Where to ski in Andorra?

Andorra's resorts have nothing to envy the Alps... Over the years, they have improved with modern facilities, specialist shops, well-equipped hotels and, above all, excellent ski schools. Unlike the slopes in the Alps, those in Andorra are much less crowded. Beginners will feel at ease, while experts can also have fun on the 300km of pistes.

This family-friendly Andorran resort, Vallnord - Pal Arinsal, has 59 runs totalling 63 kilometres. There are gentle slopes and easy trails for beginners, as well as more challenging slopes with high vertical drops and steep slopes for advanced skiers. The resort is divided into two areas (Pal and Arinsal), linked by cable car. Arinsal has a large snow park, one of the most renowned areas in southern Europe. This is the place to be for freestyle enthusiasts.

To reach the Pal sector, take the La Massana cable car, around 10 minutes from the village (free with your ski pass). From Andorra la Vella, Escales or Erts, a free bus takes you directly to the slopes. And to reach the Arinsal slopes, there's a cable car from the village of Arinsal (also free with the ski pass).

Ordino-Arcalís is a ski resort that is generously blessed with abundant and frequent snow. Nestling between two mountains almost 3,000 metres high, the resort is nicknamed "La Nevera" (The Fridge) or "Arcalaska" (Arcalís + Alaska), and is a paradise for freeriders (off-piste enthusiasts). In fact, the Freeride World Cup is held in these areas. So, as you can see, this area is reserved for intermediate and advanced skiers, although beginners will be able to enjoy the gentle 'megaverda' slope, which runs for 8.4 km.

This ski resort is relatively isolated from the others. It is a long way from Andorra la Vella. There is no cable car from the village of Ordino to the ski resort. So the only options are to take the car or the bus. The latter is free for ski pass holders and stops in most of the villages between Ordino and Andorra la Vella. On the plus side, the resort is the least crowded due to its remoteness.

Grandvalira is the largest resort in the Pyrenees and one of the largest in Europe. The resort is divided into seven sectors, all interconnected by ski lifts. Here's an overview of the different sectors:

Encamp

The first access point to the Spanish ski resort is Encamp. It is also the closest area to Andorra la Vella, just 7 km from the country's capital. The slopes of Encamp can be reached by a 6 km-long cable car called Funicamp. Once at the ski resort, the view is well worth the diversions: it's one of the best panoramic views in the whole resort!

Canillo

Easy slopes perfect for families and beginners. This area is accessible by cable car from the small mountain village of Canillo.

El Tarter

This area is reserved for the most extreme winter sports. The star attraction is the El Tarter Snowpark, with the longest slope in the Pyrenees and one of the longest in Europe. In this area, you'll also find Grandvalira's quintessential après-ski meeting place, on the terrace of the L'Abarset restaurant. This ski resort is accessible by car (there is a large car park in front of the water lift) or on foot from the village of El Tarter.

Soldeu sector

Soldeu is characterised by wide slopes and extreme descents, perfect for skiers looking for adventure, especially with the legendary "Avet" slope!

Peretol

The newest (and smallest) sector of the Grandvalira ski resort. It is home to the only snow park in the Pyrenees to open in the evening. For all those trick-or-treaters who want to keep practising after the sun goes down, the Sunset Park Peretol Henrik Harlaut is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 3pm to 9pm.

It is home to Andorra's longest chairlift, the Pla de les Pedres. To access this area, there is a free shuttle service for all skiers staying in Bordes d'Envalira. The shuttle runs from 9am to 5pm, with services approximately every 20 minutes.

Grau Roig

Grau Roig is an eden for mountaineering and ski mountaineering enthusiasts. It is one of the wildest areas and the views are breathtaking. There are slopes to suit all abilities. This area is also home to another snow park, called Sunrise Park Xavi, ideal for getting into the world of freestyle. The resort organises the annual Speed Skiing World Cup.