The Audi FIS Ski World Cup Andorra 2026 comes to a close with a hugely positive assessment both in terms of sport and of organisation. Over the course of five days of intense activity, the country has once again demonstrated its ability to host major international alpine skiing events, with an “exceptional” reaction from the International Ski Federation (FIS), the technical teams and the skiers.

The organising committee sought to highlight the work done by the teams for the courses, logistics, transport, volunteers and sponsors, emphasising the high levels of coordination and professionalism achieved. “When the FIS race director tells you that he has nothing to disapprove of and that he can only thank you, that says a lot about what we have done,” Sports Director Santi López said during the press conference to review the event. Also involved were David Hidalgo, CEO of the organising committee; Marc Mitjana, Secretary General of the organising committee; and Carles Visa, Managing Director of the Andorran Ski Federation (FAE).

International recognition and organisational growth

The organisers expressed their satisfaction with the staging of the three competitions and also with the fact that almost all of the international teams have publicly acknowledged the tremendous effort put in. According to López, at the last meeting of team leaders, the Austrian delegation expressed the wish for the World Cup venue of Andorra to be an annual fixture in the calendar, on behalf of the participants.

Marc Mitjana, in turn, underlined the vast experience gained over the years and the strengthening of an established, highly experienced and very professional technical team. He has also highlighted the involvement of collaborators and sponsors.

In terms of attendance, the event drew between 4,000 and 5,000 spectators each day, which was indicated by David Hidalgo, who gave a very positive assessment of the atmosphere and enthusiasm experienced in the stands and in the whole finish area.

Looking forward to the 2027 calendar

Hidalgo announced that the decision as to whether Andorra features in next season’s calendar will be made public in May. The organising committee “has expressed the desire to continue being part of the circuit on a regular basis, although the final decision rests with the international governing bodies”.

With this assessment, Andorra solidifies its position as a reliable and competitive venue within the international alpine ski circuit. Getting positive feedback from teams that compete every week at venues with 50 years’ experience is very relevant, the director said. Over these last few days, high praise has also been received from the President and the Director General of the FIS, Johan Eliasch and Urs Lehmann, who have been in attendance.

Eliasch was very enthusiastic about the idea that Andorra will host more events in the future: “It is a real privilege to be here. The scenery is spectacular and the slope is simply extraordinary. Whenever we have the opportunity to compete on this course, the experience is magnificent. I have come here several times and each time it is just as special. There’s nothing strange about the fact that everyone wants to return here; we feel very fortunate to be able to live this moment, as the atmosphere is exceptional, and impeccably organised. It really is a snow country.”

Regarding the possible hosting of World Championships, the FIS leader said that “Andorra should continue to strive to host the World Championships, because it has more than proven that it is ready to take on an event of this magnitude, since it is a great host, so I hope that moment comes very soon.” Regarding the real possibilities of hosting them, he reminded everyone that “the country meets all the necessary criteria and you only have to see the enthusiasm that the spectators, the teams and the skiers show, skiers who always enjoy competing here”.

For his part, the FIS Women's World Cup Chief Race Director, Peter Gerdol, expressed his satisfaction with the organisation of the event, both in terms of the sporting aspects and the course preparation —which he described as “excellent”— and also in terms of the other aspects including Team Hospitality, the Ski Room and accommodation. “I have seen how you have grown from scratch to the highest level of the World Cup, always ready to listen and paying attention to the other organisers to continue learning,” he said. In this regard, he expressed his conviction that “sooner or later you will get to organise a World Championships, because you deserve it”, and he remarked that “you don’t need to do anything differently from what you are already doing. It is more a matter of sports policy; it is in no way related to the sporting side or the organisation. You are ready, and you have been ready for years.”

Jordina Caminal, growing positively

Finally, on behalf of the FAE (Andorran Ski Federation), Carles Visa chose the moment to send a message of encouragement to Cande Moreno, who has been unable to compete due to injury, but that has been here every day supporting the organisation and Jordina Caminal. When it comes to the sporting side of things, he emphasised that Caminal had competed at a high level and that she is a skier that is developing very positively, despite having finished some distance from the top 30, but having finished ahead of regular European Cup racers.

Regarding the organisation of the competition, Visa stated that “we have organised one of the best downhills in the calendar this season”, both in terms of the technical quality of the course and of the course conditions.