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.
A selection of the best spots to climb during winter in Siurana.
LEARN MORETonsai Bay, in Krabi, is one of the most iconic climbing destinations in Southeast Asia: tropical limestone walls, hundreds of routes for every level, and a close-knit international climbing community. In this guide we cover how to get there, when to go, and which sectors you shouldn't miss.
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(Translated by Google) Take the long route course: two days, the first one took us to combat Montserrat, where we went from a theoretical explanation with exercises in the place to climbing and practicing what we saw. At all times checking and explaining why we do what we do at each stage. Day two: straight to one of the caps, where we immediately began to climb applying what we had learned with a long route of multiple meetings. You finish the course with not only tools to be able to do it alone, but with a way of thinking when it comes to Set up your rappelling or your meetings to be able to adapt to any situation! Super recommended and the best predisposition of Santi!! Super serious, and always very clear with each step we took.
(Original) Tome el curso de vía larga: dos dias, el primero nos llevó a combato Montserrat, donde pasamos de un explicación teórica con ejercicios en el lugar a escalar y practicar lo visto. En todo momento chequeando y explicando el porqué hacemos lo que hacemos en cada etapa. Día dos: directo a uno de los gorros, donde inmediatamente empezamos a subir aplicando lo aprendido con una vía larga de múltiples reuniones. Terminas el curso con no solo herramientas para poder hacerlo solo, sino con una forma de pensar a la hora de Montar tu rapel o tus reuniones para poder adaptarte a cualquier situacion! Súper recomendable y la mejor predisposición de Santi!! Súper serio, y siempre muy claro con cada paso que dimos.
(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) Very good experience with Southclimb. I will repeat!
(Original) Muy buena experiencia con Southclimb. Repetiré!
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!
Did one week course with Santi, in a group of 4. We went to different sites every single day (Siurana, Margalef, Arboli and Montserrat) which gave me a very good overview of some of the best sites in the Tarragona area. Teaching of Santi is of top quality, with the right level of technical and mental aspects and most importantly his passion to share is amazing. Always felt encouraged and motivated. Highly recommend Southclimb!
(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) 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) We have spent an incredible weekend. Santi is very attentive, super good vibes and makes you feel safe at all times. It also gives enough freedom so that you have the confidence in yourself to move forward. He is very fond of him, you can tell he enjoys his work :) We have been wanting more!
(Original) Hemos pasado un fin de semana increíble. Santi es muy atento, super buen rollo y te hace sentir seguro en todo momento. También da la libertad suficiente para que tengas confianza en ti mismo para avanzar. Le pone mucho cariño, se nota que disfruta con su trabajo :) Nos hemos quedado con ganas de más!
(Translated by Google) An incredible experience. I hope to return on the rock very soon
(Original) Una experiencia increible. Espero volver en la roca muy pronto
(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!!!
