The sun has come out, temperatures on the slopes are good and we have reached that time in the season when skiing is at its most enjoyable. This is the time to have fun at Grandvalira. Following a weekend devoted to sporting events, with the men’s Alpine Ski European Cup at Soldeu, this Saturday the largest ski resort in southern Europe is set to host the first Red Bull Home Run.
To take part in the Red Bull Home Run you only need one skill: the ability to have fun. The race consists of a single descent in the Grau Roig sector. From the starting line, participants will first run 100 metres to their skis or snowboards. They then have to put on their gear as quickly as possible and shoot off downhill. The first to pass the finish line is the winner. As easy as that, and as much fun.
There will be prizes for the winners in both disciplines (ski and snowboard) and for the most original fancy dress. To take part, all you need is to be at least 16 years of age and to have your ski pass. The race will take place at 5 pm, closing the day’s skiing with a jolly descent of the Pista Llarga slope at Grau Roig. The Pista Llarga is a medium slope, suitable for all winter sports lovers.
The Red Bull Home Run was first made popular a few years ago in Sweden, where it has become a much-awaited annual event. Now the energy drink brand is exporting the race to other countries all over Europe, such as Spain, Serbia and Norway.
All slopes open
The whole skiable domain at Grandvalira is expected to be open this coming weekend of March 9 and 10. All the lifts will be operating too, making this an ideal weekend for skiing, with snow at depths of 140 centimetres in the lowest areas, rising to 250 cm at the highest points in the resort.
As for the weather, light snowfalls are expected at altitudes over 1,500 metres on Saturday morning, with mild, pleasant temperatures throughout the weekend.
Music and other activities at the weekend
There will be rhythm a-plenty at Grandvalira this weekend. From 3 to 6.30 pm, skiers can enjoy the finest electronic music at the Snow Food Lounge in the Hotel Igloo. What better than a nice drink, some good music and a ride back down to Grau Roig on a Retrac to round off a great day’s skiing?
Grandvalira will also host other electronic music events this weekend. Xavi Alfaro, official DJ at Máxima FM radio, will be in El Tarter to serve up a session on the terrace of L’Abarset restaurant from 5 to 8 pm on Saturday as part of the Après Ski Maxima Experience. Also on Saturday, DJ Phraazz and DJ Phils will treat visitors with another two sessions in the Mountain Tour that is taking them to several European ski resorts. These sessions will take place at the KSB restaurant in Coll Blanc, Grandvalira-Pas de la Casa sector, from 2 to 5 pm and from 10 pm to 2 am. And for those who still want to dance some more, DJ and Saxo will lay on a session of electronic music in the Grau Roig sector from 2 to 4 pm on Sunday.
Turning now to competitions, this weekend features the Fifth Ski Team Race at the Francesc Viladomat stadium in Grau Roig. Organised by the Pas de la Casa Ski Club and the Andorra Ski Federation, the ski cross event will start at 10 am on Saturday, whilst the giant slalom will take place at the same time on Sunday.
Two more competitions will take place at the Esparver slope in El Tarter this weekend. These are: the Medineu race on Saturday; and the men’s and women’s giant slalom for associated amateurs in the GV Soldeu Race Series.
Finally, as every weekend, Grandvalira will also lay on a wide range of activities for our younger visitors. On Saturday, there will be balloon modelling, painting, games, snowman building and much more at El Forn de Canillo restaurant from 12 noon to 3 pm.