I live in Belgium and have recently gotten interested in climbing, particularly alpinism. I've decided to go climb Mt. Elbrus this summer together with a group of friends (with a guide company). I am good physical condition, however, my climbing experience is limited to artificial climbing walls on occasion and climbing a mountain in Oregon, USA once (with crampons and ice axe), but it was a long time ago.
Anyways, I would like to do some climbing before this summer, both for fun and for practice, but don't really have time to go the alps I think. I guess that would be the closest mid-high altitude climbing to Belgium? Otherwise if anyone knows of some some good (fairly basic) rock climbing or anything in or close to Belgium that would be helpful too.
Also, does anyone know of good stores that sell climbing equipment in Belgium? I've looked on the internet, but in typical Belgian fashion there are no on-line stores or any helpful information. Thanks.