The FIS European Cup men’s alpine skiing competition, scheduled for 6 and 7 February 2025, will take place at the renovated Fernández Ochoa Stadium in Beret, located in the Baqueira Beret ski resort. This highly important event on the European circuit marks the return of competitions of this calibre to Spain after several years of absence.
The Stadium Fernández Ochoa has undergone significant improvements to bring it into line with the international standards required by the International Ski Federation (FIS). In June 2024, a technical delegation from the FIS carried out a detailed inspection of the piste and the facilities, confirming their suitability to host the men’s slalom events of the European Cup.
Interview with Xavi Ubeira: the European Cup in Baqueira Beret
Xavi Ubeira, CCO of the Baqueira Beret resort, reveals the details and challenges behind the organisation of the Men’s Alpine Skiing European Cup. In this interview, Ubeira shares how the resort has prepared for this historic event, the technical keys to the slope and what it means for Aranese skiing to host a competition of this level.
Xavi Ubeira: This stadium was built in 1982 because a women’s World Cup slalom and giant slalom was scheduled to take place there. At that time there was no snow production, and although it was on the calendar, it could not be held. Since then we have been working on it and finally we are once again hosting an event of this level. This stadium is a perfect venue.
On the 50th anniversary of the resort we added a training track which has been a great milestone for the clubs and the environment. All this has been possible thanks to the collaboration of Jordi Pujol, head of the Women’s European Cup, and Wim Rossel, director of the Men’s European Cup. They decided that Baqueira could host two slalom events while Andorra would organise two giant slaloms. This facilitates logistics, as both resorts are only two hours apart.
How has the preparation process been to ensure that the track meets FIS standards?
Xavi Ubeira: It has been a huge effort. This summer FIS technicians came to inspect the stadium. Although it is not a very steep slope compared to others in Europe, it meets all the necessary conditions. We have worked on the start, which did not have snow production, and on the entire production system along the course. We have prepared the snow with machines and hoses, compacting the ground until we achieve a layer of about 50-60 centimetres of hard ice. This is essential, as on 30th and 31st January we will have snow control from the FIS. If it is not in the right condition, the event cannot take place.
What impact does hosting an event of this magnitude have for Baqueira?
Xavi Ubeira: It’s a great opportunity to show that we can organise high-level competitions. If all goes well, this could open the door to hosting a World Cup in the future. For now, we have a streaming system with several cameras on the piste, which ensures that the event has a high profile. It’s also important to mention that the event takes place on Thursday and Friday, which reduces the impact on the general public.
How are the logistics organised?
Xavi Ubeira: Everyone is involved: from the snow production staff and the machines to the volunteers from the local clubs who will act as piste controllers. The participants will arrive on Tuesday after competing in Andorra. Wednesday will be dedicated to training, and the races will be on Thursday and Friday. In addition, we will organise the prize-giving ceremony in Vielha in collaboration with the Town Council.
What would you highlight about the level of the skiers who will be participating?
Xavi Ubeira: We are going to see some of the best skiers in Europe. There might even be some participants from the World Cup circuit, as this event coincides with a break in the calendar. In addition, we have Spanish skiers such as Juan del Campo and Quim Salarich, who have a real chance of being on the podium. This would be a milestone for alpine skiing in Spain.
What are the long-term expectations?
Xavi Ubeira: The important thing is to show that we can organise a quality event. If FIS is satisfied, this could be the first step towards aspiring to a World Cup in the future. The whole team is highly motivated, from the machine operators to the stadium managers. We are sure that this event will be a success and will put Baqueira on the international alpine skiing map.
Hosting this event in Baqueira Beret not only reinforces the position of one of the best ski resorts in Spain as a benchmark in the organisation of high-level competitions, but also contributes to the development and promotion of alpine skiing in Spain. The resort has been selected to host other international competitions, such as the Freeride World Tour and the FIS Masters World Cup, consolidating its position as a winter sports epicentre for the 2024-2025 season.
The organisation of the European Cup in Baqueira Beret represents a unique opportunity for skiing and sports fans in general to witness some of the best skiers on the continent live. In addition, these types of international events contribute significantly to the economic and touristic development of the region, attracting visitors and media from different countries.
In short, the staging of the FIS European Cup for men’s alpine skiing at the Fernández Ochoa Stadium in Beret on 6 and 7 February 2025 is a highly significant event for Spanish sport, reflecting Baqueira Beret’s commitment to excellence and the promotion of winter sports at an international level.
