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Multi-pitch climbing in Montserrat, Barcelona

Multi-pitch climbing in Montserrat
Multi-pitch climbing in Montserrat, Catalonia
Multi-pitch climbing in Montserrat, Catalonia
Alpine mountaineering course
Multi-pitch climbing in Montserrat, Catalonia

Marc, AEGM certified mountain guide, takes you to the beautiful Montserrat massif for a day of multi-pitch rock climbing. There are several routes to choose from!

Private

1 Day

All year

Open to everyone

All Levels


Highlights

  • Discover the stunning Montserrat Mountain.
  • Adapt the climbing to your skills and level.
  • Climb unique compact conglomerate needles.

Description

Join me for a fantastic rock climbing day in Montserrat, near Barcelona. Montserrat is a rocky massif, the most iconic mountain in Catalonia. Located only 30km from the city of Barcelona, this massif holds an extreme beauty and it is great for rock climbing.

Climbing in Montserrat is always an incredibly experience, the compact conglomerate rock and the beauty of the always surrounding needles makes it so special.

Due to the more than 4.000 routes that we can find in Montserrat its possible to climb all year round. It’s perfect for winter colder days with sunny sheltered south faces and good in summer when we climb on the north face.

This program is open to all level climbers. It’s perfect for a first multi-pitch experience and for the most challenging climbers. Just tell me your level and objectives and I’ll look for the routes that suits you best.

Are you tempted to try rock climbing in Montserrat? Come and enjoy this magical place in Catalonia, exploring its rocky walls! And for more rock climbing options in Catalonia, check out this program in the Pyrenees.

Price includes

- Guiding fee

- Personal insurance

Price details

Liability and accident insurance, all climbing gear and pickup in Monistrol de Montserrat train station or nearby station are included in the price. Although all climbing gear is included, I recommend that you bring your own harness and climbing shoes.

If climbing in Gorros area, one of the best views in Montserrat Mountain, we will take a cable-car. The price is not included and will cost 14€ per person plus the guide’s ticket.

Photos and Gopro videos (taken by the guide) are also included in the price.

Pickup in another location can be done at an extra fee.

These prices correspond to the shorter bolted routes, up to 200 meters tall. If you want to climb a more difficult or trad route, the prices will range between 200€-350€ 1 person 130€-200€ 2 group of 2, especially the long north face routes.


Itinerary

Day 1: Climbing day

Depending on the chosen route, we will walk for from 10 to 30 minutes.

We can start with a couple single pitch routes so you get used to the rock or if you prefer to climb directly a multi-pitch route.

If we have time and you feel like it, we can climb two routes the same day.

Depending on the route we will have to rappel. The rappels will be easy and if you haven’t rappelled before we will do a short test before commiting to the climb.

I’ll be happy to adapt the program if you have any suggestions.

 

Details

Accommodation

If you decide to spend the night around Montserrat Mountain contact me and I will give you some suggestions. There is also the possibility to spend the night at the Montserrat Campground, right next to the Monastery. A basic affordable camping. During winter months it is closed. I will be happy to help and arrange accommodation for you.

More info

Although all climbing gear will be provided, I recommend that you bring your own harness and climbing shoes. Pick up and drop off can be arranged at an additional fee, depending on where you stay. A multi-day trip can be tailor-made for you. Wear light but strong comfortable sport clothes, mountain oriented if possible. Adapt the clothing to the weather conditions, I will suggest depending on the season.

Meeting point

We will meet at Monistrol de Montserrat train station, where I will pick you up. Getting there from central Barcelona is very easy and is a 1-hour train ride. There are trains leaving Barcelona every 20-40 minutes from 5:16 am to 22:41 pm. (To get there from central Barcelona take a train from Plaça Espanya. Take the R5 - FGC (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya) to Manresa and exit at Monistrol de Montserrat) If traveling by car, we will meet at Montserrat’s Monastery parking lot entry, I will send the location.

Equipment you will need to bring

Harness

Backpack

Sunglasses

Watter bottle

Other gear: Climbing shoes, sport clothing, waterproof jacket, hat or cap, sunscreen, food.


