Lindsey Vonn Returns to FIS World Cup at Andorra's Àliga Slope

The Àliga slope at El Tarter in Grandvalira will host the women's FIS Ski World Cup downhill and two super-G races from February 27 to March 1, featuring official downhill training on February 25 and 26. Competition begins Friday with the downhill, followed by super-G events on Saturday and Sunday at 10.15am. Some 60 athletes from 16 countries are expected, headlined by American Lindsey Vonn's return at age 41. The veteran, who retired in 2019, leads the downhill standings and ranks second in super-G after recent victories. She last raced Àliga in 2016, crashing in super-G but winning the alpine combined opener. Other contenders include Italy's Sofia Goggia, the super-G leader; New Zealand's Alice Robinson; and Germany's Emma Aicher. Mikaela Shiffrin's participation remains unconfirmed.

Andorran hopefuls Cande Moreno and Jordina Caminal arrive in strong form from recent World Cup and Europa Cup results, targeting top-30 finishes and home points. Andorran Ski Federation manager Carles Visa called their presence "a satisfaction built with constancy and dedication," the product of years of club and federation efforts that inspire young skiers. He noted the difficulty of reaching this level and urged fans to support them. Event director David Hidalgo, from the 2026 World Cup committee, praised the local stars alongside Vonn, describing Àliga as a high-stakes speed track where close rankings could produce major shifts. One super-G replaces the cancelled Zauchensee event.

Safety measures feature 1,500 metres of Type A nets, nearly 9,500 metres of Type B nets, reinforced windbreaks, and 52 snow cannons, with ideal snow conditions, piste teams, and medical services in place. More than 400 personnel will assist, including 170 volunteers—100 on course, 70 managing access and accreditation—plus 110 professionals. Italian company Infront Sports will deploy 24 cameras for live Eurosport coverage and broadcasts in Austria, Italy, Germany, and other markets. Tickets cost €10, with 25% of proceeds going to ATIDA.

This is the sixth World Cup at Soldeu El Tarter—following 2012, 2016, 2019, 2023, and 2024—and the fourth on Àliga, a Club5 piste. Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Mònica Bonell highlighted Andorra's organizational expertise and dedication to women's sports. Canillo first consul Jordi Alcobé outlined cultural elements, including Saturday's bib draw and awards in Plaça Carlemany at 6pm and 6.30pm with Canillo arlequins and dancers, plus weeklong après-ski at L'Abarset and a family village in Hotel Nòrdic gardens. Creand Crèdit Andorrà's Xavier Cornella described Andorra as "a certainty" on the FIS calendar.

The event aligns with Andorra's record seven-athlete team for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, secured via alpine quota reallocations. Moreno holds a confirmed speed-events spot, joined by debutantes Caminal in speed and Carla Mijares in slalom and team combined. Men's alpine includes Joan Verdú, with the second giant slalom place pending between Bartumeu Gabriel and Xavier Cornella—or possibly Àlex Rius. Cross-country selections are Gina del Rio and Irineu Esteve, though Esteve's participation remains in doubt due to fitness concerns after his Tour de Ski withdrawal; he has said he would only compete if capable of top-30 results.

Hidalgo affirmed the World Championship bid continues despite losses for 2027 and 2029, awaiting alignment of political and sporting factors, but emphasized focus on the current season.