For many climbers from Quebec, traveling is a natural extension of their passion for climbing. When the days grow shorter and the cold sets in, we dream of a sunny crag, boulders in the middle of the desert, or a limestone wall overlooking the sea. But combining climbing and travel is an art in itself.
Over the past twenty years, Quebec climbers have been traveling more and more to climb. With more affordable plane tickets and access to a vast source of information, A.K.A. the Internet, it’s now possible to (try to) plan trips to some of the most spectacular climbing destinations on the planet.
The appeal of climbing elsewhere is obvious: discovering new styles, new rock types, unusual problems, and developing new climbing skills. But the beauty of not spending your entire trip solely climbing is getting the chance to discover people, cultures, and charming places where there’s more than just rock.
Whether your goal is to climb and travel, with someone who climbs or not, with family or without, here are a few suggestions for blending a leisure trip and a “business trip” (of climbing):
Choose a destination that makes sense.
Hueco Tanks, in Texas, is an incredible climbing area with a ridiculous number of problems to try. But the good season is winter. So trying to plan something fun to do in the middle of the desert when it’s cold… is quite a challenge. And if you’re happy pulling on rock, your travel partner might not be so eager to repeat the experience. Fontainebleau, on the other hand, just an hour from Paris, offers good conditions in winter and spring, and it’s much easier to plan non-climbing activities there. A little research online will help you find plenty of options based on your budget and preferences.
You don’t have to go halfway around the world to climb and travel.
A long weekend in Kamouraska offers solid rock and stunning scenery. Drive a few more hours, and you’ll be climbing on Ontario limestone not far from Niagara Falls. The key is to find a destination that works for everyone!
Go for half-days on the rock.
Warm up, send a few problems, then change and go do something else. Perfect for destinations with easy climbing access and condensing your climbing time will push you to give 110%.
Visit local climbing gyms at your destination.
If you’re in Japan or England, for example, finding good weather and all the gear you need for outdoor climbing can be tricky. Hitting an indoor gym, trying out the “local” problems, and pulling on plastic works just fine! It’s also fascinating to see the differences in style and chat with climbers from another culture. Gamba!
Insurance is a must
Make sure you have insurance that covers you in case of an accident. Sure, you have that friend who spent a month climbing in the U.S. with no issues. But ending up in the emergency room with a minor injury that costs you hundreds, or more, isn’t exactly the kind of travel story you’ll want to tell.
The logistics side
Depending on your destination and mode of transport, it’s often possible to travel light when it comes to climbing gear. If you’re just planning to explore a site for a day or two, it might make more sense to rent crash pads locally rather than haul them with you.
And for guidebooks, start at Bloc Shop, of course. What better way to dream up a project list than flipping through a book? Plus, having solid information on approaches and logistics will help you be better prepared.
Have a great trip!