August 23, 2023 | CLIMBING
PEDRAFORCA. CLIMBING IN THE ENCHANTED MOUNTAIN
Pedraforca is one of the mountains with the most myths and legends in existence.
Pedraforca is one of the mountains with the most myths and legends in existence.
The Pollegó Superior (2,506 meters) is the highest peak of the Pedraforca massif, located in the Berguedà region, between the villages of Gósol and Saldes. Over the years, Pedraforca has been the scene of legendary climbs, both on rock and ice, although you can also reach the summit by walking. On foot, there are two classic paths: one climbs a long, vertical, and challenging scree slope, which is accessed a few kilometers after leaving the Lluís Estasen Refuge, located in a beautiful meadow at 1,675 meters above sea level. The other path goes up the Canal del Verdet, a vertical and demanding route, where you even have to use your hands to progress at times.
If you have climbing knowledge and want to enjoy a high-mountain atmosphere in every sense, the most elegant way to reach some of the highest points of Pedraforca is by climbing.
The history of climbing on the Pedraforca massif began with Lluís Estasen, Josep Puntas, Jofre Vila, and Josep Rovira, who, after several attempts on June 30, 1928, managed to establish an intelligent route along the north face of the mountain, eventually reaching the Calderer summit.
The "Vía Estasen", the name of the route, is an itinerary of about 600 meters, with difficulties of up to IV+. The route is sparsely equipped, and despite what the guide may suggest, you need to know how to navigate the wall to always follow the most logical path. The atmosphere is wild and alpine, making the activity a day of classic climbing in capital letters.
If you want to know more about the history of the first ascent of the north face of Pedraforca, you can watch the documentary "L’altra cara de la forca" (2008), a historical reenactment of the climb by Estasen, Vila, and Rovira. Here's the link for the documentary.
Although without a doubt the "Vía Estasen" is the best-known climbing route on Pedraforca, there are many other options on the massif to enjoy some of the best limestone rock in the entire Iberian Peninsula.
Also on the north face, one alternative to the "Vía Estasen" during the warmer months is "Homedes" (430m V+/AO). This route leads to the summit of Gat, a characteristic peak known by that name because it resembles a cat.
The first ascent of "Homedes" dates back to the year when Francesc Homedes, Bernard Boixeda, and Ramon Albareda achieved it on September 8. The route is semi-equipped, and in addition to several quickdraws, a full set of aliens, friends up to #3, and some nuts are needed. The difficulty is consistently around IV+, with occasional passages of V/V+.
To descend from the Gat summit, we'll first do a rappel, which will leave us on the ever-present scree slope, the same way down if we climbed the "Vía Estasen".
Often, we think that to enjoy the high mountains, we must travel to the Pyrenees, Alps, or Dolomites, but we forget about other must-visit places. The Pedraforca massif is one of them. A mountain with a summit at 2,506 meters above sea level, breathtaking views, and an exceptional alpine atmosphere. Everyone should climb Pedraforca at least once in their life.
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 MOREIf you’ve ever found yourself clinging to a rock wall with sweaty hands, shaky muscles, and a racing heart, you’ve probably asked yourself: why on earth am I doing this? What is it about rock climbing that draws us in? What’s the point of all this effort to scale rocks and mountains?
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) The Southclimb climbing course taught by Santi has been very motivating, helping me to become aware of the dangers and how to take security 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, 👍
(Translated by Google) Cool!!! We will repeat for sure!!!
(Original)Genial!!! Repetiremos fijo!!!
(Translated by Google) There is no detail or negative adjective to describe them. Despite the respect that must be shown to the activities they carry out, you always enjoy peace of mind and extreme security, because everything is controlled and insured. Fun is assured. Looking forward to repeat soon.
(Original) No existe detalle o adjetivo negativo para describirlos. A pesar del respeto que se le debe mostrar a las actividades que realizan, siempre gozas de una tranquilidad y seguridad extrema, porque todo está controlado y asegurado. La diversión está asegurada. Con ganas de repetir pronto.
(Translated by Google) Great experience! Santi is a crack. It explains great and gives a lot of security. 100% recommended whether you want to start from scratch or if you already have previous experience and want to finish perfecting.
(Original) Genial experiencia! Santi es un crack. Se explica genial y da mucha seguridad. Recomendable 100% tanto si quieres iniciarte desde cero como si ya tienes experiencia previa y quieres acabar de perfeccionar.
(Translated by Google) We did a climbing baptism yesterday with Santi and we loved it, he was super attentive, kind and always attentive to you, he made us feel safe and enjoy ourselves a lot. I recommend it 100%.
(Original) Hicimos un bautizo de escalada ayer con Santi y nos encantó, el super atento, amable y en todo momento está pendiente de ti, hizo que nos sintiéramos seguros y disfrutáramos mucho. Lo recomiendo 100%.
(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) My first rock climbing experience has been great. Santi is a very good guide, I had a great time and learned a lot. I will repeat.
(Original) Mi primera experiencia de escalada en roca ha sido genial. Santi es muy buen guia, lo pasé super bien y aprendí mucho. Repetiré.
(Translated by Google) Rappelling course in the Mussara, excellent monitor, explanations of 10 and fantastic practices. I recommend 100%
(Original) Curso de rapel en la Mussara, monitor excelente, explicaciones de 10 y prácticas fantásticas. Recomiendo 100%
(Translated by Google) An unforgettable experience. Santi is unique when it comes to sharing his GREAT knowledge in the world of climbing. In addition, he fully adjusted the session to suit our needs, knowing at every moment when we could give a little more of ourselves. Thank you so much for a great day!
(Original) Una experiencia inolvidable. Santi es único a la hora de compartir su GRAN conocimiento en el mundo de la escalada. Además ajustó la sesión totalmente a la medida de nuestras necesidades, sabiendo a cada momento cuando podíamos dar un poco más de nosotros. Mil gracias por un día genial!
(Translated by Google) Great experience! Santi is a crack. It explains great and gives a lot of security. 100% recommended for everyone (whether you are starting from scratch or if you already know and want to learn/improve).
(Original) Genial experiencia! Santi es un crack. Se explica genial y da mucha seguridad. Recomendable 100% para todo el mundo (tanto si empiezas desde cero como si ya sabes y quieres aprender/perfeccionar).
