August 23, 2023 | CLIMBING
PEDRAFORCA. CLIMBING IN THE ENCHANTED MOUNTAIN
Pedraforca is one of the mountains with the most myths and legends in existence.
Pedraforca is one of the mountains with the most myths and legends in existence.
The Pollegó Superior (2,506 meters) is the highest peak of the Pedraforca massif, located in the Berguedà region, between the villages of Gósol and Saldes. Over the years, Pedraforca has been the scene of legendary climbs, both on rock and ice, although you can also reach the summit by walking. On foot, there are two classic paths: one climbs a long, vertical, and challenging scree slope, which is accessed a few kilometers after leaving the Lluís Estasen Refuge, located in a beautiful meadow at 1,675 meters above sea level. The other path goes up the Canal del Verdet, a vertical and demanding route, where you even have to use your hands to progress at times.
If you have climbing knowledge and want to enjoy a high-mountain atmosphere in every sense, the most elegant way to reach some of the highest points of Pedraforca is by climbing.
The history of climbing on the Pedraforca massif began with Lluís Estasen, Josep Puntas, Jofre Vila, and Josep Rovira, who, after several attempts on June 30, 1928, managed to establish an intelligent route along the north face of the mountain, eventually reaching the Calderer summit.
The "Vía Estasen", the name of the route, is an itinerary of about 600 meters, with difficulties of up to IV+. The route is sparsely equipped, and despite what the guide may suggest, you need to know how to navigate the wall to always follow the most logical path. The atmosphere is wild and alpine, making the activity a day of classic climbing in capital letters.
If you want to know more about the history of the first ascent of the north face of Pedraforca, you can watch the documentary "L’altra cara de la forca" (2008), a historical reenactment of the climb by Estasen, Vila, and Rovira. Here's the link for the documentary.
Although without a doubt the "Vía Estasen" is the best-known climbing route on Pedraforca, there are many other options on the massif to enjoy some of the best limestone rock in the entire Iberian Peninsula.
Also on the north face, one alternative to the "Vía Estasen" during the warmer months is "Homedes" (430m V+/AO). This route leads to the summit of Gat, a characteristic peak known by that name because it resembles a cat.
The first ascent of "Homedes" dates back to the year when Francesc Homedes, Bernard Boixeda, and Ramon Albareda achieved it on September 8. The route is semi-equipped, and in addition to several quickdraws, a full set of aliens, friends up to #3, and some nuts are needed. The difficulty is consistently around IV+, with occasional passages of V/V+.
To descend from the Gat summit, we'll first do a rappel, which will leave us on the ever-present scree slope, the same way down if we climbed the "Vía Estasen".
Often, we think that to enjoy the high mountains, we must travel to the Pyrenees, Alps, or Dolomites, but we forget about other must-visit places. The Pedraforca massif is one of them. A mountain with a summit at 2,506 meters above sea level, breathtaking views, and an exceptional alpine atmosphere. Everyone should climb Pedraforca at least once in their life.
What are the names of the best climbers in the world? Alex Lowe, considered one of the greatest mountaineers in history, who tragically died in September 1999 due to an avalanche on Shisha Pangma (8,027 meters), said: "The best climber in the world is the one who has the most fun."
LEARN MOREDiscover the Sol Solet Climbing Route in Can Jorba, MontserratMontserrat, with its unique rock formations and spectacular landscapes, is an iconic climbing destination in Catalonia. Within this rock paradise, the Sol Solet route in Can Jorba stands out as one of the most accessible and enjoyable climbs for those seeking a combination of adventure and natural beauty
LEARN MOREYou can contact us via email at [email protected] or by phone to (+34) 645 432 307, or by filling up the contact form in the following link.
I had a great experience today climbing with Giordano in Garraf! Just driving to the location was beautiful and the views once you reached the top were spectacular! I felt very safe with my instructor and he balanced making sure I had fun with safety, which you could tell was his priority. He was so encouraging throughout my climbs and made me feel good about what capabilities I had. I will be looking into taking a course with southclimb now and would recommend them to others. Santi was exceptional with communication on WhatsApp and made the entire process very smooth and simple. Thank you!
