"Pas Encore delivers a single pitch of purposeful trad climbing on solid granite cliffs above Lac Blanc. With a clean bolt line and sparse protection, this route offers a focused challenge for intermediate climbers seeking precision and commitment amid Quebec’s wild forests."
Located within the rugged cliffs overlooking Lac Blanc in Quebec’s Lanaudiere region, the Pas Encore route offers a focused and straightforward trad climbing experience that challenges both your technique and mental grit. Rising across a single, exposed pitch of approximately 70 feet, this climb invites you to engage with a clean rock face punctuated by a modest bolt line and the requirement for precise gear placements. From the base, the approach leads you along a short but steep forested trail where the scent of pine and the distant call of birds create a refreshing backdrop. Once on the wall, the first ramp sets the tone with its exacting footwork and tested bolts guiding your movements upward. Despite the route’s brevity, the commitment required here leaves little room for hesitation; the rock demands focus and confidence as you ascend toward a small ledge that offers welcome but minimal respite. Protection consists of four bolts supplemented by a sparse rack, emphasizing efficient gear management. This balance of fixed anchors paired with traditional gear calls for climbers to bring a compact rack and a sharp eye for placements. The granite’s texture ranges from solid to occasionally gritty, urging careful balance and deliberate pacing. Whether you’ve come to the region to sneak in a challenging warm-up or to push your trad skills in a less crowded setting, Pas Encore stands as a clear, no-nonsense test of approach and execution. Finish the climb with commanding views of the surrounding forest and shimmering waters below, grounding you in the quiet power of this northern wilderness. Be sure to time your climb for morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak sun exposure on the south-facing wall. With its direct line and manageable length, Pas Encore is best suited for climbers comfortable leading 5.10 to 5.11 grades who want a taste of Lanaudiere’s unpretentious granite landscapes.
Protection is limited to four bolts and small trad gear; placing reliable pro on this granite requires precise placement skills, so ensure your rack is well-suited for small cracks and edges. The approach trail can be slippery after rain, so take care coming and going.
Bring a compact trad rack focusing on smaller cams and nuts for the limited natural protection opportunities.
Start the climb early or later afternoon to avoid the full heat on the exposed south-facing wall.
Approach via the forest trail that begins at Lac Blanc’s main access point, it takes around 20 minutes to reach the cliff base.
Focus on clean footwork on the initial ramp where bolt placements mark key moves.
Four bolts provide solid yet spaced protection, supplemented by a small trad rack for precise gear placements along the route.
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