a climbing guide and as a friend. Thank you Santi for being you, and please everyone call him now for any guiding adventures (he travels to guide too!) Also, his rates are so fair and reasonable. And you will be so happy if he is available to take you on an adventure with him! Cheers!
(Translated by Google) I have done the course to learn to climb first and I have loved it. I have acquired a lot of autonomy thanks to Santi, who is very nice and you can tell he knows a lot. He is very professional and gives a lot of security. Thank you very much!!!
(Original) He hecho el curso para aprender a escalar de primera y me ha encantado. He adquirido muchísima autonomia gracias a Santi, que es muy majo y se le nota que sabe muchísimo. Es muy profesional y da mucha seguridad. Muchas gracias!!!
Beginner’s course in rope climbing with Sol was the best! Sol is super professional and patient and everything is done in humor and good atmosphere. We feel ready to go out and climb! Santi helped us with all the logistics and made it really easy and comfortable to get started. 10/10 experience we will definitely come back for more of Southclimb.
(Translated by Google) cool experience
(Original)Experiencia genial
(Translated by Google) We spent a great day learning to climb in very good company and in spectacular surroundings. Santi is a magnificent professional and knows how to convey the beauty of this sport to you. Looking forward to repeat!
(Original) Pasamos un gran día aprendiendo a escalar en muy buena compañia y en un entorno espectacular. Santi es un magnífico profesional y sabe transmitirte la belleza de este deporte. Con muchas ganas de repetir!
(Translated by Google) I highly recommend all the courses offered by Southclimb. Santiago is an extremely competent, professional, and fun instructor. The long distance course is an essential course for those who want to evolve in the world of climbing and Southclimb has provided me with this knowledge in a clear, objective and experience-based way. I will certainly take more courses! Thank you Santiago.
(Original) Recomiendo muchísimo todos los cursos ofrecidos por Southclimb. Santiago es un instructor extremadamente competente, profesional y divertido. El curso de larga distancia es un curso esencial para aquellos que desean evolucionar en el mundo de la escalada y Southclimb me ha proporcionado este conocimiento de una manera clara, objetiva y basada en la experiencia. Ciertamente tomaré más cursos! Gracias, Santiago.
(Translated by Google) Rappelling course in the Mussara, excellent monitor, explanations of 10 and fantastic practices. I recommend 100%
(Original) Curso de rapel en la Mussara, monitor excelente, explicaciones de 10 y prácticas fantásticas. Recomiendo 100%
Climbing with Santi/Southclimb is a stellar experience with a consummate coach. He’s extremely knowledge, supportive, and able to tailor experiences to your needs. He gets the best climbs and climber out of you. I’ve climbed with him on one-day and weeklong trips. For the longer one, he also puts much care into the full experience - lodging, dining and downtime - all good quality and well orchestrated.
(Translated by Google) The Southclimb climbing course taught by Santi has been very motivating, helping me to become aware of the dangers and how to take safety measures to be able to enjoy this sport to the fullest, 👍
(Original) El curso de escalada de Southclimb impartido por Santi ha sido muy motivador, me a ayudando a concienciarme sobre los peligros y como tomar medidas de seguridad para poder disfrutar al máximo de este deporte, 👍
(Translated by Google) An unforgettable day in Gorro Frigi, Montserrat, thanks for everything
(Original) Un día inolvidable en Gorro Frigi, Montserrat, gracias por todo
