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.
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(Translated by Google) A unique experience. I loved. I highly recommend it. Santi is a very professional. To repeat!!!
(Original) Una experiencia única. Me encantó. Lo recomiendo mucho. Santi es un muy profesional. Para repetir!!!
(Translated by Google) Santi and the entire team of professionals who work with him are incredible... if I had to choose one word it would be EXCELLENCE. transmits so much security, that you only receive fun and learning. He is warm, human, ready to solve any unforeseen event. Start the day with a guide and end with a friend. He also advises you before the activity, and also after... You can write to him a month later and he will help you buy a harness, or he will give you a discount on climbing shoes. Is incredible. He is very passionate, you can see that despite the 25 years he has been dedicating himself to this, he still has that spark, that enthusiasm, and he transmits it. I honestly recommend it.
(Original) Santi y todo el equipo de profesionales que trabajan con él son increíbles... si tuviera que elegir una palabra sería EXCELENCIA. transmite tanta seguridad, que tu solo recibes diversión y aprendizaje. Es cálido, humano, listo para solucionar cualquier imprevisto. Empieza el día teniendo un guía y terminas teniendo un amigo. Además te asesora antes de la actividad, y también después... Puedes escribirle un mes mas tarde y te ayudará a comprar un arnés, o te dará un descuento en pies de gatos. Es increíble. Es muy apasionado, se ve que a pesar de los 25 años que lleva dedicándose a esto, sigue teniendo esa chispa, ese entusiasmo, y lo transmite. Sinceramente, lo recomiendo.
(Translated by Google) We did an initiation course in mountaineering where we learned many things, from the use of the ARVA, walking with snowshoes, the use of crampons and setting up meetings. We had a great time and Santi is an excellent teacher. Completely recommended to take courses with Southclimb
(Original) Hicimos un curso de iniciación en alpinismo donde aprendimos muchas cosas, desde la utilización del ARVA, caminar con raquetas, uso de crampones y montar reuniones. La pasamos muy bien y Santi es un excelente profe. Completamente recomendable hacer cursos con Southclimb
(Translated by Google) Santi is a great professional and passionate about climbing. I took the rock climbing course as a beginner and at all times I felt safe. It was a very funny experience. I have been left wanting more, so I will repeat again with them!
(Original) Santi es un gran profesional y apasionado a la escalada. Realicé el curso de escalada en roca siendo principiante y en todo momento me sentí segura. Fue una experiencia muy divertida. Me he quedado con muchas ganas de más, así que repetiré de nuevo con ellos!
(Translated by Google) Incredible climbing baptism!! It has been a great experience from start to finish. We have enjoyed, laughed and, above all, learned a lot! Thank you Santi for this great morning and for the confidence and security you give!!! We will repeat without a doubt ☺️
(Original) Bautizo de escalada increíble!! Ha sido una grandísima experiencia de principio a fin. Hemos disfrutado, reído y, sobretodo, aprendido muchísimo!! Gracias Santi por esta estupenda mañana y por la confianza y seguridad que das!!! Repetiremos sin duda ☺️
(Translated by Google) It was a perfect day! The activity was very well organized and the experience was positive! Now I look forward to the next appointment, raising the level and learning more!
(Original) Fue un dia perfecto! La actividad muy bien organitzada y la experiència positiva! Ahora ya espero para la siguientre cita, subiendo el nivel y aprendiendo mas!
(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!
(Translated by Google) Great 10/10
(Original)Genial 10/10
Best Guide Ever! Seriously- we had such a fun day with Santi in Montserrat. My 3 friends from Switzerland were visiting and we all had such blast! I can truly recommend to book a tour with South Climb. Professional, fun and tons of positive energy 🙏 Thank you for everything.
(Translated by Google) Very professional, we had a great day thanks to southclimb with the climbing baptism course, we will surely do the advanced course! This sport is the cane and on top of that it allows you to travel to meet new places and new people! 200% recommended 🙏 Thank you Santi and Sara! 🤘⚡
(Original) Muy profesionals, pasamos un dia genial gracias a southclimb con el curso de bautizo en escalada seguro vamos a hacer el curso avanzado! Este deporte es la caña y encima te permite viajar para conocer nuevos sitios I nueva gente! 200% recomendable 🙏 Gracias Santi y Sara! 🤘⚡
