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) My 12 year old son and I (50) did the rock baptism. I have no climbing experience. It was great. Santi very attentive and friendly at all times. It gave us a lot of security. It adapts perfectly to the level of each one and encourages you to improve yourself. Without a doubt, totally recommended! Thank you very much for everything Santa!
(Original) Hicimos el bautizo en roca mi hijo de 12 años y yo (50). Yo sin ninguna experiencia en escalada. Fue genial. Santi muy atento y simpático en todo momento. Nos dio mucha seguridad. Se adapta perfectamente al nivel de cada uno y anima a superarte. Sin duda alguna totalmente recomendable! Muchas gracias por todo Sant!
(Translated by Google) We did the long track course with Santi. The guy is a machine, he explains very well and gives a lot of security. Totally recommended.
(Original) Hicimos el curso de vía larga con Santi. El tio es un máquina, explica muy bien y da mucha seguridad. Totalmente recomendado.
(Translated by Google) An unforgettable day in Gorro Frigi, Montserrat, thanks for everything
(Original) Un día inolvidable en Gorro Frigi, Montserrat, gracias por todo
(Translated by Google) A climbing baptism is one of those moments that are not forgotten. Perfect as a gift for my children. Santi has helped us with a lot of patience and professionalism and we have all learned a little. Challenge completed! Thank you!
(Original) Un bautizo de escalada es de esos momentos que no se olvidan. Perfecto como regalo para mis hijos. Santi nos ha ayudado con mucha paciencia y profesionalidad y todos hemos aprendido un poco. Reto superado! Gracias!
(Translated by Google) It was the first time he had done something similar and it won't be the last. it is an experience to repeat
(Original) era la primera vez que hacía algo parecido y no será la última. es una experiencia para repetir
(Translated by Google) Great experience! A spectacular treatment, they have adapted perfectly to my schedules and needs. It has been two days of the course where I have learned a lot, I have felt safe at all times, they have helped me with the necessary material and most importantly I have had a great time! Thank you Santi for your quick response and organization and special mention to Mariano who is a guide of 10! I will definitely contact them again to do the long track course!
(Original) Experiencia genial! Un trato espectacular, se han adaptado perfectamente a mis horarios y necesidades. Han sido dos dias de curso donde he aprendido muchísimo, me he sentido seguro en todo momento, me han ayudado con el material necesario y lo más importante me lo he pasado genial! Gracias Santi por su rápida respuesta y organización y especial mención a Mariano que es un guía de 10! Sin duda volveré a contactar con ellos para hacer el curso de vía larga!
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) Hilario and I turned to SouthClimb to do a long route in Montserrat. In our case, Santiago made us an excellent guide, we recommend him and above all we will repeat the experience. He makes you feel very safe and comfortable on the wall, he explains all kinds of details, both safety and technical details of the track, he is an expert in it. Days before, he gives you all kinds of details and information, adjusting the time of the activity and the necessary material very well. Just thank him and encourage everyone who wants to discover similar experiences, he is a great person.
(Original) Hilario y yo recurrimos a SouthClimb para hacer una vía larga en Montserrat. En nuestro caso, Santiago nos hizo una guía excelente, la recomendamos y sobre todo repetiremos la experiencia. Te hace sentir muy seguro y cómodo en la pared, te explica todo tipo de detalles, tanto de seguridad, como técnicos propios de la vía, es un experto en ello. Días antes te da todo tipo de detalles e información, ajustando muy bien el tiempo de la actividad y material necesario. Solo darle las gracias y animar a todo aquel que quiera descubrir experiencias similares, es una gran persona.
(Translated by Google) Sport climbing course. Very educational and entertaining. Highly recommended!
(Original) Curso de escalada deportiva. Muy didáctico y entretenido. Muy recomendable!
(Translated by Google) I did a long route with Santi, a real experience. I had a great time, I felt very safe all the time and I would very much like to repeat it one day with better weather and visibility!
(Original) Hize una vía larga con Santi, una verdadera experiencia. Lo pasé súper bien, me sentí muy en seguridad durante todo el tiempo y me gustaría mucho repetirlo un día con mejor tiempo y visibilidad!
