Grandvalira, Andorra hosts European Cup finals.
The Alpine Skiing European Cup Finals which will be held from 19 to 22 March at Grandvalira, were officially announced today. A total of 20 countries will be represented in these championships. More than 250 people, including skiers and staff, will travel to the Andorran ski resort next week where some of the best European skiers will come together.
A series of cancellations at different European destinations due to weather conditions, and the confidence shown by the International Ski Federation (FIS) in Grandvalira, has finally resulted in the Andorran resort holding 3 more trials than the 5 initially planned. Therefore, there will be 8 trials in total, 5 qualifying as European Cup Finals and 3 cancellations added from other resorts: 1 downhill and 2 super-giants in the men's category and 3 downhill, 1 slalom (combined) and 1 super-giant in the women's category.
The numbers involved are a good indication of the scale of the competition. The organization includes 200 people, with 150 volunteers, 110 of which will be working on the slopes. Grandvalira has everything prepared so that these championships are a success and represent Andorra's great organizational capacity for large sports events.
Conrad Blanch, managing director of the European Cup Finals assessed the importance of this event both for Grandvalira and the Principality of Andorra: "The event is a step towards consolidating Andorra's and Grandvalira's standing in alpine skiing. It is the last step before taking on the Women's World Cup 2016".
Grandvalira and Andorra among the skiing elite
The president of the Andorran Skiing Federation (FAE), Albert Coma, stated that "a great show is expected next week at Grandvalira". He added that, "Grandvalira should have an Alpine Skiing World Cup on its calendar at least every two or three years, it's the way forward".
Betim Budzaku, Director of Andorra Tourism stated that “there is no doubt in our minds that it will be a success, due to both the quality of the slope and the supporting logistics. Once again, Andorra and Grandvalira will strengthen the country's positioning in snow and skiing."
The Andorran resort has been confirmed for both the European Cup Finals and the Women's World Cup 2016. Grandvalira and the FAE are maintaining their request to hold the World Cup Finals in 2017, 2018 and 2019. The FIS also put forward a formal request a few years ago to hold a World Cup trial in the men's category.
French and Andorran Championships, also at Grandvalira
The activity on the Àliga slope is intense on the days prior to the European Cup Finals, as the French Championships (16 years) and Andorran Championships FIS are held. The promising future of alpine skiing from France can be found these days at Grandvalira enjoying superb routes and fantastic weather conditions. Over 130 young skiers tried El Tarter sector's best known slope at Grandvalira. Over the coming days races will continue with trials for the national championships.
Please see Pas de la Casa and Soldeu for details of our Grandvalira resorts and accommodations.