Spanish Peaks 2027 - FAQ's

Why join us? 

• Take on a personal challenge, trekking to the top of Spain’s mountain peaks from Sierra Nevada National Park – Veleta, Pica de Loma Pelada and Mulhacen

• Have fun, meet new people and network with colleagues 

• Raise vital funds for our fantastic charity EY Foundation and our work with young people from low-income backgrounds. 

Tell me more about EY Foundation

• EY Foundation is a UK charity committed to removing barriers to employment for young people from low-income backgrounds  

• The charity works directly with young people to give confidence boosting training, access to quality work experience, 1 to 1 mentoring and a network that believes in their potential. The EY Foundation shows young people a world full of opportunity that is in their reach and gives them the skills to get there.  

How many people are taking part?  

We anticipate a small group. This will be a great opportunity to take on a challenge with another like-minded fundraisers! Feel free to encourage your external network to join too (over the age of 18). 

What if I don’t make the fundraising target?  

Each Spanish Peaks participant has an individual commitment to fundraise a minimum of £1,500 in aid of the EY Foundation. The EY Foundation takes these fundraising targets very seriously and while it promises to provide participants with fundraising support throughout, it requires commitment from each participant to work towards and reach their individual target. Our fundraisers will understand the impact they want to have on young people’s lives so we hope that you will raise as much as you can and reach your target.   

Great news! EY employees are now eligible to obtain matched funding when fundraising for the EY Foundation. This means that for every pound you raise, EY will match it, doubling the impact of your efforts. This is a fantastic opportunity to amplify your contributions and support the important work we do together. The EY Foundation fundraising team will advise you on how to claim your matched funding once you have signed up for the challenge, as well as provide details on how to create your fundraising page. Please do note, you will be expected to raise the £1,500 as a minimum, without the addition of matched funding.

*You can claim a maximum of £500 in matched funding as an individual within a financial year, and up to £1,000 as a team during the same period. 

How hard is the trek? 

The trek is a physically and mentally challenging event and is graded as tough on the GAC website. This is due to the distance of the challenge, and the preparation it takes to complete it. It is however a once in a lifetime event, and you will be supported by the trek company GAC (Global Adventure Challenges) and the EY Foundation team throughout your experience, and a UK Doctor travelling with you on the trek.

• The actual trek takes place over 3 consecutive days 

• The trekking distance is 38 km, approx.

• The terrain will be a mixture of rough and rocky paths along the mountain ranges range 

• The temperature in Spain in June usually ranges between highs of 28-30° and lows of 17-19°

• There is plenty of time to get trek ready between now and the challenge in June 2027. But remember – you need to be consistent! Why not start getting those steps in now- you should then have a base level of fitness by the time you depart! 

Do we have a training plan available?

• Yes – this will be found with a number of other resources on your GAC account once you have signed up

If someone cannot continue on the trek, what happens?

• If someone is advised by the team they can no longer continue, they will then be taken down the course to a lower altitude with a guide.

What accommodation is provided?

You will have 4 nights accommodation in a 2-star hotel (twin share). A single occupancy supplement of £285pp will be required if a single room is requested.

What type of food can I expect on the trek?

• Breakfast will be at the hotel and dinner will be either at the hotel or a local restaurant- expect typical Spanish cuisine!
• Lunch in on the trail in a packed-lunch style.

Will I have to transport my luggage on the actual trek? 

No – your luggage will be kept at the hotel.

How will the EY Foundation support me?

You can expect: 

• A dedicated and experienced fundraising team to give support and advice 

• Regular emails with event and fundraising information to help you on your journey 

• 1:1 call updates 

• A WhatsApp group chat connecting you with your fellow fundraisers and EY Foundation fundraising team member 

• Help creating your fundraising page 

• Comms assistance, helping to ensure the message of why you are taking part in aid of the EY Foundation is the best it can be 

• An EY Foundation t-shirt 

• An EY Foundation team member accompanying you on the challenge. 

Donations from EY Audit clients if I am an EY staff member – are there any restrictions in asking for donations from them?

• As EY Foundation is constituted as a member firm, we adhere to the same independence restrictions as the rest of the EY business. This means we cannot work with or receive income from Channel 1 clients, this would preclude you requesting financial support from your clients for trek sponsorship / donations. 

Will we have a chance to meet up with the group before the event takes place? 

Yes! A date will be arranged for you to meet your fellow fundraisers and the EY Foundation team beforehand. This normally take the form of a relaxed training hike, usually London-based. 

How much does it cost? 

£199 non-refundable registration fee and then the remaining cost of £1,831. Payments will be made directly to Global Adventure Challenges who will be facilitating the trek. There is no payment plan, but you can pay instalments directly to GAC who will keep track of your amount due. The final payment deadline is Friday 27 March 2027.

Are there any other costs?  

You will need to buy your own kit, such as adequate walking shoes, rucksacks, breathable clothing, baseball caps, sunglasses, etc.. You will need to ensure you have appropriate travel insurance, vaccinations and visas (if required). You will also need to arrange your own travel to the departure airport. Tips and spending money are also not included. The cost of accommodation and flights from London to Spain are covered in the participant fee. Please see full details of what is included / excluded in the price, outlined on the Spanish Peaks Trek page.

Regarding travel insurance requirements, ensure your policy covers adventure activities, not just your standard holiday insurance, and the below:

Medical Expenses

• Emergency medical treatment
• Hospitalisation
• Prescription medication
• Emergency dental treatment
• Cover for pre-existing medical conditions (if participants declare them)

Ensure cover includes:

• Mountain rescue team deployment
• Ground search operations
• Technical rescue
• Helicopter rescue and extraction

Confirm that:

• Trekking is specifically listed as an insured activity
• Maximum altitude limits are suitable
• Multi-day trekking is covered
• Guided-group trekking is covered

When do I have to sign by? 

The closing date to sign-up is Friday 19^th March 2027.  

Any questions? 

Please contact SpanishThreePeaks@eyfoundation.ey.com , where you will be contacted by one of the fundraising team who will answer any questions you may have regarding the trek.

For more info on the challenge, terms and conditions, please also head to the GAC Spanish Peaks Trek page.