The Fira de la Muntanya de Vic is set to gather prominent figures from the mountaineering community, transforming the city into a key meeting point for outdoor enthusiasts in Catalonia. Taking place from 6 to 8 November at the El Sucre fairgrounds, the event will host specialist companies, elite athletes, hiking organisations, professionals, and families, offering a blend of commercial activities, sports competitions, cultural events, and nature-related experiences.
Under the motto “The mountain always awaits you,” the fair is backed by the previous edition's impressive attendance, which received an average rating of 8.9 out of 10, with 91% of attendees expressing a desire to return. Bet Piella, the councillor for Fairs and Markets at the Vic City Council, emphasised that “the Fira de la Muntanya is much more than a commercial showcase. It is a project that connects sports, culture, businesses, and the community, making Vic a gathering place for all mountain enthusiasts.”
The event aims to inspire younger generations as well. During the fair week, over 600 second-year secondary school students from Vic will participate in a Mountain Sports Day. Edu Comerma, the councillor for Physical Activity and Sports, stated, “We want the fair to be an entry point into the world of mountains for young people, helping them discover new sports and find motivation to continue being physically active.”
One of the highlights of this year's edition will be the presence of climbers Bru Busom and Marc Toralles, who will share their experiences from their expedition to Yerupajá in Peru, for which they received the 2026 Piolet d'Or. The event will also feature the documentary “Duel at 8,000 metres and Balandrau,” which will be screened during the closing ceremony.
The programme will include fourteen activities featuring key figures from the sector, covering topics such as mountain skiing, para-climbing, safety, and meteorology. Notable athletes participating include Jana Lüscher, a bronze medallist at the 2026 World Mountain Bike Orienteering Championships, and María Ramírez, the youth world runner-up in sprint mountain skiing in 2026. Additionally, renowned Catalan climbers Ferran Latorre, the first Catalan to summit all 14 of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks, and Òscar Cadiach, the first Catalan to achieve this feat without supplemental oxygen, will also be present.
The Catalan Federation of Hiking Entities (FEEC) will introduce the challenge of the 50 Cims (Fifty Peaks) with skis. Quim Pons, a representative of the FEEC, highlighted that “the fair allows us to share experiences with top athletes and bring different disciplines to new audiences. The mountain also embodies knowledge, safety, and respect for the environment.”
Moreover, the fair will commemorate the 10th anniversary of MeteoMuntanya and the 30th anniversary of Cossetània Edicions. The 25th edition of the Mountain Book Fair will also take place, bringing together publishers, authors, and specialised readers. The Collsacabra Space will host literary presentations, discussions, and cultural activities, while the 12th edition of the Editorial Awards will recognise the best publications in the sector. Miquel Ylla, president of the Cultural Association of the Mountain Book, remarked, “Reaching 25 editions demonstrates that mountain culture is still very much alive. We have created a space that unites literature, knowledge of the territory, and personal experiences.”
The Open Bloc will expand its spaces and enhance live streaming coverage. After celebrating its tenth anniversary, the Climbing Festival and Open Bloc Vic will once again transform the exterior of the fairgrounds into a vibrant competition and entertainment area. With registrations for the Open Absoluto already full, the competition continues to attract significant interest among climbers. This year, the festival will incorporate live audiovisual coverage to improve the viewing experience, both on the big screen and via streaming. The urban climbing area will also be expanded, collaborating with the La Pedregada climbing gym from Sant Pere de Torelló.
The competition will retain its format, featuring approximately 35 climbing routes of varying difficulty levels, the Catalonia University Open Bloc, and the absolute category finals. Additionally, the festival will showcase the promotional video “Hate Doesn’t Climb,” which, under the slogan “Different colours, the same passion,” advocates for respect and coexistence through sport. Carles Redorta, a representative of the Climbing Festival and Open Bloc, noted, “The Open Bloc has established itself as a highly anticipated event for climbers and the public. We aim to continue enhancing the experience while maintaining the open and festive character that defines the festival.”
The sporting programme will include the second edition of the Cronopassera, returning on Friday, 6 November, featuring a timed sprint of 480 metres. This year, the race will welcome participants aged 14 and older and will introduce a unique graphic identity for the welcome pack, created by Arau Vilaregut, a student at ESDAPC Vic, in a collaboration that highlights emerging talent. On Sunday, the fair will also host the 45th Matagalls-Vic race, with the final refreshment station located at the El Sucre fairgrounds. Núria Macià, a representative of the Vic Hiking Union, stated, “The fair is an opportunity to highlight the hiking tradition of Osona and the work of local organisations that keep the sporting spirit alive throughout the year.” The same day will feature the Osoning Family Bike Ride, organised by Jufré Cycling, offering routes of 5, 10, and 20 kilometres for children and adults alike.
In conjunction with the fair, the Osona Hiking Festival, promoted by Osona Tourism, will allow participants to explore various natural and scenic areas of the region through an excursion to Roc Llarg. The fair will also include a wide representation of companies offering sports equipment, technical gear, and active tourism. One of the most anticipated areas at the opening will be the Mercat d’Ocasió, which last year featured over 3,500 items for sale. This space provides opportunities to purchase second-hand and out-of-season mountain gear while promoting circular economy practices and the reuse of sports equipment. The edition will also offer family activities, sports experiences, and educational workshops, maintaining its environmental commitment that has earned it the B GREENLY sustainable event certification for the third consecutive year.
