Joan Verdú Returns from Five-Week Ski Training Camp in New Zealand

Joan Verdú and his team have returned to Andorra following five weeks of intensive preseason training in New Zealand, marking the end of a high-volume camp ahead of the ski season's opening race in Sölden, Austria, on Sunday, October 25.

Under head coach Natko Zrnčić Dim, the group began the trip on August 11 in collaboration with Norway's World Cup squad. Training started at Roundhill with free skiing as a base, progressing to giant slalom and super-G sessions on increasingly challenging groomed slopes. The team then shifted to Ohau for race-specific work on prepared courses before concluding at Coronet Peak with shorter, more technical runs.

Verdú highlighted the camp's success, noting it allowed them to test various approaches, build solid fitness, and adapt to diverse slopes and conditions. The group completed its full schedule without setbacks.

"We're finishing five intense weeks with substantial volume that helped us try many things, gain good form, and train across different tracks and snow," Verdú said. He added that he feels strong physically, with no back or knee discomfort. "We've executed our plan perfectly. Now we head home for some rest before the final push to Sölden, with a very positive balance and great feeling."

The Andorran Ski Federation confirmed the preparations focused on endurance and readiness for the Austrian opener, leaving Verdú injury-free as he shifts to home-based final tuning.