From February 25 to March 1, the best female skiers in the world will meet on the Àliga slope in the El Tarter sector of Grandvalira to compete in a downhill (DH) race and two super-G (SG) events of the Alpine Ski World Cup circuit, which resumes in Andorra after the break for the Winter Olympic Games.

In total, the Audi FIS Ski World Cup Andorra 2026 will feature 66 athletes from 15 different countries, with 64 competing in DH and 62 in SG, a participation rate slightly above the circuit’s average. There are many open opportunities, especially after Lindsey Vonn’s injury withdrawal and Federica Brignone’s notable comeback. The Italian, who has confirmed her presence on the Àliga, has just recovered from a major injury and returned to competition in triumphant form, winning two gold medals at the Winter Olympic Games (SG and GS).

The countries sending the most athletes are Switzerland and Austria (11), Italy (10), United States (9), France (5), and Norway (4). There will also be representation from Germany and Canada with three athletes each, and from the Czech Republic with two racers. Finally, the countries with a single competitor are Andorra, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, New Zealand, and Poland.

The downhill standings are still led by Lindsey Vonn, who before her injury at the Games had accumulated 400 points, with a 144-point lead over the second-place skier, Germany’s Emma Aicher. The Andorra race, which will take place on Friday, February 27, stands out as a key event, where the top speedsters will have the chance to close the gap on Vonn and battle for the lead ahead of the last two events of the season. Among the main contenders are the Germans Emma Aicher (256 points) and Kira Weidle Winkelmann (232 points), who shone at the Olympic Games with a silver in the team combined; Aicher also finished second in downhill. Also worth noting is Italian Laura Pirovano, fourth in the standings with 207 points.

Goggia and Robinson lead an open battle for the SG title

The two super-G events to be held in El Tarter on February 28 and March 1 could substantially change the discipline’s rankings, which are currently led by Italy’s Sofia Goggia (280 points), closely followed by New Zealander Alice Robinson (220 points). Goggia will be fighting to maintain her lead and win what would be her first ever SG crystal globe, while Robinson, already the best alpine skier outside Europe and North America, will try to challenge her after the strong results she’s achieved in SG this season.

However, the super-G standings are very much up for grabs, as several skiers still have real chances to claim the top spot, such as Romane Miradoli (FRA), Ester Ledecká (CZE), Emma Aicher (GER), or Cornelia Huetter (AUT), among others. Additionally, all eyes will be on Federica Brignone’s performance—the big World Cup winner last season—who, despite not being in the running for any crystal globe this year, could take victory in one of the Andorran races after her excellent results at the Milan-Cortina Games.

Jordina Caminal, Andorran representative

Following Cande Moreno’s knee injury at the Olympic Games, 22-year-old Jordina Caminal will take center stage for Andorra in the three events to be held in El Tarter. In 2026, Caminal has debuted both in the World Cup circuit and at the Winter Olympic Games, where she achieved a commendable 24th place in the downhill—the best Andorran women’s result in downhill at the Games. Her goals in Àliga are to keep gaining experience, consolidate her place in the world circuit, and make the most of competing at home, as it can provide extra motivation and a boost to help close the gap to the best skiers.

The Àliga slope, ready

The legendary Àliga is already prepared. Over the past few days, some of the best speedsters have already trained on the iconic slope and, at the same time, the technical team has been finalizing preparations, including installing all elements of the start and finish platforms, and assembling high-security nets along the course. In total, 10,555 meters of type A and B security nets have been installed on the competition slope.

As for preparing the slope, work has been ongoing since the start of the season, especially during a winter marked by frequent snowfall. Slope grooming has been intensive to ensure a compacted and uniform surface, with the optimum hardness to combine speed and safety for the skiers.

Sports program:

Wednesday, February 25 at 11 a.m.: Official downhill training.

Thursday, February 26 at 11 a.m.: Official downhill training.

Friday, February 27 at 11 a.m.: Downhill race.

Saturday, February 28 at 10:15 a.m.: Super-G race.

Sunday, March 1 at 10:15 a.m.: Super-G race.