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.
It's too expensive, I already know it all, my friends can teach me, or I'm too old. We've heard every excuse. Here are the most common ones — and why you're wrong.
LEARN MOREIn this guide we cover the top climbing areas in Tarragona: Siurana, Margalef, Arboli, La Mussara, and La Riba.
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I can’t say enough good things about my experience with SouthClimb. Let’s begin with how gorgeous Siurana was! Our guide Santi found an area and climbing routes that were fun and perfectly suited for the grades that myself and the other girl in our group climb. There were specific skills I wanted to work on (cleaning the anchor) and Santi climbed up the route next to one I climbed so that we could work through the process together in a way that was simple, clear, and made me feel safe. I HIGHLY recommend a tour with SouthClimb whether you’re very experienced and want a challenge or it’s your first day on the rock. Don’t hesitate to let your guide know if you have specific goals in mind, because they’re very kind and enthusiastic about helping you learn and grow in the sport. It was a gorgeous day and I am eager to spend more time with SouthClimb! A massive thanks to Santi!
Had a blast on my multipitch course with Southclimb! Everything was clearly explained and I had enough opportunities to practice. Good athmosphere and awesome routes, would definitely recommend!!
(Translated by Google) An incredible experience. I hope to return on the rock very soon
(Original) Una experiencia increible. Espero volver en la roca muy pronto
We had an awesome time with Mariano from South Climb! Did 2 days of guided climbing (first in Montserrat then in Gelida). It was great, he found routes that worked for both of us at our different levels (beginner and intermediate). He also had lots of tips to share to help us improve, which made the whole experience so much more valuable. Would highly recommend and would definitely come back!
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) Santi is one of the best guides I've met, I did the sport climbing course with him, the long route course and I also went for a couple of days to do sport climbing. He has always been very kind and friendly, the explanations he gives are clear and very useful. He knows the areas he goes to perfectly and gives very good recommendations to return there on your own.
(Original) Santi és un dels millors guies que he conegut, he fet amb ell el curs d'escalada esportiva, el de via llarga i també he anat un parell de dies a fer esportiva. Sempre ha segut molt amable i amistós, les explicacions que dona son clares i molt útils. Coneix perfectament les zones on va i dona molt bones recomanacions per tornar-hi pel teu compte.
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 transmits confidence and gives you security. His explanations are clear. He knows the areas and the best places for each level well. To repeat!!!
(Original) Santi transmite confianza y te da seguridad. Sus explicaciones son claras. Conoce bien las zonas y los mejores sitios para cada nivel. Para repetir!!!
(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!!!
(Translated by Google) Great 10/10
(Original)Genial 10/10
