Albert Ortega and Berta Oriol Win Third Mamba Ski Race at Grandvalira

Albert Ortega and Berta Oriol took top honours in the third Mamba Ski Race on Saturday at Grandvalira's El Tarter sector, where around 350 competitors tackled the challenging Àliga piste amid perfect weather and snow.

The Catalan World Cup skier Ortega posted the fastest men's time of 3:38.719, while Berta Oriol led the women with 4:18.218. Organiser Joan Verdú joined the field but did not vie for prizes. The event stuck to its proven giant slalom format over a 2.8km course with 751m of vertical drop, featuring intensified obstacles such as an expanded water pool, a freeride section, parallel slalom, curves, and two final jumps. Prizes also celebrated the best costumes, adding flair to the lively mood.

More than 1,000 spectators turned out for the family-oriented challenge, open from age eight and split into Small Mamba (about 175 entrants) and Big Mamba (around 150). Ahead of the race, officials had capped entries at 300-350 for safety, surpassing last year's 400 participants.

Verdú hailed the day's success in fusing competition with entertainment. "We're very grateful once again to all the young people ready to enjoy it and the parents who brought them. It was entertaining and fun, and I'm delighted to see so many ski and snow enthusiasts on a day like this," he said, underscoring the passion behind the third edition.

The race village at Hotel Nordic buzzed with music, workshops, games, raffles, and equipment trials, including a DJ set until 18:00 and roughly 700 confirmed meals plus companions. The festivities wrapped with a free après-ski at L’Abarset for Big Mamba entrants. Red Bull's sponsorship elevated the event's reach.

Recent snowfalls and sunshine delivered ideal conditions. "This is the year the piste is in its best shape," noted Santi López, technical director at Serveis en Muntanya SETAP365 for Soldeu-El Tarter. Grandvalira and Viladomat officials praised the initiative for encouraging skiing in Andorra.

The race capped Verdú's season after a tough World Cup giant slalom campaign, finishing 26th overall with 60 points—just two short of Lillehammer finals. Highlights included 12th in Sölden, 16th at Copper Mountain, DNFs at Beaver Creek, Val d’Isère, and Schladming, 19th in Alta Badia, 20th in Adelboden, 10th at the Milan-Cortina Olympics (with the quickest second run), and a final DNF in Kranjska Gora.

Grandvalira closes on Monday, but Ordino Arcalís stays open until 12 April.