Dynafit Andorra Skimo 2024 Kicks Off with 400+ Racers

The ninth edition of the Dynafit Andorra Skimo ski mountaineering event kicked off Saturday in Grau Roig with over 400 participants across its Skimo 6, 8, and 10 distances. Oriol Olm and Max Palmitjavila of the FAM club took early leads in the flagship Skimo 10 category, capitalizing on optimal snow conditions and clear weather. In the women's standings within the mixed classification, Claudia Tremps holds a narrow advantage over Andorran Lea Ancion.

Palmitjavila described the day as "incredible" with excellent weather, snow, and a top-notch course. Olm noted a tactical approach in the opening stage, adding that Sunday's finale would bring a different challenge. Ancion reported strong sensations but acknowledged the tight competition ahead. In the Skimo 8, Joel Vila Farré edged Marc Mallarach Guinart by one second in 2:35:32. The Skimo 6 went to Lleïr Moreno Camps and Marc Masana Masana of Rocs del Prepirineu in 2:25:47.

Originally set for 380 entrants from Andorra and eight other nations—mainly Spain and France, plus Canada and the Czech Republic—the multi-stage event adapted routes due to heavy snow. All stages start at Puntal de Sorteny car park and end at Ordino Arcalís, counting toward the MoraBanc Copa d’Andorra d’esquí de muntanya, FEEC Open category, and Coupe des Pyrénées. Sunday's final stage shifted from Incles to an alternative Sorteny-Arcalís circuit for safety reasons.

In parallel, the ninth Skimo Femení ski mountaineering and snowshoe race on March 8 at Pal Arinsal’s Pla de la Caubella in La Massana targets 400 participants, already exceeding last year's numbers. Tied to International Women’s Day and the Copa d’Andorra, it promotes women's snow sports with routes of 4km ski mountaineering (432m gain to Pic del Cubil) or 3.4km snowshoe (180m climb). Categories cover women's pairs, mixed pairs, families (one adult, one minor), and teams of three to eight. Teams must finish within 30 seconds of each other to stress teamwork; men may join team events for points.

Organizers Maria Rosa Vergés called for more male participation alongside partners, daughters, or friends. The event adds a festive Skimo Village for companions (€15), featuring a food market lunch, live music, animations, and surprises. Proceeds partly benefit AUTEA, Andorra’s autism association celebrating 20 years—previous events raised over €26,000. Massana councillor Bet Rossell praised its mix of sport and celebration on the March 8 Sunday, while SETAP365 director David Hidalgo welcomed the station's involvement. Online registration closes March 6 at 23:59; bib pickup runs March 3-6 at Illa Carlemany.