The Aiguistortes National Park is an area of outstanding natural beauty in the Catalonia region of the Spanish Pyrenees mountain range.
The national park is already a winter favourite for skiers and snowboarders. Spring, Summer and early Autumn bring hikers that get to see the diverse flora and fauna between the dramatic mountain backdrop.
Booking this trip was due to coming runner up in a winter photography competition for a new adventure company. Because of this me and my partner got £600 off an ice climbing long weekend we had been eyeing up with a company called Inversion Travel (which I highly recommend, we also followed this trip with them a few months late for a multi-day trek to the Selvaggio Blu, Sardinia – I will follow up soon with an overview and some pictures from that tip).
We flew into Barcelona in January where we stayed for a few nights beforehand before being picked up from city centre. I have been here 8 times before for different types of trips, and it is a great starting point for so many spots.
Visit Barcelona Before Heading to The Hills
Barcelona is charming city with so many experiences to offer. Our adventure was only a couple of hours away from the city, and would recommend a stop over before heading to the Pyrenees. Whether you want to explore the architecture from Gaudi or enjoy the cuisine and extertainment around the gothic quarter or head to watch football, there is something for everyone.
Accomodation and Briefing
Location: We stayed just outside the village of Vall de boi (pictured below). This was provided within this package and our food was cooked for us each day in by our guide (who was also brilliant and a trained chef). The accommodation was an apartment with kitchen facilities where we stayed with our group and guide.
We were given a brief of what to expect and chance to chose from a few options of where we would start. Out came the maps, the weather reading (which looked to be overcast but clear for the first two days and rain for the last day of climbing.
We were also given kit needed for ice climbing and fitted. Bootfitting, Basic rope skills and general overview was covered before sitting down for dinne. The briefing was helpful, it had been a while since I went ice climbing and it was my husband (then fiance’s) first time. Any kit of our own was checked to ensure it would be suitable.
Then we sat down for dinner followed by packing our bags and lunch for the first day ice climbing.
Early Start to First Day Ice Climbing
Each morning we set off on a short ride before the sun had risen in the mini van. We parked at the main area close to the national park entrance, we then spent the first couple of hours hiking in the dark with our head torches through the park.
I honestly could not tell you which way, I just remember a river needing to be crossed very carefully on naturally formed stepping stones. I also remember we went started on a trail, then came out to a high road, then back onto the trails where we hit the snow and some slight altitude.
This trip also reinforced that I am a walking risk assessment. I am clumsy at the best of time but when the densely packed snow covered uneven ground and large boulders, I seem to have a gift of finding and falling in covered ditches.
It was freezing cold and damp, but we were all in good spirits and I just couldn’t help but laugh at myself. I believe there is also some footage somewhere of this on one of the groups phones.
On the first day of climbing we started by heading to small clearing that had some compact ice covering what looked like a rock fall used for a scramble. further round there was an accessible frozen waterfall. It had plenty of ice to allow us to practice our ice climbing and observe each other.
Learning the Basics
We were taught the fundamental skills of ice climbing including using crampons, technique with axes and using ice screws. This was all led by an experienced guide called Simon Edwards from North Wales Rock Climbing (also the chef I mentioned above) and the guys from Inversion.
Once we picked up the basics we were able to give a taller waterfall, where Simon (our guide) and Robin (Inversion Co-Owner) set up some top ropes. We spent some time here where each of us had a couple of climbs on different routes. Before descending back down once the day was over.
Second Day of Ice Climbing Day of Ice Climbing in Spain
On the second day we started much like the first. We set off a little earlier to be able to reach a higher point. We went to another wider waterfall at a higher elevation. The approach was tough but the views and the climbing at the top was well worth it.
The first climb on this day involved a traverse before climbing up, which was a nice challenge and helped to build confidence in using the axes and crampons again, before climbing the route set up.
It was a little daunting. There was a dramatic drop below the climbing route of the waterfall. But the team from inversion were fantastic, as were our group. We all supported each other and just enjoyed every minute of it.
When descending down from this we had to abseil down from via another water fall to get back down to the ‘bowl’ (clearing). There was a chance to do another climb there for the group. Then we started to head down to the mini van.
The Realities Of being An Endowarrior Who loves Adventure
When we decended and headed lower down I began to get quite a lot of pain (this isn’t from the climbing itself, but underlying health condition I have called Endometriosis. Prior to the trip I had a flare up and on this trip. On this trip I had brought a tens machine and hot water bottle with me to wear before getting out of bed and following our days climbing.
So for me it was an early night and straight to rest. The group planned out the next day, stayed up lauching and had a really great time downstairs. The guide and Inversion team, came to double check how I was doing before they headed to their apartment. Simple steps like this from the team running this was really appreciated.
Third Day of Ice Climbing, Expect the Unexpected
The final day had a lower temperature and the weather had suddenly changed to heavy down poor. We all had waterproofs and winter clothing with us, but the sheer amount of rain started to eventually get through everyone’s clothing. The approach became even tougher.
The chronic pain from my endo can make just getting out of bed and walking some days really challenging. The bitter cold and the damp was causing my hips to seize and suddenly the sharp pains I normally get with my endometriosis were amplified and repeated like a knife in my hips, upper legs and back with every step. I’ll save you from the rest of details that come with this condition but I kept walking and tried my best to mask it.
Eventually the rest of the group were starting to get fed up with the weather. There was no sign of any break and even after the sun had rose it was getting too much for everyone. The group were getting tired, cold and grumpy. One by one they suggested heading back, the guides suggested it may be best for everyone. I didn’t want to be responsible, so I carried on further before everyone just made the decision.
We all decided to head back to our accommodation and just spend the latter part of the day relaxing, eating and having fun. We went into Vall de boi and had a wonderful dinner that evening at one of the local restaurants before heading to our accom. We left our clothes and kit hanging around the accomodation near the heaters to dry out overnight.
The following morning we sorted out our kit and spread outside taking in the sudden blue skies and looking down the valley (see below). We helped to pack up gear in the van before being dropped off at the airport from the inversion guys.
Pin For Later
If you liked this article you may also like: