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.
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(Translated by Google) A great professional and very nice
(Original) Un gran profesional i molt simpatic
Santi is the best mountain guide in the area, hands down. His knowledge of the local terrain and technical expertise made for an incredible experience. Safety was clearly a top priority, but he also knows exactly how to push you to reach those rewarding summits and hidden spots you’d never find on your own.
(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!
Santi is a great guide and a better person. I did the Kalymnos trip with him and I simply could not be more greatful.
If you are looking for anything climbing related, Southclimb is your go to.
(Translated by Google) Fantastic course on fear management in climbing. Magnificent professionals have offered us a very useful and unforgettable experience.
(Original) Fantástico curso de gestión del miedo en la escalada. Los profesionales magníficos, nos han ofrecido una experiencia muy útil e inolvidable.
I august we did a multi pitch course with SouthClimb. Great quality instructor and climbing gear !
(Translated by Google) Excellent experience
(Original)Excelente experiencia
I did a five-day climbing camp with Southclimb and it was an excellent way to get familiar with climbing in one of the best climbing spots in the world!
Carolina, our instructor, was a lot of fun, kept morale high despite the unexpected bad weather conditions. She supported me with all my questions about climbing and pushed me to trust myself more. I also appreciate Santi for good communication with me from the very start and handling the camp shortening professionally, offering a fair solution when the weather forced us to cancel a few days.
Despite the unexpected challenges, the whole experience was very positive, and I look forward to climbing with them again in Siurana!
(Translated by Google) Spectacular day, incredible treatment! Very happy with the experience and everything I learned. Thank you Santi and see you next time!
(Original) Dia espectacular, tracte increïble! Molt contenta de l'experiència i de tot el que he aprés. Mil gràcies Santi i fins la pròxima!
(Translated by Google) Everything is very professional, from hiring to after the activity. I will repeat without a doubt.
(Original) Muy profesional todo, desde la contratación hasta después de la actividad. Repetiré no hay duda.
