Alpine skiing: Andorra and Grandvalira prepare to host the 2023 World Cup finals

In a little over a month, the best skiers on the planet will set off on the slopes of Andorra in search of the crystal globe. From March 13 to 19, El Tarter and Soldeu will host the finals of the 2022-2023 Alpine Skiing World Cup. A major event for the small principality, hard at work to welcome athletes and spectators.

“Behind the Olympic Games and the World Championships, it is the most important alpine ski competition”, introduces David Hidalgo, general manager of the organizing committee for the finals. For a week, a busy program will occupy the resort of Granvalira, already host in 2019, and chosen to welcome snow sports professionals from all over the world. 18 countries will indeed be represented.

The gratin of international skiing

On the women’s side, American Mikaela Shiffrin will headline the competition. In the men’s draw, the Swiss Marco Odermatt and the Norwegian Aleksander Aamodt Kilde should be the favorites. For each discipline, the members of the world top 25 qualify.

Marketing Director of Grandvalira Resorts, David Ledesma stamps: “Professional competitions are a very important lever in our promotional strategy. They allow us to reach international audiences and large audiences. It is a question of being present in the of a skier when he decides to spend his holidays in the snow […] People more easily identify major resorts and major events in the Alps. We have the opportunity to show what we can do in the Pyrenees.”

500 people at work

In these days of March, ski enthusiasts should not be too affected. Two tracks were requisitioned by the organization. “On the other hand, all the beds available at the foot of the slopes of Soldeu – El Tarter will be occupied by the professionals and their teams”, warns David Ledesma.

In Soldeu, the Avet track will host the slalom and giant slalom events. The team downhill, super-g and parallel giant slalom will take place near El Tarter, on the Àliga slope. Beyond sport, the opening ceremony, concerts and entertainment will entertain the many expected visitors. “In my opinion, this end of the season will be a celebration,” smiles the general manager.

In any case, he and his teams put the means so that Andorra shines on a world scale. The Grandvalira teams have been on hand to organize the event for a year and a half. About 500 people, volunteers and professionals, are involved. “It’s a huge effort. Our budget is 4.2 million euros,” reveals David Ledesma.

And to continue: “What makes the difference is that we are a small country. Here, everyone is invested.” “We want all Andorrans to participate in this event. It is an important factor of cohesion, since it is our sport and our national business”, adds his friend.

“We are 90% ready”

Thus, public transport will adopt its offer for the duration of the competition, the aim being “that the cars are left at the hotel by the spectators”. The action plan is clear. And just under forty days before kick-off, preparations are almost finalized.

This is what the marketing director assures us: “We are 90% ready. There is still accommodation to be settled, but we are waiting to know all the classifications. Afterwards, there will be work on the slopes, the installation of the giant screens and a few small details. We produce a lot of snow to ensure good conditions.”

Management is counting on a large influx of European supporters, particularly Spanish and French. A potential audience of 350 million people is also mentioned. “The fallout is enormous,” breathes David Ledesma. He and the rest of the organizing team expect 25,000 to 30,000 spectators for the whole week.