Frequently Asked Questions

 I am a beginner climber, do you offer any initiation course near Barcelona?

 Will the equipment be provided, or do I need my own?

 I've never done a multi-pitch climb; is this trip suitable for me?

 What alternatives do you offer to climbing in Montserrat?

 How can I get to the meeting point?

About the guide

AEGM Rock Climbing Guide

Ever since I was a kid I have been in contact with nature, and this has been my environment. Family traditions led to my first steps in the hiking world. I discovered wonderful places and learned to enjoy and respect the mountains. Still vivid in my memories are the ascents around Ordesa NP and the Catalan Pyrenees during my childhood.

At the age of eighteen I took my first steps in rock climbing. I dedicated some years climbing traditional classic routes, with the Montsec range as my school. With the experience gained I widened my horizons and started discovering new walls: Ordesa, Puig Campana, Penyal d'Ifach, Los Mallos de Riglos, Montrebei, Terradets...

In 2000, I got my Civil Engineer degree. I then spent my holidays climbing. At this point I started exploring the big possibilities France and its walls opened up: Verdon, Vercors, Jonte...

In 2002 I went on a one-year trip to Australia, but without climbing. After that year I realized rock climbing was my real passion. At then started spending as much time as I had climbing. My climbing trips starting taking me further and further. It was in Switzerland where I discovered my favorite climbing terrain: the amazing limestone walls of Wendenstöcke, Rätikon, Sanetsch... After that, new destinations kept coming: UEA, Jordan, Morocco, Dolomites, Sardinia, Corsica...

Finally, I decided to become a Climbing Guide and offer all my climbing experience to you.

My formal training started in 2011, as I became a Climbing Monitor of the High Mountain Catalan Academy (ECAM). Just after that, in 2012, I got my Climbing Sport Technician degree.

Not satisfied with that, I continued my training to get the highest climbing degree available in Spain. In the spring of 2014 I finished my training and became a Climbing Superior Sport Technician.

Languages

French | English | Catalan

Certificates

AEGM

Residence

Tavernoles, Catalunya


What people are saying about this trip

Andre Fleckstein

5.00

November, 2022

Marc, you were the perfect guide for this 5 pitch trip. Thank you for sharing yr experience and knowledge with me. Highly recommended.

Caitlin Jaramillo

5.00

September, 2022

Marc is amazing! He knows so much about the area. He is very professional and takes care when making for a fun and safe climb! Thank you for an amazing birthday climb!

Joan La Rosa

5.00

June, 2022

The traveller did not leave a comment.

Sakari Lehtoranta

5.00

February, 2022

Marc is a fantastic guide! Have used other guides and Marc is the best i have used

Peter Drake

5.00

January, 2022

I had a great day doing my first multi pitch with Marc in the Montserrat region. We went to a beautiful sunlit route featuring dihedral and cracks and to avoid the winter cold and during and after the climb he imparted a lot of multi pitch wisdom which i will take with me for future climbs. He was happy to discuss anchor systems and answers any doubts that I had right up until the sunset was more or less setting!

Amy West

1.00

November, 2021

We won't use explore-share again because of the cancellation policies. We were not allowed into the EU and had to cancel a week's work of reservations. We couldn't cancel this trip and are just out the money. We won't be booking through here again.

Adam Deller

5.00

September, 2021

Marc was an outstanding guide. Knowledgeable and patient and excellent company too.

Sierra Petrosky

5.00

September, 2021

Marc was the best! He’s super knowledgeable and also so fun to spend a day with. I’d take another course from him in a heartbeat.

Raul Marin

4.00

September, 2020

Great experience to strengthen techniques and knowledge, with a very friendly and personal approach!

Matthew Baluyut

5.00

June, 2020

Phenomenal and breathtaking experience: Marc + the Montserrat Mountains = Unforgettable climbing experience. Marc is a genuine, kind, and caring host - which added to the already fascinating landscape. A local to the area who can show you the 'ropes' to the local crag and surrounding region. With his coaching I've completed the hardest route I've done outside! Pros: - Skilled climbing instructor - Beginner friendly - Tailored climbing experience (scaled as needed) - Excellent communication on safety and techniques to execute your climbing route - Instagram worthy shots Cons: - Wishing you had more energy to climb :/ Overall Rating: 11/10 would book again Overall a must for those who want an intro to outdoor climbing, or those who already climb outdoors and want some insight into the local scene. What are you waiting for? Climb on!

