October 11, 2019 | TRIPS
VERDON GORGE CLIMBING TRIP
A short tale about a climbing trip to the iconic Verdon Gorge.
A short tale about a climbing trip to the iconic Verdon Gorge.
It was my second time visiting this little paradise in the south of France, and still it felt a bit intimidating and exposed. There is nothing easy about the Verdon Gorge. It was hard to get lodging at a decent prize in town, so we ended up booking a mobile home in Castellane, about 25/30 min drive to the Parking of La Carelle. And we made it. We only had three climbing days ahead of us, so we had to use them wisely.
For th first day we decided it was best to choose some ¨easy¨, routes. The guys I am travelling with have little experience on multipitch route, and let alone handling all the exposure at Verdon. So We went for some routes at the Belvedere de la Carelle. We splitted in two teams and got ready to rap down.
Climbing in Verdon implies full commitment. You choose a route, you rap down and pull the rope, and then you have ti be able to climb up. If you do your homework, you have look around for alternative exits. and also have the topos for an easier route, in cas you can´t make it up the route you have choosen.
First day went down and it was great. We climbed fun routes and enjoyed a nice day in the sun.
Next day we went for a slighty harder route. Hellfest, 7a, 260mts. It was a blast. ONe of the better routes i´ve climbed here so far. Sustained climbing on amazing rock and very well protected. It was much fun.
Third day we went for a route i´ve been wanting to climb for some time. L´Encastete. 7a+, 280mts. we climbed the first two pitches and got shut down by some rain. So we ended up bailing. The first two where something amazing. I will come back to climb this route to the top.
We spent 4 days climbing with this two crazy California guys in some of the world best crags. It was a blast.
LEARN MOREDiscover climbing in Montserrat near Barcelona. Multi-pitch routes, unique rock formations and guided climbing courses with SouthClimb.
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 the fear management course and we had a great time while learning a lot. 100% recommendable!
(Original) Hice el curso de gestión del miedo y lo pasamos en grande a la vez que aprendiendo muchísimo. 100% recomendable!
(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!!!
(Translated by Google) An unforgettable experience. Santi is unique when it comes to sharing his GREAT knowledge in the world of climbing. In addition, he fully adjusted the session to suit our needs, knowing at every moment when we could give a little more of ourselves. Thank you so much for a great day!
(Original) Una experiencia inolvidable. Santi es único a la hora de compartir su GRAN conocimiento en el mundo de la escalada. Además ajustó la sesión totalmente a la medida de nuestras necesidades, sabiendo a cada momento cuando podíamos dar un poco más de nosotros. Mil gracias por un día genial!
(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) I have done the initiation course and I liked it a lot, because of the content, relaxed atmosphere and at the same time serious in relation to safety. I will surely sign up for more activities!
(Original) He he hecho el curso de iniciación y me ha gustado mucho, por el contenido, clima descontraído y a la vez serio en relación a la seguridad. Seguramente me apuntaré a más actividades!
(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) 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) An incredible professional personally had a fabulous time at the rope climbing baptism totally recommended 🤘🤘🤘 you won't regret it
(Original) Un profesional increíble personalmente lo pase de fábula en el bautizo de escalada en cuerda totalmente recomendable 🤘🤘🤘 no te arrepentirás
I had an incredible experience climbing Naranjo de Bulnes/Picu Urriellu with Santi. From the very first emails, communication was quick, clear, professional, and helpful - he gave us detailed advice on routes, logistics, and even transport and accommodation options.
On the mountain, Santi was outstanding you could see his love for the mountains and watched him come alive! He explained everything very clearly. His knowledge of the area and his patience with us made the whole day very enjoyable.
We can't recommend him enough - if you're thinking of climbing in Picos de Europa or anywhere else, book with Santi. Thank you for helping us make this such a memorable trip!
We had an awesome time with Mariano from South Climb! Did 2 days of guided climbing (first in Montserrat then in Gelida). It was great, he found routes that worked for both of us at our different levels (beginner and intermediate). He also had lots of tips to share to help us improve, which made the whole experience so much more valuable. Would highly recommend and would definitely come back!
