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.
Tim visited from NYC and we went climbing in the best climbing areas in Catalunya.face
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.
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!
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) A unique experience next to a great professional. The fear management course makes you spend a weekend connecting with yourself, nature, you meet new crazy companions... and always all the exercises safely next to a very close psychologist. For me, an experience of 10, where (regardless of the level you have) it is useful to stop grabbing the rock with your teeth and enjoy the fluidity and the fall, since it is part of climbing.
(Original) Una experiencia única al lado de un gran profesional. El curso de gestión del miedo te hace pasar un fin de semana de conexión contigo, la naturaleza, conoces nuevos compañeros de locuras… y siempre todos los ejercicios de forma segura al lado de una psicologa muy cercana. Para mi, una experiencia de 10, donde (tengas el nivel que tengas) es útil para dejar de cogerte a la roca con los dientes y disfrutar de la fluidez y de la caída, ya que forma parte de la escalada.
The most beautiful setting with endless awe inspiring walls and valleys. We’re new to outdoor climbing and our instructor couldn’t have been better. Interesting, enthusiastic, patient and inspiring we felt like we were climbing with a friend who taught us so much and tailored our weekend amazingly to our ability. We felt challenged without feeling completely out of our comfort zone. So fun!
(Translated by Google) Santi has accompanied us on this adventure of entering the world of the long way. The course has helped us practice the maneuvers and understand the why of each step and gain confidence! Super pedagogically and with a lot of joy and patience!!! Highly recommended!
(Original) El Santi ens ha acompanyat en aquesta aventura d'endinsar-nos al món de la via llarga. El curs ens ha servit per poder practicar les maniobres i entendre el per què de cada pas i anar agafant confiança! Super pedagògicament i amb molta alegria i paciència!!! Molt recomanable!
(Translated by Google) I did an initiation course with Santi and it was amazing, I learned a lot and I had a great time, super nice at all times and above all very concerned about safety. As soon as I can I will sign up for more activities! I highly recommend it!!!
(Original) Hice un curso de iniciación con Santi y fue una pasada, aprendí un montón y me lo pasé genial, super agradable en todo momento y sobretodo muy preocupado por la seguridad. En cuanto pueda me apuntaré a más actividades! Lo recomiendo a tope!!!
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) An unforgettable experience, thank you very much Santi!!!
(Original) Una experiencia inolvidable, muchas gracias Santi!!!
(Translated by Google) Excellent. Quality, a very professional and very human treatment. I learned a lot and had a great time 🌈♥️
(Original) Excellent. Calidad, un trato muy profesional y muy humano. Aprendí mucho y me lo pasé genial 🌈♥️
(Translated by Google) Great 10/10
(Original)Genial 10/10
