The Andorran Mountain Ski Federation announced its national squad at Morabanc, emphasizing merit-based

The Andorran Mountain Ski Federation unveiled its seven-member national ski mountaineering team for the 2025-2026 season on Tuesday at Morabanc, its primary sponsor, amid optimism over the athletes' strong showings in the opening rounds of the World Cup and Spanish Cup.

National selector Xavier Capdevila emphasized a merit-based approach at the press conference, noting that specific goals have been set for each competitor. "Nothing is given away—everyone must earn their place," he said, explaining that internal assessments will run throughout the season to gauge fitness and performance. These will include tests at Pal-Arinsal to establish benchmarks and possibly scout new talent. Capdevila highlighted early successes, such as Oriol Olm's performance in the Solitude sprint in the United States and the team's results at Espot, while acknowledging recruitment difficulties, particularly for women.

The senior category features Adrià Bartumeu, Oriol Olm, Lea Ancion, Marc Casanovas, and Max Palmitjavila. Olm, entering his third senior year after shoulder surgery, reported a complete recovery and a shift toward top finishes. "I'm past the adaptation phase—now it's about delivering results," he remarked. Casanovas, in his second senior season, prioritizes steady performances across all disciplines rather than vertical races alone. Ancion, newly in seniors, described the jump from fields of around 20 to 60 competitors and her aim to regain form after a tough previous year. Palmitjavila, a sub-23 athlete moving up, plans a full calendar focused on sprints to build experience.

Youth members Adrià Isal (sub-20) and Joan Lluch (sub-18) round out the squad. Isal targets maintaining his top-11 finish from last season's debut, while Lluch aims to absorb lessons from elite racers and crack the top 10 in his first World Cup.

The team will compete in the World Cup (absolute and youth calendars), Spanish Cup, European Championships, and youth events. The absolute World Cup continues with stops including Courchevel (January 15-16), Comapedrosa Andorra (January 25-26), and Villars sur Ollon in April.

The federation also launched the XXIII Morabanc Andorran Cup, a six-race series from late January to April 2026 open to all levels and formats. It features the Llosada-Tarter time trial, Andorra Skimo (teams and individuals), Pal Skimo Femení, Travessa de la Serrera, and a nighttime time trial at Pas de la Casa.