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.
What 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 MOREWadi Rum is undoubtedly a place we will return to. It has captivated us. Adventure climbing on good rock with extraordinary cracks.
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) Always a fantastic day, the various outings we have done with Santi we have had a great time. Great professional, learning and fun guaranteed. Patience and great motivation for children and adults! 100% recommended. We will repeat!
(Original) Día fantástico siempre, las varias salidas que hemos hecho con Santi lo hemos pasado genial. Gran profesional, aprendizaje y diversión asegurados. Paciencia y gran motivación para niños y mayores! Recomendable 100%. Repetiremos!
(Translated by Google) The course has been very good! Thank you very much Santi for transmitting your enthusiasm for climbing and all your explanations. A great experience that I hope to repeat soon! Thank you!
(Original) El curso ha estado muy bien! Muchas gracias Santi por transmitirnos tu entusiasmo por la escalada y todas tus explicaciones. Una gran experiencia que espero poder repetir de aquí poco! Mil gracias!
(Translated by Google) Hilario and I turned to SouthClimb to do a long route in Montserrat. In our case, Santiago made us an excellent guide, we recommend him and above all we will repeat the experience. He makes you feel very safe and comfortable on the wall, he explains all kinds of details, both safety and technical details of the track, he is an expert in it. Days before, he gives you all kinds of details and information, adjusting the time of the activity and the necessary material very well. Just thank him and encourage everyone who wants to discover similar experiences, he is a great person.
(Original) Hilario y yo recurrimos a SouthClimb para hacer una vía larga en Montserrat. En nuestro caso, Santiago nos hizo una guía excelente, la recomendamos y sobre todo repetiremos la experiencia. Te hace sentir muy seguro y cómodo en la pared, te explica todo tipo de detalles, tanto de seguridad, como técnicos propios de la vía, es un experto en ello. Días antes te da todo tipo de detalles e información, ajustando muy bien el tiempo de la actividad y material necesario. Solo darle las gracias y animar a todo aquel que quiera descubrir experiencias similares, es una gran persona.
(Translated by Google) We made a climbing baptism. We had a great time. Santi is super professional. An entertaining day suitable for all ages. It does not require prior knowledge of climbing.
(Original) Realizamos un bautizo de escalada. Lo pasamos genial. Santi es super profesional. Un dia entretenido apto para todas las edades. No requiere conocimiento previo sobre escalada.
Excellent day, great spots for climbing, safe and clear instructions. The views were incredible over the valley.
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!
(Translated by Google) Excellent experience
(Original)Excelente experiencia
(Translated by Google) Santi, the instructor, is perfectly in charge of creating a relaxed and safe environment in order to acquire the necessary climbing knowledge. It was just what we were looking for. I recommend it 100%.
(Original) Santi, el instructor, se encarga perfectamente de crear un ambiente relajado y seguro para poder adquirir los conocimientos necesarios de escalada. Era justo lo que estábamos buscando. Lo recomiendo al 100%.
(Translated by Google) I went with southclimb to climb Margalef! It was my first rock baptism, an unforgettable experience! The monitor exudes professionalism and I felt very well, accompanied and above all safe. I will repeat without a doubt and I recommend it 100%!
(Original) Fuí con southclimb a escalar por Margalef! Fue mi primer bautizo en roca una experiencia inolvidable! El monitor derrocha profesionalidad y me sentí muy bien, acompañada y sobretodo segura. Repetiré sin duda y lo recomiendo 100%!
(Translated by Google) A unique experience. I loved. I highly recommend it. Santi is a very professional. To repeat!!!
(Original) Una experiencia única. Me encantó. Lo recomiendo mucho. Santi es un muy profesional. Para repetir!!!