(Translated by Google) We made a climbing baptism. We had a great time. Santi is super professional. An entertaining day suitable for all ages. It does not require prior knowledge of climbing.
(Original) Realizamos un bautizo de escalada. Lo pasamos genial. Santi es super profesional. Un dia entretenido apto para todas las edades. No requiere conocimiento previo sobre escalada.
(Translated by Google) Very nice. Punctual and also aware of you at all times. I will repeat
(Original) Muy agradables. Puntuales y además pendientes de ti en todo momento. Repetiré
(Translated by Google) Super experience! We have spent a fantastic morning and very comfortable with Santi. Without having any experience it has been very profitable and fun, we have loved it. Great Santi, thank you very much!! A pleasure to have shared this moment with you! Just great!! Highly recommended!!
(Original) Súper experiencia! Hemos pasado una mañana fantástica y muy a gusto con Santi. Sin tener nada de experiencia ha sido muy provechoso y divertido, nos ha encantado. Gran Santi, muchas gracias!! Un placer haber compartido este momento contigo! Simplemente Genial!! Muy recomendable!!
(Translated by Google) I love Santi, he knows what he teaches. He dominates the subject, he pressures you to understand it and, above all, he is aware of all the details. He is there at all times, I don't know how he does it. If you really want to learn this is your Guide... I recommend it a thousand and especially if you have some internal fears to solve. You will never feel unprotected. Always with care and love. Safe laughs. A thousand recommended if you don't believe me go to any course you want with him and you'll want to continue learning your test and you won't be wrong. For my top!!!!
(Original) Me encanta Santi, Sabe lo que ensena. Domina el tema, te presiona para que lo captes y sobre todo esta pendiente de todos los detalles. El esta en todos los momentos no se como lo hace. Si quieres aprender de verdad este es tu Guia.... Lo recomiendo mil y sobre todo si tienes algunos miedos internos que resolver. Nunca te sentiras desprotegido. Siempre con mimo y amor. Risas seguras. Mil recomendado si no me crees ve con el a algun curso el que quieras y querras seguir aprendiendo tu prueba y no te equivocaras. Para mi top!!!!
(Translated by Google) Great training weekend! So much for what was learned, the dedication and the environment. You have taught us with enthusiasm, with passion and with love! And yes, you have planted a seed!! Thank you very much for your work
(Original) Gran fin de semana de formación!tanto por lo aprendido, la dedicación i el ambiente. Nos habéis enseñado con ilusión, con pasión y con cariño! Y si, habéis plantado una semillita!! Mil gracias por vuestro trabajo😃
(Translated by Google) Fantastic course on fear management in climbing. Magnificent professionals have offered us a very useful and unforgettable experience.
(Original) Fantástico curso de gestión del miedo en la escalada. Los profesionales magníficos, nos han ofrecido una experiencia muy útil e inolvidable.
(Translated by Google) We are a family with two young children and we stayed with Southclimb for a day of sport climbing. We felt safe at all times, and we were struck by the great professionalism and very friendly treatment. We spent an unforgettable day!
(Original) Somos una familia con dos niños pequeños y estuvimos con Southclimb para disfrutar de un día de escalada deportiva. Nos sentimos seguros en todo momento, y nos llamó la atención la gran profesionalidad y el trato muy amable. Pasamos un día inolvidable!
The Via Ferrata was amazing.
* Personal guidance
* High quality pictures
* Very good price
* Guide is good company
* Route has beautiful scenery, very exciting and Santi knows it completely
You do need to bring your own shoes, which may be expected but wasn't mentioned on the website.
(Translated by Google) I've started climbing through @southclimb and it's been a wonderful journey. Thank you Santi for everything you have learned, for motivating us to continue growing, for transmitting values to us, for highlighting our small achievements and for the laughter, which is also important. Apart from being a great professional, a great person.
(Original) Me he iniciado en la escalada a través de @southclimb y está siendo un viaje maravilloso. Gracias Santi por todo lo aprendido, por motivarnos a seguir creciendo, a transmitirnos valores, por realzar nuestros pequeños logros y por las risas, que también son importantes. A parte de gran profesional, una gran persona.
