Location: Andorra

The tiny state of Andorra offers a ski area in the Pyrenees that is anything but tiny: Grandvalira is even the largest ski area in Europe outside of the Alps! Andorra can therefore be seen in comparison to its large neighbors France and Spain. Even if there are only two ski areas available in Andorra, they offer top-class fun on the slopes. Andorra is also known as a shopping paradise. Every year numerous shopping tourists flock to the small duty-free state and represent a large source of income. Exactly this money is invested on the one hand in winter sports, on the other hand it is invested in numerous leisure facilities such as thermal baths or ice skating centers in order to optimize the offerings away from the slopes . This is how two large and modern ski areas were created,

Why book a ski holiday in Andorra?

Andorra may not be the first choice when planning a ski vacation for the new winter season. That could be a mistake! Because the tiny state of Andorra offers great slopes for skiers and snowboarders. Regardless of whether you are out with friends or family, the right slope or activity can be found for everyone. Although Andorra is one of the smallest independent states in Europe and a relatively unknown winter holiday destination compared to Austria or France, skiing in Andorra has some advantages. The slopes are excellently prepared and maintained and are among the most modern in the world. Ski areas in Andorra offer good conditions for beginners and advanced winter sports enthusiasts and even beautiful off-piste terrain.

Where can you ski in Andorra?

Since there are only two large ski areas in Andorra, the choice is accordingly easy. However, both ski areas have a lot to offer, especially when it comes to winter sports conditions. So why not go on a skiing holiday in Pas de la Casa or Soldeu, both of which are in Grandvalira? The connection between the two ski areas in Grandvalira makes it Europe’s largest ski area outside the Alps.

It wasn’t always like this, at the beginning there were a few small ski areas. The areas later merged and became the two major ski resorts in Andorra. After the merger of Ordino-Arcalis and Pal-Arsinal, Vallnord was created, an attractive ski area with 91 kilometers of slopes. Grandvalira, on the other hand, now consists of the former small ski areas Encamp, Soldeu-El Tarter and Pas de la Casa-Grau Roig. After the small ski areas were connected, the largest ski area in Europe outside the Alps was created with 210 kilometers of slopes. Grandvalira is therefore the largest area in Andorra with good connections and significantly more slopes. The Soldeu ski resort is the best base for exploring the extensive Grandvalira ski area, which is accessible from various other ski resorts. The name Soldeu means “sun god”. You can actually see the sun quite often, but the snow is still of a surprisingly good quality, which is due to the fact that northern slopes dominate the ski area. The snow reliability in Andorra is also far better than many expect.

Soldeu is the home of snowboarders. Boarders will find the best fun parks in the Pyrenees here. The ski area is not only particularly appealing for experts, but also a good place for beginners and offers enough off-piste opportunities for freeride enthusiasts. The freeride terrain can be discovered in Arcalis, for example, where the slopes are particularly steep. The best tree skiing opportunities are in Pal. The sunny ski resort Pas de la Casa with direct access to the slopes is located at an altitude of 2,100 meters. After skiing and snowboarding, you can enjoy a delicious beer here at fair prices or you can dive straight into the wild nightlife of the place.

What other activities are there in Andorra?

A ski vacation is all about skiing and snowboarding. Rightly so, but keep in mind that there are many other exciting activities besides skiing and snowboarding to diversify and enjoy your skiing holiday – even in a small state like Andorra. One of the possible sports activities is cross-country skiing. Andorra is a wonderful place for cross-country skiers, as there are numerous great trails that lead around the Grau Roig and Pas de la Casa ski areas. The trails around Grau Roig are more demanding and therefore particularly recommended for experienced cross-country skiers.

Snowshoeing is particularly popular in Andorra to enjoy the unique natural landscapes and beauty of the Pyrenees. Vacationers who love dogs will be delighted with dog sledding. Those looking for a thrill of speed will surely prefer a snowmobile tour through the endless white snow landscape. For families, tubing or ice skating are particularly suitable – fun for the whole family! Another unforgettable family excursion leads to the “Naturlandia” park, where you can experience nature and wildlife up close. If the mountains are not high enough for you, you should definitely fly over the majestic mountains in a hot air balloon and sniff the mountain air unique experience is fun and provides adrenaline rushes,

After the cheap beer has already been mentioned, the large selection of après-ski options must not be ignored. Many bars, pubs, clubs and discos are located in Soldeu, Pas de la Casa, Canillo and Encamp. The choice is huge! Those who like to go shopping will love Andorra! In addition to all the wonderful memories, bringing home a few bargains from your ski holiday, the ski trip can put the icing on the cake. Andorra is a tax-free zone. So there are enough bargains to discover, alcoholic drinks, tobacco and cosmetic products are particularly cheap. After spending the whole day on the slopes, your body needs relaxation. This is where “Caldea” in Andorra-la-Vella comes into play: Caldea is the largest SPA and wellness center in Europe!