27 February 2026 - 9:52

Andorra gets back to World Cup racing after the Olympic Games with a downhill that looks set to be really exciting

The Àliga slope in the El Tarter sector of the Grandvalira ski station staged the second official training session for the downhill competition (DH) of the Audi FIS Ski World Cup Andorra 2026. Of the 52 racers who completed the descent, the fastest skier was Austria’s Nina Ortlieb, with a time of 1.32.26; Switzerland’s Corinne Suter finished second fastest (+0.76), and Italy’s Sofia Goggia finished third fastest once again (+0.82). Ester Ledecká, who was fastest in the first training session yesterday, came in in fourth position. On this second day of training, yesterday’s downhill time was beaten by 1.13 seconds and a maximum speed of 120 km/h was recorded.

After the two official training sessions, this Friday will be the moment of truth in a discipline that, following the loss of Lindsey Vonn due to injury, has been left more open than ever. The top speed specialists now find themselves facing a key opportunity to close the gap on Vonn and fighting for top spot in the demanding final stretch of the season, with two more rounds in Val di Fassa (Italy) and the World Cup Finals in Lillehammer (Norway).

As for the overall assessment of the day, the top racers unanimously praised the high level of preparation of the course. Ortlieb affirmed that “the course is in excellent condition, which is incredible” and, additionally, praised the Team Hospitality: “I have to say this because it’s amazing: when you walk in you realise the amount of effort everyone puts in, it’s really impressive.”

Germany’s Emma Aicher and Kira Weidle-Winkelmann, who occupy second and third positions respectively in the downhill standings, also expressed their appreciation for the slope. Weidle-Winkelmann – who finished in 23rd position today – said that “the conditions are great and the snow is responding very well”. Aicher, who is competing in Andorra for the first time and finished 22nd today, climbing 16 places after her first training session, also stated that she felt very comfortable: “Yesterday was interesting and today has gone a little better. It is a great course”.

Aiming for Top 30 for Jordina Caminal

The Andorran representative, Jordina Caminal, finished the second official training session with a clear improvement compared to yesterday, both in terms of time and of the qualifying position. After stopping the timer at 1:37.56 in the first training session (36th position), Caminal took a very significant step forward today, setting a time of 1:39, which earned her a finish in 43rd position. Even so, the Andorran acknowledged that she had still made some mistakes that she will have to correct tomorrow. Her goal is to try to make it into the Top 30 and she stated that “I am already very aware of the affection shown by the volunteers and the local people in the country, so I am really looking forward to racing tomorrow”.

Fun at the World Cup Village

At the same time as the races, starting this Friday the World Cup Village opens its doors, which is the area designed for attendees and fans to enjoy the World Cup as a complete experience. Located in the grounds of the Hotel Nòrdic and open from 09:00 to 13:00h, the Village will have an exhibitor area with leading brands such as Head, Völkl, Rossignol, Dynastar and Oakley. There will also be a space for activities and workshops to allow everyone to discover Andorran entities such as the Creu Roja Andorrana (the Andorran Red Cross), the Fundació Nostra Senyora de Meritxell (Our Lady of Meritxell Foundation) and the native Andorran Brown Pyrenean Cow breed, the Vaca Bruna d’Andorra. The programme is rounded off with recreational activities for all ages, including a giant ski race, a mini-golf on snow, photocall areas, musical entertainment and bar service.