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Le Dièdre: A Bold Corner Climb in the Laurentians

Val-David, Quebec Canada
left-facing corner
exposed traverse
small cams
single pitch
Laurentians
moderate trad
Length: 80 ft
Type: Trad, TR
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Le Dièdre
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Le Dièdre is an engaging 80-foot trad climb featuring a clean left-facing corner with an exposed traverse in Quebec’s Laurentians. This modest 5.5 PG13 route offers solid gear placements and a brisk taste of adventurous crack and face climbing with the backdrop of Val-David’s forested hills."

Le Dièdre: A Bold Corner Climb in the Laurentians

Le Dièdre offers climbers a focused encounter with Quebec’s rugged Laurentian terrain, carving out a sharp, left-facing corner that tests both technique and nerve. This single-pitch, 80-foot trad route presents a clean, crisp line that starts on a subtly angled face just left of the prominent dihedral. The approach requires mindful footwork on firm stone as you ascend toward a horizontal break where the real challenge begins—a noticeably exposed traverse back toward the dihedral, demanding steady balance and commitment.

The rock here feels alive, with a cool surface that rewards precise hand placements while the open corner invites confident stemming. Climbers will appreciate the reliable protection placements starting once you enter the dihedral, where small nuts and cams find secure homes in the cracks. The route’s PG13 rating hints at its moderate but serious nature, inviting those ready to handle exposure without overwhelming technical difficulty.

Beyond the climb itself, the setting enchants with the cool, forested backdrop of Val-David and sweeping views of the Laurentians’ rolling hills. The air carries the crisp scent of pine, while occasional winds weave through the granite outcrop, pushing you onward. The sun’s angle highlights the rock face differently throughout the day, especially in the morning when shadows soften the climb’s harder moves.

Preparation is key: bring a small rack focused on nuts and smaller cams to cover the protection spots effectively. Footwear with solid edging will make the face and traverse moves smoother, while a helmet is essential given some loose flakes near the labels of the approach. The brief but engaging route suits climbers looking to sharpen their crack and face climbing skills in a setting that balances exposed thrills with manageable commitment.

Le Dièdre's accessible length makes it a perfect introductory trad climb in the Laurentians, with a mix of moves that keep the experience varied. Whether you’re stepping up from sport routes or adding trad to your repertoire, this line delivers clear, practical beta under the shadow of L’Aiguille. For those arriving during the shoulder seasons, early autumn offers cool conditions that minimize sweat and maximize grip, while avoiding summer heat and bugs.

Ultimately, Le Dièdre demands respect not just from its moves but for the mountain environment that shapes it. This climb beckons the adventurer ready to read the rock and trust their gear on a route that maintains both a straightforward appeal and the satisfying hum of exposure.

Climber Safety

Exercise caution during the exposed traverse where fall potential increases despite solid gear placements. Be vigilant of loose flakes near the trailhead and consider wearing a helmet to mitigate risks from rockfall, especially during variable weather.

Route Details

TypeTrad, TR
Pitches1
Length80 feet

Local Tips

Start early to catch cooler morning light and softer shadows on the face.

Wear climbing shoes with good edging to navigate the face and traverse securely.

Be prepared for wind gusts near the top; dress in layers.

Check for loose flakes on the approach and helmet up accordingly.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.5 PG13
Quality
Consensus:The 5.5 PG13 rating reflects manageable technical moves but adds an element of exposure that elevates the mental game. The grade feels authentic without being soft; the crux is the exposed traverse back into the dihedral, where steady balance is critical. Compared to other moderate climbs in the Laurentians, Le Dièdre stands out for its clean line and clear protection opportunities, making it an excellent gateway to trad climbing.

Gear Requirements

A small rack focused on nuts and smaller cams works best here. Protection becomes reliable once you've committed to the dihedral, with secure placements along the corner. Bring a helmet for loose rock near the approach.

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Tags

left-facing corner
exposed traverse
small cams
single pitch
Laurentians
moderate trad