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October 11, 2019 | TRIPS

VERDON GORGE CLIMBING TRIP

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.

Topping out after the first route in Verdon.
Topping out after the first route in Verdon.

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.

Rappeling down at the Verdon Gorge.
Rappeling down at the Verdon Gorge.

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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Client Reviews
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) Thanks to santi for the formation of the long way course. Very complete, practical and satisfactory, I put a 10 !!
(Original) Gracias a santi por la formación de curso de via larga. Muy completo, practico y satisfactorio, pongo un 10 !!

– Adrià Jarque Garcia
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) Climbing experience highly recommended in a safe environment. Very professional and good treatment
(Original) Experiencia de escalada muy recomendable en un entorno seguro. Muy profesionales y buen trato

– Agustí Montolío
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) It's been great! Looking forward to doing another course! Incredible treatment and training received! Very happy !!
(Original) Ha estado genial! Con muchas ganas de hacer otro curso ! Trato y formacion recibida increibles! Muy contento !!

– pau lopez
Excellent!

(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.

– Sara Garcia
Excellent!

We had an amazing first experience thanks to Southclimb. Santi was extremely kind, helpful and attentive - he's a super friendly and dedicated instructor. We will come again and we will definitely call him back and, of course, we would recommend his services to anybody who is looking for good vibes while learning and having fun.

– Lena Silva
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) It's been a fantastic Sunday!!! I never imagined I could climb. I am quite afraid of heights but this experience has made me overcome many of those fears and thanks, especially to Santi, the monitor. I recommend it!!! Without a doubt!!!💪🏽😍😍
(Original) Ha sido un domingo fantástico!!! Nunca imaginé que pudiera escalar. Tengo bastante miedo a las alturas pero esta experiencia me ha hecho superar muchos de esos miedos y gracias , sobre todo a Santi, el monitor. Lo recomiendo!!! Sin duda!!!💪🏽😍😍

– Fran Martinez
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) Highly recommended for people who want to start climbing or want to improve. Excellent and experienced guides, and good atmosphere. You learn and have a good time. What more could you want?
(Original) Muy recomendado para personas que quieran iniciarse en la escalada o quieran mejorar. Guías excelentes y experimentados, y buen ambiente. Aprendes y lo pasas bien. Qué más se puede pedir?

– Mònica Bernabé
Excellent!

My family was in Barcelona on vacation and wanted to go climbing. Santi picked us and took us on what we all thought was the BEST day of our vacation. He asked what kind of climbing we wanted and found the perfect spot. He offered to take us to a restaurant for lunch that had amazing food, perfect atmosphere and the best sangria you could find. Without a doubt I would highly recommend Santi for any activities you may want to do. He is very attentive and offers a lot of local advice! Thank you Santi!

– Michelle Hingst
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) This has been an incredible experience. From the beginning, the instructor gave me confidence and security both in the explanations that were very clear, and then when practicing climbing. You end up feeling like you've been climbing for a long time, even if it's your first time. We will repeat.
(Original) Ha esta una experiència increíble. Des del principi el monitor m'ha trasmès confianza i seguretat tant en les explicacions que han estat molt clares, com desprès a l'hora de practicar l'escalada. Acabes amb la sensació de que portes molt de temps fent escalada, encara que sigui la primera vegada que ho fas. Repetirem.

– Encarna Otero
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) We did an initiation course in mountaineering where we learned many things, from the use of the ARVA, walking with snowshoes, the use of crampons and setting up meetings. We had a great time and Santi is an excellent teacher. Completely recommended to take courses with Southclimb
(Original) Hicimos un curso de iniciación en alpinismo donde aprendimos muchas cosas, desde la utilización del ARVA, caminar con raquetas, uso de crampones y montar reuniones. La pasamos muy bien y Santi es un excelente profe. Completamente recomendable hacer cursos con Southclimb

– Adrián Téllez