Photos by mister_mestizo

This illustration shows how to get to some of the popular ice climbing spots in the Bras du Nord:

- Mer de Glace, a popular grade III (a parking area is planned for winter 2004-05)
- Schtroumpf Costaud (difficult approach)
- Chutes à Guy, several lines, park at "Accueil Cantin" and take trail.

This is the world's highest altitude multi-pitch sports route (known of at this time) it tops out at 4712m. Five pitch route. The pitchs go at 6a, 6a, 6a+ A0 (variant off to the left 7a, 7a), 6b, 5+. The route is 170m (220m with the two-pitch variation.) The route requires 13 quickdraws and at least 2 X 50m ropes. The route can be rappelled from any point.

This is the world's highest altitude multi-pitch sports route (known of at this time) it tops out at 4712m. Five pitch route. The pitchs go at 6a, 6a, 6a+ A0 (variant off to the left 7a, 7a), 6b, 5+. The route is 170m (220m with the two-pitch variation.) The route requires 13 quickdraws and at least 2 X 50m ropes. The route can be rappelled from any point.

This is the world's highest altitude multi-pitch sports route (known of at this time) it tops out at 4712m. Five pitch route. The pitchs go at 6a, 6a, 6a+ A0 (variant off to the left 7a, 7a), 6b, 5+. The route is 170m (220m with the two-pitch variation.) The route requires 13 quickdraws and at least 2 X 50m ropes. The route can be rappelled from any point.

To get to the ice climbing, drive west from Pont-Rouge, turn south on Des Commissaires and west again on Chemin du Bois-de-l'Ail. At about 1km, a large field starts on your left. An access road and parking area (marked "S" on this map) are often plowed on the field in the winter. Camping is tolerated at the back of the field, please be discreet and tidy.

Festiglace evening events such as movies and slideshows take place in the parochial center (Centre Paroissial) in town. Babes & beer have been a constant.
IGA and Metro are supermarkets, Caisse Desjardins and Banque Nationale are banks with ATMs.

This is the "Ventana" as seen from the south edge of the canyon (we're looking northeast in this picture.) The cliffs are at their tallest at the Ventana (maybe 200m?) and mark the eastern end of the rocky canyon. The rest of the canyon (and all other pictures) lie to the west of this formation.

The road to this area runs along the north edge of the canyon, passes behind the Ventana, then switchbacks down to the right. A tiny bit of road switchback can be seen through the Ventana gap, just above the cloud's shadow.

The easiest approach is to get off the bus before descending the switchbacks and descend a wide gully to the Aleta campsite.

The gap at the foot of the Ventana in this picture is not a good way in, it is actually quite narrow, requiring fifth-class scrambling and it may be difficult to pass, depending on water level.

Camping is great on the south side of the Aleta. The campsite is hidden from the road (which passes at the top of the slope behind the Aleta in this picture.)

The left, or west arete of this fin has been climbed and there is a rappel anchor at the top. Development will make this a great training rock.
La Torre del Ron is uphill and left of this picture, very near the road.

Looking west towards the Aleta campsite.

In this picture, the Aleta is partially hidden behind a taller unclimbed tower in the foreground. This taller tower must be around 120m in height.

La Torre del Ron is part of the ridgeline in the upper right of the photo, but farther to the right and closer to the road.
Photo: Arian Manchego

The rock is truly amazing at Cabo San Lucas...

From left to right:
The third and last rappel anchor in the gorge, 23m
A: La Ruta del Arbolito, 5.10
B: Chocho Loco, 5.8
topo by: Arian Manchego

I'm standing at the third and last rappel anchor in the gorge. Foot of the cliff is 23m down. This anchor can be used for some fun, although difficult toproping to the left. There are two more moderate routes to the right, they start at the foot of the cliff and top out at about the same height as this anchor.

The narrow gorge at Los Calambucos has been equipped with rappel anchors. Depending on the year's runoff, the second rappel may end in a small pool, and require a short swim to the third anchor!
Photo: Arian Manchego

Coro de Monjas or "Choir of Nuns" - one of the more beautiful formations near the road. The pillars average 15-20m in height.

Alex Rojas and Michel Obando on the first ascent of Cabo Blanco, 5.9 on La Torre del Ron. Photo: Arian Manchego