Arnau Orengo

5.00

June, 2020

We did a one day multi-pitch climbing course in Montserrat, and loved it. Marc is a very experienced and patient guide, with a lot of knowledge and easy to talk to, will answer any doubts you may have and gave us confidence first showing us the techniques in a safe place and then climbing the multi-pitch. Totally recommended!

Joan

5.00

May, 2020

Marc is a person with a vocation for his work, I could say that his life and his work are united, which is very favourable because the service he offers is more productive than expected, a very fun but serious guy at work what makes me convey a trust confidence. We went through the Penedes area and the Monistrol de Montserrat area 30 minutes from Barcelona, ​​but in the middle of nature, the views of 10.

Ashley Mc Gowan

5.00

March, 2020

Marc was a fantastic guide. My wife and I spent the day with Marc in Montserrat I have climbed for several years, and have never been able to get my wife get on a wall during that time. During our recent trip to Barcelona my wife surprised me with a day of climbing in Montserrat. The highlight of the day was my wife topping out on her first outdoor climb. I think Marc's calm and encouraging personality made her feel comfortable and it provided us with a very memorable moment. Marc was also able to quickly assess my climbing level and find climbs that were a perfect fit for what I was looking for. He is a safe and knowledgable guide. Spending the day with Marc was very enjoyable and climbing in Montserrat was fabulous. So if you've never climbed before or are experienced and looking to get out on some rock during your travels Marc is your man!

Alex Westfall

5.00

March, 2020

I think it would be hard to give a short review about my experience with Marc. This was an experience of a life time. Marc is so knowledgeable and patient. He allowed us to ask questions about the history and culture of the towns and villages. He made me feel safe when climbing. He has so much knowledge about the mountain that he had back up routes for the weather. He went over safety a few times which made me feel that much better. He asked what type of climbing I was looking to do and customize my experience to what I wanted and needed. One of the NICEST people you will ever meet. I live in the states. Someone local to me suggested climbing with Marc. I rearranged my entire Europe vacation around climbing with Marc and I’m SO thankful I did. Best experience I’ve ever had. My friend highly recommended Marc and I HIGHLY recommend Marc. I will be back to climb with him again. I’ve already tried to figure out next steps. That is how meaningful this experience has been to me.

Cael

5.00

January, 2020

Marc is an excellent guide and I would climb with him again any time. I learned a lot climbing with him and felt safe and comfortable the entire time. Thanks Marc!

Saleh Hindi

5.00

January, 2020

Experience was very good and the highlight of my first trip to Europe

Anonymous

5.00

January, 2020

Marc was fantastic. One of the most knowledgable and efficient guide i've had. Me and my partner have been climbing in the gym for a number of years now, but i'm unfortunately still afraid of height. Marc made us feel very safe throughout the whole trip and was very encouraging when i got stuck. He made sure that we had fun and at the same time improving our climbing skills. I would definitely recommend Marc to anyone considering a climbing trip.

Maja

5.00

December, 2019

It was wonderful trip. Marc was professional and pleasant. Nice day, nice people, nice climbing.

Jean Lim

5.00

December, 2019

The traveller did not leave a comment.

Dan Wolfskill

5.00

November, 2019

My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed climbing with Marc. He was incredibly knowledgeable of the area in Montserrat and assessed our skill set very quickly. He was very safe and thorough in all his systems and we felt very comfortable with his experience. We hope to be back in the area soon to hopefully spend 2-3 days climbing in the area with Marc!

Xavier van Campenhout

4.00

October, 2019

We had a great 2 days tour with Marc in Montserrat, a stunning spot one hour away from Barcelona. On the first day, Marc initiated us to climbing in a very didactic and professional way. The following day, we embarked on a multi-pitch climbing journey of stunning beauty. A must do with a great pro!! Highly recommended for the climbing amateurs willing to discover a new spot. Thank you to the Explore-share team for making it possible.

