Andorra Launches Creand FIS Cup Alpine Ski Circuit

The Andorran Ski Federation (FAE), in partnership with local ski clubs and backed by Creand, has launched the Creand FIS Cup, an international alpine ski circuit comprising 24 FIS races—12 for men and 12 for women—across Andorra's resorts, with a total prize pool of €6,000.

The season opens with a giant slalom at Arcalís, organised by Esquí Club Ordino Arcalís (ECOA), on dates including December 27-28 or 29-30, depending on snow conditions, and concludes on April 10 with another giant slalom at the same venue. The calendar covers all disciplines—two downhills, two super-Gs, four giant slaloms, and four slaloms—in under-18, under-21, and senior categories. Races will rotate among resorts where feasible, though snow shortages could prompt shifts to alternative sectors. Each event limits entries to 140 athletes per gender, expecting competitors from at least five countries and possibly up to eight or nine.

FAE manager Carles Visa called the cup a significant advancement for Andorran alpine skiing, consolidating the national calendar into a unified format that enhances organisation, visibility, and professionalism. Points are awarded to the top 30 finishers per race and category, using the same system as the World Cup and Europa Cup, but only Andorran-licensed skiers qualify for overall standings and prizes, split between elite athletes (from EEBE, national teams, and private programmes) and promotion categories.

Visa highlighted the circuit's focus on long-term athlete development through regular, high-level competition akin to international tours, aiming to build consistency and raise standards. Cristina Terés, Creand's private banking director, emphasised its potential to boost participation and event quality.

During the launch, Visa voiced strong support for Joan Verdú ahead of his next World Cup giant slalom at Alta Badia, despite recent DNFs at Beaver Creek and Val-d'Isère following 12th place (22 points) in Sölden and 16th (15 points) in Copper Mountain. "With small adjustments, he'll be back among the world's best," Visa said, noting Verdú's current 23rd position in the giant slalom standings with 37 points. He also praised Cande Moreno's two top-30 finishes in St. Moritz and Gina del Rio's two top-15s in Davos cross-country, results that strengthen Olympic prospects for Milano Cortina.