Your complete guide to world class orienteering training this winter
Spain has become one of the most reliable destinations for winter orienteering in Europe. With high quality terrains, excellent weather, a long tradition of professional course setting, and a growing community of international teams choosing Spain for their preseason, the upcoming winter offers an exceptional list of opportunities for athletes and clubs.
For 2026, the country offers an impressive selection of training camps and competitions. Below is a clear and complete overview of the top options. All of them are guided or supported by leading professionals in the field, including Maximus and Sun-O, two of the strongest references in international winter training.
Maximus O Meeting 2026
20 to 24 February
The most influential Spanish event of recent years is, without any doubt, the Maximus O Meeting. Chosen one year ago by the international portal World Of O as Course of the Year 2024, thanks to the spectacular Middle Distance in Dehesa Navaluenga, this event continues to set the standard for quality.
The 2026 edition returns to the iconic Dehesa with another Middle Distance on an entirely new section of the area. Together with three additional new maps, this seventh edition promises to be another extraordinary experience with world class course setting, elite level atmosphere and unforgettable terrain.
Info MOM: www.maximusorientacion.com/mom
Running parallel to the event season, the Maximus Winter Camp offers more than 30 permanent trainings and three SportIdent sessions every week. Several of the best clubs in the world, including Kalevan Rasti and OK Linné, have already confirmed their attendance.
With high technical quality, variety in the terrain and exceptional coaching support, Maximus Winter Camp remains a top 3 training camp worldwide and one of the most complete winter systems available in Europe.
Info camp: www.maximusocamp.com
Barbate Sun-O Camp
The rising star of 2026
If there is one area gaining massive popularity this season, it is Barbate. The Sun-O camp in Barbate offers a true five star experience. The combination of beach side accommodation, walking distance to the huge forest of La Breña and access to a wide range of sprint and forest maps makes Barbate an absolute gem.
This winter, Barbate becomes especially relevant for two reasons. First, the excellent sprint maps for teams preparing for WOC 2026 in Italy. Second, the high quality forest maps that match the requirements of EOC 2026 in Lithuania.
There are also exotic add ons. Runners can experience the iconic Rock of Gibraltar or travel to Tangier, where a sprint training on the streets of the medina is possible. These features make the camp both unique and unforgettable.
The list of international visitors confirms its status. The national teams of Sweden and Finland visit for ten days in January. The Norwegian national team holds its open camp in February with more than 120 juniors. On top of this, all the trainings used by the Swedish and Finnish national teams, planned by Thierry Gueorgiou, Lina Strand and Kalle Dalin, will be available on the Sun-O website from 16 January.
As the final highlight, Sun-O also organises a two day event with more than 700 participants in La Breña on 28 February to 1 March. Another top 3 world class camp for 2026.
Info: www.sun-o.com
Alicante and Murcia Sun-O Camp
The Alicante-Murcia region remains a guaranteed choice every year thanks to excellent weather, easy airport connections, comfortable accommodation and stunning terrain near the coast.
For 2026, Sun-O has updated 100 percent of the dune maps in Guardamar, which means perfect conditions once again for one of the most iconic technical areas in Spain. The combination with high quality inland forest in Murcia, such as Coto Maravillas (World Cup 2014), and the huge number of top level sprint maps creates a perfect training environment.
Two international events complement this camp:
• Gran Premi Comunidad Valenciana, 7 to 8 February in Alicante
• Costa Cálida, 6 to 8 March in Murcia, where Sun-O provides the official trainings
Info: www.sun-o.com
Granada Sun-O Camp
An area that has flown under the radar but hides enormous potential. Granada combines stunning sprint areas with varied and beautiful forest terrains. In 2026, the Norwegian club NTNUI will train in Granada, and Sun-O has prepared up to 18 high quality sessions for them. The team will stay in spectacular cave houses, adding a very special touch to the experience.
More information at www.sun-o.com
Other Camps Worth Considering
Spain offers even more for those looking for variety.
• Málaga Sprint Camp, with a wide range of sprint trainings and the MOSC 2026 organised by COMA from 16 to 20 February, a perfect choice for pure sprint lovers
• Fast and subtle dunes in Huelva
• High quality sprint maps in Sevilla and Madrid for those who want something different
All available at www.sun-o.com
Final Thoughts
The 2026 winter season in Spain offers one of the strongest collections of training camps and international events ever seen. Thanks to the professionalism and long experience of Maximus and Sun-O, athletes can expect world class quality, accurate maps, superb course setting and a perfect winter environment.
Whether you are preparing for WOC/EOC 2026 or simply aiming to develop your technique, these camps bring the best of Spain to your winter training. Pack your compass, choose your destination and enjoy a world of possibilities.
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