The Àliga slope in the El Tarter sector of Grandvalira hosted a simulated evacuation for an accident this Thursday, aiming to test the emergency system in preparation for the Women's Alpine Skiing World Cup speed events, which will take place from February 25 to March 1.

The exercise involved around ten professionals from various specialized teams, though during the competition, the emergency protocol will mobilize nearly 30 people. The participating personnel will include slope medical services, ski patrollers, the SUM, Civil Protection, and the medicalized helicopter team, all coordinated by the head of the operation, Laura Sánchez, race director Santi López, and deputy head of ski patrollers, Bibi Griera.

The drill was carried out at the lower part of the slope, specifically in the area known as Il Curvone, one of the most challenging sections of the course, whether for the downhill or the super-G events. As per the protocol, the first to intervene in the event of an accident are the ski patrollers, who assess the situation and determine whether the medical teams—comprising a doctor and a nurse—need to be activated. Afterwards, the medical team decides on the most suitable evacuation system according to the seriousness of the case, whether that means transport down the slope to the El Tarter medical center or to the helicopter landing point, located in the sector's parking lot. In more serious situations, the transfer is made by helicopter to Nostra Senyora de Meritxell Hospital.

The operation was successfully executed and enabled the evacuation of the skier in approximately 20 minutes. To this time, you would need to add another six minutes for the transfer to the hospital. In total, from the first intervention on the slope to arrival at the hospital, the time would be 26 minutes, a record that meets the criteria established by the International Ski Federation.

The race director, Santi López, emphasized that this type of exercise “is fundamental for reviewing and validating all procedures, as well as for identifying potential areas for improvement in case of a real situation, ensuring the best possible assistance to the skier.” Meanwhile, the head of the operation, Laura Sánchez, pointed out that “these drills allow us to activate the teams, put them to the test, and reinforce coordination so that evacuation is carried out quickly and efficiently.”

Security operation led by Civil Protection 

The slope’s medical team is part of a broad security operation planned for the event. On one hand, Red Cross volunteers will provide for any health needs of the audience and those seated in the stands. At the same time, outside the slopes, a Civil Protection operation will be activated, coordinating different resources to ensure road and public safety, as well as the proper functioning of access points and parking areas. This operation will include personnel from the Police, Fire Department, Forest Rangers, the Road Conservation and Operation Area (COEX), the municipal Traffic Service, and private security staff.