French canyoneer Laurent Poublan has recently moved to the new heights canyoning in the Pyrenees. He and his mates took up the steep canyons full of frozen waterfalls and hanging icicles. "It's a little crazy, but very exciting. I remember when it was -10 degrees and we were at an altitude of 1500 meters, we could experience an awesome scenery of snow and ice that completely transformed the canyon, " describes Poublan.
In the last seven years, he and his two friends have become pioneers of the sport in the Pyrenees. Gradually they began to discover canyons also in Italy, in the Alps, Norway or even Chile. They´ve introduced winter canyoning activities to the public within their outdoor company called Experience Canyon.
Compared to the summer, winter climbing canyons is a little more dangerous and more difficult to design. It is also more demanding as for the experience and material. You need to have perfect warm clothes, shoes, gloves and everything that clears the moisture and frost. Canyoning in winter is a challenge. It often depends on the conditions and current avalanche danger.
Nevertheless, winter canyoning has several advantages too. First, you will very likely be alone on the spot, completely. Ice and snow covers help the terrain recognition. In addition to flowing water you hear nothing except of crampons crunching on the ice. Otherwise, just peace and quiet, yet with a generous dose of adrenaline. Winter canyoning is a truly unique experience on the border of adrenaline and relaxation.
More information can be found at: Canyon Experience
Source: Redbull.com and Experience Canyon. Photo: Sam Bie Copyrights applied. Video: Youtube.com Text: Martin Alexander
