The Xabier Ormazabal Grant was created in 2017 and pays tribute to the basque mountaineer Xabier Ormazabal, who died on Cho Oyu in 2004. The aim of the grant is to keep his memory alive, by fostering his mountaineering career as a role model and help young mountaineers. All kinds of projects are submitted: from major expeditions to guides, books and audiovisuals.
Xabier Ormazabal (Urretxu 1981-Cho Oyu 2004) overcame The Snow Leopard challenge by climbing the seven-thousanders Communism, Khan Tengri, Pobeda, Lenin, and Korzhenevskaya. He then set his sights on the Himalayas, where he passed away.
Mendi Film and The Walk On Project-WOP foundation, join the Xabier Ormazabal Beka rope team in 2025 as sponsors, alongside Urretxu Town Council. Mendi Film and The Walk On Project will each contribute 2,000 euro, while the Town Council will contribute 3,000-euro, 7,000-euro in total.
Mendi Film and WOP have based their decision on the strength and loyalty of the climbing team when it comes to supporting the Xabier Ormazabal Grant, considering that promoting the values of mountaineering among young people is an exemplary and shared goal.
The deadline for submitting projects for this year's grant is from June 6th to December 15th 2025. It is aimed at young people born in 2001 or later and is awarded to either an individual or a group. High standard, original projects related to mountaineering may be submitted.