Cassie

5.00

October, 2019

Marc created an amazing 3-day trip catered to my climbing goals. I am an experienced climber so we also did wilderness camping. He is super professional, an excellent climbing partner, and a joy to hang out with for 3 days! I saw so much of Catalonia thanks to his guidance, top notch experience!!

Cassie Absher

5.00

September, 2019

Marc is the perfect climbing guide: excellent communication, super professional, very safe, and highly encouraging. He has a passion for Catalonia, for climbing, and for teaching climbing skills and that shows in his knowledge and disposition. I am an experienced climber and wanted to expand my technical skills and push my limits, so I booked a 3-day multi-pitch trip that included wilderness camping. Marc created the perfect trip based around my goals. As a guide he chose locations that were perfect in that I could climb easy routes to build my confidence as well as harder ones that were appropriately challenging. As a teacher he explained methods and technical skills clearly and confidently and always made sure I felt safe. As a climbing partner he is super encouraging, giving me beta when I needed it but also allowing me the space to figure things out. I am truly a better climber after this experience, and I also got to see parts of Catalonia I wouldn’t have been able to access on my own. I highly, highly recommend Marc for first-time climbers who want to learn the basics as well as experienced climbers who want to explore and expand their skills. Thank you for everything Marc!!!

Megan

5.00

September, 2019

Marc is everything you want in a guide - a great communicator, a highly skilled climber, and a kind and interesting person. Do not hesitate to book Marc for your climbing adventures!

Eric LaPrairie

5.00

September, 2019

Marc set me up with Fran who was the best guide I could have asked for. I had some climbing experience (sport 5.10-5.11 level) before going on the trip and Fran assessed my skills and tailored the trip to me. I wanted to learn how to multipitch more than try harder routes so he took it slowly enough to show me the basics of multipitch and even let me lead a route. Fran was a delight to spend the day with and this was a trip I'll remember for the rest of my life.

Paul Garasimowicz

5.00

July, 2019

I would highly recommend Marc for climbers of all levels. He can provide you with all your equipment needs and is a great teacher that speaks fluent english, spanish, and catalan. We had excellent communication together through the explore-share app and also personal email. I received specific information on how to meet Marc from the R5-GFC line from Placa Espanya in Barcelona to the estacion Monistrol de Montserrat. I was picked up at the station in Marc's car and we drove up to the Monastery and parked. From there we rode a funicular from the Monastery to easy access trails to all of our climbs. As an experienced climber away on vacation with my family, I was able partner up with Marc and lead as many pitches as I wanted! I benefited from Marc's expertise as a rock climbing guide and rock climbing beta. Additionally, Marc is a local and provided me with information about the area and potential future trips. I would highly recommend using Marc as a guide. Paul Connecticut, USA

Gillian Wright

5.00

July, 2019

Marc was a fantastic guide for our two days of climbing. We were visiting Barcelona from Los Angeles, and my twin 16 year olds are experienced indoor climbers and relatively new to outdoor lead climbing. Marc made everything easy,

TJ Yap

5.00

May, 2019

Marc was amazing, very knowledgeable and friendly. Had a great first experience doing multi pitch. Highly recommended!

Ronald Rivera

5.00

May, 2019

Marc has complete dominion over the english language, and was very communicative over emails and ensured we had a safe and fun climb. He's a local and knows the topology incredibly well. Incredible experience!

