HomeClimbingPeau Lisse

Peau Lisse: A Smooth Ascent on Quebec's Granite Slabs

Saint-Donat, Quebec Canada
slab
multi-pitch
sport-climbing
trad gear
granite
moderate difficulty
Quebec
Length: 215 ft
Type: Sport
Stars
Pitches
2
Location
Peau Lisse
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Peau Lisse invites climbers to delicately navigate smooth granite slabs in the heart of Quebec’s Lanaudiere. This two-pitch 5.6 climb blends bolted security with sections needing traditional protection, offering an immersive slab experience that tests balance and precision."

Peau Lisse: A Smooth Ascent on Quebec's Granite Slabs

Facing the sheer slabs of Dalle quatre saisons within the rugged expanse of Lanaudiere, Peau Lisse commands attention with its striking texture and straightforward challenge. This two-pitch sport climb, stretching roughly 215 feet, draws you onto smooth granite that tests balance and footwork more than brute strength. The first pitch sets the tone—eight well-spaced bolts protect your steady progress up a 55-meter wall. After reaching an intermediate anchor about 25 meters in, the route directs you right to a bolt leading down to a comfortable ledge and a reliable anchor spot, inviting a brief pause under open skies.

From this perch, the second pitch ascends a final bulge, maintaining the 5.6 rating but demanding focused movement as you pass a bolt before topping out at the summit anchor. The rock’s quality is notable—the surface offers tactile, interesting texture that assists both hands and feet, transforming every move into a thoughtful interaction with the stone rather than a brute struggle.

Protection is predominantly sport-style for the initial 25 meters, but bring a rack as the terrain transitions to sections where placing your own gear becomes essential. A single 60-meter rope is sufficient to rap down in two stages, though attention to rope management is necessary given the mixed nature of the descent.

Approaching Peau Lisse involves trekking into Les Contreforts within Quebec’s Lanaudiere region—a spot that combines accessibility with a quiet seclusion away from busier climbing hubs. The relatively short approach rewards with expansive views of the granite outcrops, and the climb’s orientation ensures it catches the morning light, making early starts ideal to avoid lingering heat.

For climbers looking to explore a route that balances adventure with comfort, Peau Lisse fits the bill: it’s approachable for those refining their skills while offering enough texture and challenge to engage seasoned climbers. Be prepared for some pro placements beyond the bolted sections, and enter this granite gallery ready to enjoy a calm, focused climb that highlights the pure pleasure of slab climbing under wide Quebec skies.

Climber Safety

Watch your footing as the granite surface is smooth and can become slippery when damp. The second pitch demands attention due to fewer bolts; ensure your trad gear is solid. The rappel anchors are reliable but confirm your rigging before descending.

Route Details

TypeSport
Pitches2
Length215 feet

Local Tips

Begin your climb early to enjoy cooler temperatures and clear light on the slab.

Bring a well-rounded rack for pro beyond the bolted section.

Manage your rope carefully during rappel; two 60m rappels cover the descent.

Check weather forecasts—the granite becomes slick when wet, so avoid climbing after rain.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.6
Quality
Consensus:Rated 5.6, this route offers a solid slab climbing experience without harsh cruxes, making it approachable for those getting comfortable on multi-pitch terrain. While the rating feels straightforward, the technical nature of slab balance and gear placements beyond bolts adds a subtle layer of challenge that keeps climbing engaging.

Gear Requirements

The climb starts with eight bolts over the first 25 meters, then requires traditional gear placements. Two rappels with a single 60-meter rope complete the descent.

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Tags

slab
multi-pitch
sport-climbing
trad gear
granite
moderate difficulty
Quebec