Registration for the next major summer outing by the mountain section of the Eibar Sports Club, in conjunction with Morkaiko Mendizale Elkartea, now has a date. On June 30, starting at 6:00 PM, the period to sign up for the trek through the Pyrenees will open. The club is organizing this two-day event for July 18 and 19. The activity aims to lead participants through some of the mountain range's most stunning landscapes, with the primary objective of conquering the Punta dera Faixa, or Gran Facha (3,005 meters), one of the area's most iconic peaks.
This two-day excursion will be conducted as a trek, meaning hikers must carry all necessary equipment in their backpacks for an overnight stay at the Wallon refuge. The departure from Eibar is scheduled for the early morning of July 18 and includes bus transportation, dinner, accommodation, and breakfast at the refuge. Meals for both days and Saturday's breakfast will be the responsibility of each participant.
The first stage will commence from Pont d'Espagne towards the Wallon refuge. This segment covers 15 kilometers with an elevation gain of 1,580 meters and a descent of 1,220 meters. During the route, there will be an option to ascend Pic Arrouy, although the organization has planned an alternative for those who prefer to avoid this summit, reducing the accumulated elevation gain by approximately 200 meters.
The second day will feature the weekend's most anticipated moment: the ascent of the Gran Facha, standing at 3,005 meters. The route from the Wallon refuge to the Baños de Panticosa will span 16 kilometers, accumulating 1,355 meters of positive elevation and 1,570 meters of negative. Similar to the first day, reaching the summit will be optional. From the Mercadau pass, those who do not wish to tackle the final section can follow an alternative 12-kilometer itinerary.
The organization reminds participants that this activity is intended for experienced high-mountain hikers. As it is a trek, carrying all necessary equipment for the two days, including a sleeping bag liner for the refuge, will be essential. Furthermore, being registered with the mountain federation and having coverage for the French Pyrenees will be mandatory.
The cost of the activity is 170 euros for federated members and 200 euros for non-federated members. In both cases, registration requires a 50 euro deposit, which will only be refunded in cases of force majeure if attendance ultimately becomes impossible.
Places will be limited, and registrations will open simultaneously at the Eibar Sports Club and Morkaiko on Tuesday, June 30, at 6:00 PM. The registration form will be available on the club's website, so the organization recommends interested individuals to complete their registration as soon as possible to secure a spot on one of the most attractive high-mountain excursions of the summer calendar.
