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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!

Beginner’s course in rope climbing with Sol was the best! Sol is super professional and patient and everything is done in humor and good atmosphere. We feel ready to go out and climb! Santi helped us with all the logistics and made it really easy and comfortable to get started. 10/10 experience we will definitely come back for more of Southclimb.

– Matan Lotem
Excellent!

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!

– Peter Wyllie
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) I did the Initiation Course with Santiago, and it was an unforgettable experience! Dynamic, with a lot of practice. The difficult makes it easy! Then, the Tutored Rock Climbs have been really useful, full of emotion, SAFETY (one of the most emphasized topics). SOUTHCLIMB's work IS excellent, you feel personalized, you have fun while you learn, you get answers to doubts and/or questions very quickly. The routes where you will go climbing have wonderful landscapes !! Full of charm! I super-recommend it!!!
(Original) Hice el Curso de Iniciación con Santiago, y fué una experiencia inolvidable!, dinámico, con mucha práctica . Lo difícil lo hace fácil! Luego, las Escaladas Tuteladas en Roca han sido realmente útiles, llenas de emoción, de SEGURIDAD ( una de los tema que más recalca). El trabajo de SOUTHCLIMB ES excelente , lo sientes personalizado, te diviertes al mismo tiempo que aprendes, las respuestas a las dudas y/o preguntas las obtienes muy rápido. Las vías donde irás a escalar tienen paisajes maravillosos !! Llenos de encanto! Lo súper-recomiendo!!!

– Yris Sanchez
Excellent!

(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.

– Carmen Medrano
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) We have been with Santi for two days in Siurana and Vallirana and he has been an incredible teacher. Knowing very little, we have had an incredible experience. Santi is super attentive, patient and knows perfectly how to transfer his knowledge to people of any level. We would repeat for sure!!
(Original) Hemos estado con Santi dos días en Siurana y Vallirana y ha sido un profesor increíble. De saber poquísimo, nos hemos llevado una experiencia increíble. Santi es súper atento, paciente y sabe perfectamente como trasladar su conocimiento a personas de cualquier nivel. Repetiriamos seguro!!

– Max Medina Blum
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) Introductory ladder course highly recommended and great! Our guide Sara is a crack and very professional! A very pleasant atmosphere and environment! To repeat this or other courses!! Thanks team!!
(Original) Curs d'inici d'escala més que recomanable i genial! La nostra guia Sara una crack i molt professional! Un ambient i entorn molt agradable! Per repetir aquest o altres cursos!! Gràcies equip!!

– Esther Portella
Excellent!

I august we did a multi pitch course with SouthClimb. Great quality instructor and climbing gear !

– Dimitry Versteele
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) Great training weekend! So much for what was learned, the dedication and the environment. You have taught us with enthusiasm, with passion and with love! And yes, you have planted a seed!! Thank you very much for your work
(Original) Gran fin de semana de formación!tanto por lo aprendido, la dedicación i el ambiente. Nos habéis enseñado con ilusión, con pasión y con cariño! Y si, habéis plantado una semillita!! Mil gracias por vuestro trabajo😃

– SARA CARMEN BRIONES RAMIREZ
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) The Southclimb climbing course taught by Santi has been very motivating, helping me to become aware of the dangers and how to take safety measures to be able to enjoy this sport to the fullest, 👍
(Original) El curso de escalada de Southclimb impartido por Santi ha sido muy motivador, me a ayudando a concienciarme sobre los peligros y como tomar medidas de seguridad para poder disfrutar al máximo de este deporte, 👍

– Anna Bou
Excellent!

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!

– Katie Dufort