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.
Route "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 MOREWhat 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 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) I did an initiation course in climbing and it has helped me to start with safety and knowledge. I highly recommend him and Santi is an excellent trainer.
(Original) Hice un curso de iniciación a la escalada y me ha servido para poder iniciarme con seguridad y conocimientos. Lo recomiendo mucho y Santi es un formador excelente.
(Translated by Google) Perfect to enjoy our favorite sport wherever! professional and attentive
(Original) Perfecto para disfrutar donde sea de nuestro deporte preferido! Profesional y atento
(Translated by Google) A great moment. Santi is always attentive, but with that relaxed energy... the day flows, you learn, the dynamics do not decline and you become happy. What else?
(Original) Un momento buenisimo. Santi siempre atento,pero con esa energia tan relajada...fluye el dia,se aprende,la dinamica no decae y te vuelves contento. Que mas?
(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) 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.
I organised a 4hr climbing session in Siurana for 10 children (mostly aged 8-9) and Santi was super easy to communicate with and organise everything remotely. He arranged 2 guides, all the equipment, safe briefing and everything you would need for a half day of fun climbing. The kids really enjoyed themselves and learnt so much along the way. Some were beginners, others had climbed before and the guides were very helpful and supportive. I highly recommend Southclimb and we can’t wait to go climbing with them again.
(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) Highly recommended, they took us in a perfect environment for climbing, with other options in case it was very crowded, they taught us everything we needed to be able to be autonomous in terms of the most appropriate security techniques, practicing everything from there. first moment: go first, place the tapes well and plate, use the grigri in the safest way, make a meeting also in the safest way, and even fall and dynamization techniques. I am very grateful because they solved all my doubts and even helped me choose material!! Nice day of climbing, good people and a lot of learning! A hug to Santi and Yoel
(Original) Muy recomendable, nos llevaron en un entorno perfecto para escalar, con otras opciones por si estaba muy lleno de gente, nos enseñaron todo lo necesario para poder ser autónomo en lo que se refiere a las técnicas más adecuadas de seguridad, practicándolo todo des de el primer momento: ir de primero, colocar bien las cintaa y chapar, usar el grigri de la forma más segura, hacer una reunión también de la forma más segura, e incluso técnicas de caída y dinamización. Estoy muy agradecida porque resolvieron todas mis dudas e incluso me ayudaron a elegir material!! Día agradable de escalada, buena gente y mucho aprendizaje!! Un abrazo a Santi y Yoel
(Translated by Google) Very professional. In a baptism you already climb quite high walls. highly recommended
(Original) Muy profesionales. En un bautizo ya subes paredes bastante altas. Muy recomendable
(Translated by Google) We have really enjoyed the experience and we have finished with the basic notions well learned. Santi is a good professional, he teaches very well and has been very kind at all times. We will be back!
(Original) Hemos disfrutado mucho de la experiencia y hemos acabado con las nociones básicas bien aprendidas. Santi es un buen profesional, enseña muy bien y ha sido muy amable en todo momento. Volveremos!
