More than 25,000 spectators experienced the Alpine Ski World Cup Finals that took place in the Soldeu El Tarter sectors of the Grandvalira ski area from the 13th to the 19th of March. Lovers of competitive skiing came to the Àliga and Avet slopes to see the sporting stars of the moment in action. But the impetus gained by the event wasn’t restricted to just that, and the number of fans who followed the competitions in front of their televisions around the world increased to 36.5 million viewers in 23 countries, about two million more than in the previous Finals in 2019. Nielsen, the company that produces the report on the audience numbers, also reports that on average 40 television channels broadcast the races live, and that the share of the viewing figures stood at 6.8%. One of the most impressive pieces of data is the exposure achieved for the destination through online and offline media, obtaining an equivalent advertising value of 65 million euros from almost 7,000 impacts. They are indicators that have been analysed by the platforms Acceso and Kantar Media in countries such as Andorra, Spain, United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Austria and Switzerland.
The arrival of the Great White Carnival translated into an economic return for the country which amounted to 15 million euros. Within this data, it is worth highlighting the 6,366 overnight stays that were registered by the hotel establishments that backed the event. During the competition, a total of 2,400 people were given accreditation, including 447 communication professionals, 300 volunteers, 173 athletes from 19 countries and staff.
David Hidalgo, Chief Executive Officer of the Organising Committee explained that the 2019 Finals marked a before and after moment, and with this year's edition "there is a shared appreciation of recognition, admiration and respect towards Andorra". For his part, Carles Visa, the Managing Director of the Andorran Ski Federation (FAE), underlined the federation’s effort over many years to manage to get a racer, referring to Joan Verdú, on the World Cup circuit who is competing shoulder to shoulder with the world’s top athletes.
The future is in the World Cup
Having taking stock of the biggest sporting event in the Pyrenean country's history, Grandvalira does not simply stop there. Next February, the Great White Carnival returns with the Women's World Cup to be held in Soldeu with the Giant Slalom and Slalom disciplines. The drive to stay on the circuit on a regular basis continues, and in the 2025-26 season’s provisional calendar the FIS has pencilled in the return to the Avet course for Andorra to hold the first Men's World Cup in its history, a pending issue for the Organising Committee.
The Finals in figures
64.5-million-euro media return (advertising value equivalent) in Andorra, Spain, France, United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Austria and Switzerland. Online and offline media.
10.1 million euros of media coverage in the Spanish media (Source: Acceso).
4.7 million euros of media coverage in the French media (Source: Kantar Media).
50 million euros of media coverage in international media (United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Austria and Switzerland). (Source: Kantar Media).
About 7,000 impacts in national and international media.
36.5 million live TV viewers.
23 countries with TV broadcasting rights.
40 TV channels offered the competitions live.
6.8% share of the viewing figures.
447 accredited communication professionals.
18 television companies on site
8 radio stations present.
48 photographers.
+25,000 spectators in Soldeu El Tarter (Grandvalira).
173 athletes from 19 countries.
6,366 overnight stays.
300 volunteers.
