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.
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(Translated by Google) Spectacular via ferrata we did. Control at all times and lots of laughs, perfect combination! ⛰⛰✨
(Original) Espectacular la vía ferrata que hicimos. Control en todo momento y muchas risas, combinación perfecta!! ⛰⛰✨
I had an amazing time here. It was only my second time climbing outdoors and I didn’t really know what to expect. Santi, the guide, paced the difficulty of the routes really well so I was able to progress each day. This trip exceeded all my expectations.
(Translated by Google) 100% recommendable. Santi is a crack, and he explains himself great! Looking forward to repeat!!
(Original) 100% recomendable. Santi es un crack, y se explica genial! Con ganas de repetir!!
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) Great experience! A spectacular treatment, they have adapted perfectly to my schedules and needs. It has been two days of the course where I have learned a lot, I have felt safe at all times, they have helped me with the necessary material and most importantly I have had a great time! Thank you Santi for your quick response and organization and special mention to Mariano who is a guide of 10! I will definitely contact them again to do the long track course!
(Original) Experiencia genial! Un trato espectacular, se han adaptado perfectamente a mis horarios y necesidades. Han sido dos dias de curso donde he aprendido muchísimo, me he sentido seguro en todo momento, me han ayudado con el material necesario y lo más importante me lo he pasado genial! Gracias Santi por su rápida respuesta y organización y especial mención a Mariano que es un guía de 10! Sin duda volveré a contactar con ellos para hacer el curso de vía larga!
(Translated by Google) The morning with Santi has been great. He has ensured that we learn what is necessary and has managed to balance the challenge and security very well. Santi is a true professional and it shows that he is an excellent climber. Without a doubt we will repeat!
(Original) La mañana con Santi ha sido estupenda. Se ha encargado de que aprendamos lo necesario y ha sabido equilibrar muy bien el reto y la seguridad. Santi es todo un profesional y se nota que es un excelso escalador. Sin dudarlo repetiremos!
(Translated by Google) Perfect to enjoy our favorite sport wherever! professional and attentive
(Original) Perfecto para disfrutar donde sea de nuestro deporte preferido! Profesional y atento
(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) I'm super glad I found SouthClimb. It was my first time rock climbing, and even though my teammates were more level than me, Yoel was very patient and helped me a lot. I am sure that in a while I will appreciate all the advice and "good uses" that he gave us. 6 stars!
(Original) Estoy super contento de haber encontrado a SouthClimb. Era mi primera vez escalando en roca, y pese a que mis compañeros tenían más nivel que yo, Yoel fue muy paciente y me ayudó un montón. Estoy seguro de que dentro de un tiempo agradeceré todos los consejos y "buenos usos" que él nos regaló. ¡De 6 estrellas!
(Translated by Google) Southclimb, experts with more than 20 years of climbing behind them. Very friendly people and super attentive to your needs (baptisms, initiation to climbing + material, development of technique in different degrees ...). Top!!!
(Original) Southclimb, expertos con más 20 años a la espalda escalando. Gente muy amable y super atentos a tus necesidadaes ( bautizos, iniciación a la escalada + material, desarrollo de técnica en diferentes grados ... ). Top!!!
