PAS DE L'ESPORT, SLU

Estanys 42 KM

This race counts towards the UTMB Index, awards 2 ITRA points and forms part of the Multisegur Assegurances Andorra Mountain Running Cup in the O21 category and the O40, O50 and O60 sub-categories.

The Estanys is a race designed for runners of a very high standard. It is extremely challenging, ensuring that the most experienced runners can tackle a demanding course in Andorra's highest-altitude trail running event. The highlights will include summiting Pic Maià, Port Dret, Paso de las Vacas and Coll Blanc, as well as running through the Pessons Glacial Cirque and crossing much of the eastern valley – all of which will make for a unique experience.

The route

We will start from the church square in Pas de la Casa and head towards the ski slopes. This is where we will begin the ascent to the Envalira Pass, the highest pass in the Pyrenees at 2,409 meters above sea level. At this point, we will cross the road to continue climbing to the summit of Pic Maià. Once at the top, we will enjoy wild mountains and incredible landscapes.

We'll begin the descent along a well-trodden path to reach the Collet d'Ortafà, where the first refreshment stop is located. We'll then climb a little to reach the summits of Ortafà I, II and III, followed by Port Dret and finally Pao de les Vaques.

Once at the summit, we'll begin our descent towards the Siscaró refuge, passing by the Siscaró lakes. Before reaching the refuge, we'll turn left to continue along the GR10, a forest track that will take us to the village of Soldeu, where the second refreshment stop is located.

From there, we'll follow part of the path leading to Port Dret, but instead of climbing it, we'll descend towards the main road, which we'll cross again to reach the start of the old footpath that we'll follow to Bordes de Envalira, near the Pla de les Pedres chairlift, where the third refreshment stop will be located, allowing us to regain our strength, as we'll be climbing again along part of the Solanelles XL track; halfway up, we'll turn left onto a 4x4 track that will take us to the Lake Cubil area, where we'll ascend via the Avi track to join the GRP path.

Once on this path, we'll follow it to the first Pessons Lake where, before setting off on the circuit around the Pessons glacial cirque, we'll find the fourth refreshment station. Back at the first lake, we'll turn right to climb via the GR10 to the Montmalús ski lift terminus, where we will begin the descent to Grau Roig. This is where the second refreshment station is located, and we will need to fill up on water and food, as a long climb awaits us.

We will start by climbing the Pastora trail, then turn right to continue the ascent to Coll Blanc, where we will find the last refreshment station. Once we reach the top, we will begin the descent via the Llac trail, a mountain path that will take us through an area rich in flora and fauna in the Principality of Andorra.

At the end of the trail, we will turn right towards the Isards trail, where we will make one last effort to climb up to an old hut. Here, we will enjoy a mountain landscape that is unique in the Pyrenees. We will also begin the descent. First via the Coll dels Isards path, then via the Estany de les Abelletes path, until we reach the church square, thus completing an epic adventure!

Estanys 42 KM