Use of renewable fuel at the Ski World Cup Soldeu 2024 to reduce CO2 emissions by 90%

For Grandvalira Soldeu - El Tarter, sustainability and respect for the environment are priorities, especially during the organisation of international competitions. Therefore, the goal for the immediate future is to achieve World Cup events that are completely decarbonised. That’s why, in the coming weeks of preparation in readiness for the Alpine Ski Women’s World Cup Soldeu 2024, a pilot test is going to be carried out using a 100% vegetable renewable fuel in the snow grooming machines. It is Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), that is produced from organic waste and therefore has lower greenhouse gas emissions. This will reduce CO2 emissions in transportation within the ski area by up to 90%.

This initiative complements the rest of the measures foreseen in the Sustainability Plan for the World Cup Soldeu 2024, starting with the use of 100% renewable energy thanks to the Llum Verda (Green Light) seal that Grandvalira Soldeu - El Tarter has. When it comes to waste, much of the equipment used in previous World Cup editions will be used once again, and an extra effort will be made this year in waste collection, not only afterwards but also during race days. On another issue, the technical team is rigorously adapting the production of artificial snow to the needs of each slope, thanks to the detailed technical information obtained from sonar systems and GPS mapping, and the meteorological forecasts and hydrogeological studies commissioned by the ski station.

“We will transport you VIP style”

To promote sustainable transportation among World Cup spectators, on competition days the “We will transport you VIP style” project is being launched, aimed at people who are travelling in vehicles of four or more people. These spectators will be able to leave their vehicle in the VIP car park in El Tarter and will be transported by minibus free of charge to the foot of the Avet course in Soldeu where the races are held. To do this, the organisation recommends the sharing of vehicles via the website http://andorra.compartir.org/.

Furthermore, in terms of Corporate Social Responsibility, the ski station is committed to continuing to promote the values of accessibility and inclusion. So, it continues to work on making not only the event information via the web and various publications — but also the competition itself, which will take place on the 10th and 11th of February, accessible to everyone. For this reason, a new walkway has been obtained that will optimise access to the stands at the Avet course for people with compromised mobility. This is complemented by the introduction of new signage throughout the whole of Soldeu. In addition, a team of volunteers will help people with any kind of disability to get to their seats. On top of that, 5% of the profits from the sale of race tickets will go to the Andorran Association against Cancer (ASSANDCA) this year.

Lastly, the most important sporting event in the winter season in the Pyrenees will also continue to serve as a showcase for local gastronomic products. In this vein, communicating the fact that these products are of Andorran origin will be highlighted to publicise them both in the racers’ and teams’ restaurant area and in the VIP areas.