Nocturnal Ascent to Puig Cornelis: Kicking Off the Year Under the Star

We welcomed 2026 with an unforgettable experience: a nocturnal ascent to the emblematic Puig Cornelis, eager to witness the traditional lighting of the Christmas Star. Setting off from Joanetes, we embarked on a 6.82 km route that promised adventure and excitement from the very start.

The ascent tackled the challenging Pas dels Ganxos Nous, an equipped, vertical, and direct scramble that tested our agility. As the day drew to a close and light faded, we gained altitude, reaching the ridge with hearts full of anticipation.

Once at the summit, the fog, with its mysterious veil, obscured any views over the valley, but it did not diminish the warm and festive atmosphere in the slightest. We awaited the grand lighting, sharing 'coca', warm coffee, and 'ratafia' until the star burst into the darkness, illuminating the night with its magic.

The descent transformed into an ethereal experience, with headlamps lighting our way through majestic beech forests, creating an almost fairytale setting. The route led us towards Sant Privat d'en Bas, passing by the serene Santuari de les Olletes. This non-circular, nocturnal traverse was especially memorable thanks to the organization and camaraderie of the Grup Excursionista Cultural i Alpinista de Sant Esteve d'en Bas, which made this climb to Puig Cornelis a truly spectacular start to the year.