Corinne Suter Wins Women's World Cup Downhill on Andorra's Àliga Course

Corinne Suter won the women's World Cup downhill on Andorra's Àliga course, finishing ahead of Nina Ortlieb in second place and Sofia Goggia in third. The podium athletes praised the venue's conditions despite warm weather, with Ortlieb questioning why Andorra has not hosted a World Championships given the organisers' efforts.

Immediately after her run, Ortlieb described the track as one of her favourites, calling the hospitality exceptional and the snow preparation impressive under current temperatures. She highlighted the supportive crowd that cheers every competitor and rated the organising team as outstanding. Suter called the snow conditions incredible, adding that no racer dislikes competing there due to the wide, fun layout. She plans to return for ski holidays after retiring. Goggia described the course as magnificent, noting flat sections for time gains and technically precise sections.

The event celebrated the 10th anniversary of Àliga's World Cup debut in 2016 with a super-G won by Federica Brignone. Festivities unfolded on a Friday despite it being a workday, with full stands reported and Saturday tickets sold out. Around 300 to 400 schoolchildren from Canillo schools—Andorran and French—filled the finish area with flags, painted faces, cheers, and instruments, roaring especially for local skier Jordina Caminal. A La Massana family attended despite school obligations, emphasising the rarity of such events in the Principality and their value in inspiring children.

Italian tourist Manuela, who lived years in Barcelona and now resides in France with a home in Andorra, made the trip from Saturday, facing a seven-hour return due to RN20 disruptions. At the Village by Hotel Nòrdic, brands, the Red Cross, and Fundación Nòrdia Meritxell offered activities. Volunteer Mado, on his third event, noted larger crowds than the previous edition and appreciated perks like meals alongside the satisfaction of contributing.

Authorities present included Sports Minister Mònica Bonell, Sports Secretary Alain Cabanes, Olympic Committee president Xavier Espot Miró, Canillo mayor Carles Ensenyat, and deputy mayor Sandra Codina. Grandvalira and organising committee director general David Hidalgo praised the public turnout and local participation, regretting Cande Moreno's absence due to knee ligament injury but lauding Caminal's performance. Moreno, attending despite her injury, stressed the importance of home racers for young fans. Caminal called the finish-line cheers spine-tingling and overwhelming.

Ski Federation vice-president Patrick Toussaint disclosed that athletes like Ortlieb are advocating for an active racer to represent the women's circuit in calendar decisions, creating an athlete-led ranking of venues based on track quality, organisation, and atmosphere. This could favour Andorra against larger nations like Switzerland and Austria. New Zealander Alice Robinson echoed the praise on Saturday, naming it a calendar highlight and hoping for annual status. Brignone is set for Saturday's super-G.

A super-G starts Saturday at 10:15am, with another on Sunday.