Andorra Ski Festival Expands World Cup with Culture and Family Fun

The Audi FIS Ski World Cup Andorra 2026, scheduled for 27 February to 1 March in Canillo, will expand beyond elite women's super-G racing to become a comprehensive Ski Festival incorporating Andorran cultural traditions, family activities and community celebrations.

A key event is the Bib Draw on Saturday 28 February at 6pm in Plaça Carlemany, where organisers will present awards from that day's super-G alongside public bib allocation for Sunday's race. The open ceremony will include performances by the Valls del Nord dance troupe and Canillo's arlequins, followed by an autograph session with athletes Cande Moreno and Jordina Caminal.

At the finish area of the Àliga piste, a brown cow accompanied by traditional bells will evoke local heritage, with crowds joining in using mini bells and giant hands to cheer competitors like Caminal. Animators and choreographed displays will heighten the atmosphere for each run.

The World Cup Village in the gardens of Hotel Nòrdic will host three days of attractions, including snow brand exhibitors, playful challenges like giant ski relays and snow minigolf, photo areas, live DJ sets, and charitable initiatives from groups such as the Red Cross and Fundació Nostra Senyora de Meritxell. A Social Point will offer fan merchandise and athlete interviews.

Afternoon après-ski music sessions at L'Abarset will lead into a closing ceremony honouring volunteers, while a VIP zone provides elevated piste views, merging top-tier competition with cultural identity and festive spirit.

Separately, the ninth Skimo Femení ski mountaineering and snowshoe race is set for 8 March at Pal Arinsal's Pla de la Caubella, aligning with International Women's Day. Part of the Andorra Cup, the event targets 400 entrants after exceeding 300 last year, with current registrations already outpacing 2025 figures. Online sign-ups close 6 March at 23:59, and bib collection runs afternoons from 3-6 March at Illa Carlemany shopping centre.

New this year is the Skimo Village for companions at €15 entry, featuring a food market lunch, live music, animations and family activities, all supporting AUTEA—Andorra's autism spectrum association celebrating its 20th anniversary. Previous editions have raised over €26,000 for the group.

Teams must cross the finish together, with no more than 30 seconds separating first and last member. Routes include a 4km ski mountaineering leg to Pic del Cubil with 432m elevation gain, and a 3.4km snowshoe circuit with about 180m climb. Men may compete in mixed, family or up-to-eight-person teams. Organiser Maria Rosa Vergés called for more male participation to support female racers, while Massana's Education, Youth and Sports councillor Bet Rossell described it as a mix of sport and festivity. SETAP365 director general David Hidalgo noted its fit with station priorities.