Eric Christopherson

5.00

May, 2019

My day of climbing with Marc was the highlight of my trip to Catalunya! I felt safe the entire time because he knew what he was doing and did a great job of teaching me. It was my first time doing any multi-pitch climbing and his instructions, tips, and supervision was perfect. He speaks excellent English. Marc helped me develop a lot as a climber. He knew the ins and outs of the routes we took and made the climbing experience very tailored to me - we climbed three routes in one day and I was exhausted by the end, in the best way possible. Marc brought along a camera and took about 40 great pictures during the climb which he emailed me the same evening. I appreciated that a lot because I wanted to share the experience with my family. The views are amazing in Montserrat too and the hike up (optional) was a nice warmup and fun. You can also take the Funicular, but it starts pretty late in the morning. The rock was super really fun to climb on because of how diverse the holds were and I felt the route ratings were very accurate. Great protection, but not a lot of exposure, depending on the route (lots of low angle slab, especially at the start of routes). Marc knew the larger area too. Unfortunately, it rained on one day, but we were going to go to another mountain range, which I was very excited for, the second day. I would 100% climb again with Marc and plan to if I am ever in Spain again. It was an absolutely amazing experience in great part because of him. Thank you, Marc!

Hannah Gubbels

5.00

May, 2019

Climbing with Marc at Montserrat was awesome! He contacted us before the trip to get an idea of what our experience was, and what we hoped to get out of the trip, and he used the info to help design the perfect climbing day for us! We felt completely safe climbing under his guidance. Very nice guy, we had a great time with him. He was also kind enough to capture action photos of us during the climb. Also, the location is undeniably gorgeous. It made for an unforgettable and truly life-changing experience! I absolutely would recommend Marc, to climbers of any level!!

Ilya Flarin

4.00

April, 2019

Marc is a great guide. He was very professional, patient and super-friendly :) Thanks for the memorable adventure!

Niklas Bergvall

5.00

December, 2018

I had Marc as a guide when I went climbing in Montserrat in November this year. I can highly recommend Marc, he was not only very professional (safety, equipment, etc) he also selected the routes very carefully to meets my needs and experience. Altogether I had 3 great days with Marc, super friendly and easy going guide! I’m certainly coming back to Catalunya to do more climbing trips

Laurent Levesque

5.00

November, 2018

It was great, would recommend, 5/5 :)

Laurent Levesque

5.00

November, 2018

It was great, would recommend, 5/5 :)

Peta Glew

5.00

October, 2018

I hired Marc for one day's guided rock climbing on the south face of Montserrat. Marc was a very pleasant guide with a fun sense of humour. He knew the climbing in the area incredibly well and was able to tailor the routes he chose for us to suit my level of experience and competence. I highly recommend him, whatever level of rock climber you are!

John Neskudla

5.00

October, 2018

Absolutely fantastic day out in Montserrat mountains. Marc is super friendly and easy going and helped me to achieve my goals while lead climbing. The area is also gorgeous with over 4000 routes to suit any skill level. Can not recommend enough!!

Laurent Levesque

5.00

October, 2018

Beautiful climb on spectacular conglomerate rock. To top it off, Marc is very knowledgeable and friendly!

Alex Athanasiadis

5.00

October, 2018

The traveller did not leave a comment.

Darren Klish

5.00

July, 2018

I had a marvelous first time climbing experience with my guide Jordi. Thank you!

Ryan Suarez-Melcon

5.00

June, 2018

Marc was great, he even went back to grab me climbing shoes when I left mine at home. He taught me some of the history of the beautiful area, and put us up on some of the most spectacular lines I've been on. Will recommend to all of my climbing friends, as well as book with him again when I eventually return to this magical place! Marc spoke English well and was very receptive, helpful and accommodating.

Tim Creamer

5.00

May, 2018

Marc arrived early for our day, and provided a great day of climbing. He selected perfect routes in a spectacular setting, and offered more than a days worth of climbing. Marc is friendly, informative and speaks perfect English. I would love have another opportunity to climb with him some day.

Mark Palomba

5.00

April, 2018

Marc was skilled, friendly and awesome with everything! Highly would recommend him and this trip!

Matt

5.00

March, 2018

The climb was amazing!! Such a great day and Montserrat was such a beautiful place to spend a day to climb!!! Marc Vilaplana was such an incredible guide!! So knowledgeable of both the area and climbing! He really made it so much fun and kept it very safe! He also picked us up from the train station in the morning and gave us a ride back to the station, which felt like he was going above and beyond for us!!He is great for beginners, experts, and anything in between!!! Thanks so much for such an incredible climb!!!


 

 

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