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.
Discover 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 MORERoute "Delenda Carthago," 180 meters, 6b. It's a modern-style route, generously bolted, and perfect for climbing on a cool autumn morning due to its south-facing orientation.
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.
(Translated by Google) Thanks to santi for the formation of the long way course. Very complete, practical and satisfactory, I put a 10 !!
(Original) Gracias a santi por la formación de curso de via larga. Muy completo, practico y satisfactorio, pongo un 10 !!
(Translated by Google) Introductory ladder course highly recommended and great! Our guide Sara is a crack and very professional! A very pleasant atmosphere and environment! To repeat this or other courses!! Thanks team!!
(Original) Curs d'inici d'escala més que recomanable i genial! La nostra guia Sara una crack i molt professional! Un ambient i entorn molt agradable! Per repetir aquest o altres cursos!! Gràcies equip!!
(Translated by Google) I did the Initiation Course with Santiago, and it was an unforgettable experience! Dynamic, with a lot of practice. The difficult makes it easy! Then, the Tutored Rock Climbs have been really useful, full of emotion, SAFETY (one of the most emphasized topics). SOUTHCLIMB's work IS excellent, you feel personalized, you have fun while you learn, you get answers to doubts and/or questions very quickly. The routes where you will go climbing have wonderful landscapes !! Full of charm! I super-recommend it!!!
(Original) Hice el Curso de Iniciación con Santiago, y fué una experiencia inolvidable!, dinámico, con mucha práctica . Lo difícil lo hace fácil! Luego, las Escaladas Tuteladas en Roca han sido realmente útiles, llenas de emoción, de SEGURIDAD ( una de los tema que más recalca). El trabajo de SOUTHCLIMB ES excelente , lo sientes personalizado, te diviertes al mismo tiempo que aprendes, las respuestas a las dudas y/o preguntas las obtienes muy rápido. Las vías donde irás a escalar tienen paisajes maravillosos !! Llenos de encanto! Lo súper-recomiendo!!!
(Translated by Google) There is no detail or negative adjective to describe them. Despite the respect that must be shown to the activities they carry out, you always enjoy peace of mind and extreme security, because everything is controlled and insured. Fun is assured. Looking forward to repeat soon.
(Original) No existe detalle o adjetivo negativo para describirlos. A pesar del respeto que se le debe mostrar a las actividades que realizan, siempre gozas de una tranquilidad y seguridad extrema, porque todo está controlado y asegurado. La diversión está asegurada. Con ganas de repetir pronto.
(Translated by Google) I decided to give my 8 and 10 year old children a climbing baptism for the whole family and it has been a brutal experience!! We got to know Arbolí, one of the most important climbing areas in the Serra de Prades where we enjoyed nature and adrenaline in equal parts. The monitor Sara de 10, a great professional who made us feel safe at all times. 100% recommendable!!!
(Original) Decidí regalarle a mis hijos de 8 y 10 años un bautismo de escalada para toda la familia y ha sido una experiencia brutal!! Conocimos Arbolí, una de las zonas más importantes de escalada de la Serra de Prades donde disfrutamos de la naturaleza y de la adrenalina por partes iguales. La monitora Sara de 10, una gran profesional que nos hizo sentir seguros en todo momento. 100% recomendable!!!
(Translated by Google) Very good experience. Very clear in the explanations and seriousness in the security issue. All the content was addressed to be able to scale with autonomy
(Original) Muy buena experiencia. Mucha claridad en las explicaciones y seriedad en el tema de seguridad. Todo el contenido quedó abordado para poder escalar con autonomía
(Translated by Google) Nice and very attentive
(Original)Agradables y muy atentos
(Translated by Google) Climbing course adapted to everyone's level. Intensive learning with a guide, Sara, who has been helping us all the time and setting us challenges. It has been 6 hours but it has flown by. We will repeat for sure!
(Original) Curs d'escalada adaptat al nivell de cadascú. Intensiu d'aprenentatges amb una guia, la Sara, que ha estat tota l'estona ajudant-nos i plantejant-nos reptes. Han estat 6 hores però ha passat volant. Repetirem segur!
(Translated by Google) Cool!!! We will repeat for sure!!!
(Original)Genial!!! Repetiremos fijo!!!
(Translated by Google) Fantastic!
(Original)Fantàstic!
