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HEIDI GUIDE TO
Andorra
Ski Holidays
Great deals, duty-free shopping and great skiing
Andorra has all the ingredients for a great time on the slopes with Spanish influenced vibes and cuisine.
A serious alternative to traditional alpine ski holidays and more bang for your buck.
The tiny principality of Andorra has been enticing skiers for decades with the promise of cheap deals, duty-free shopping and the excitement of a different experience to your usual Alpine ski resort. The unique culture dates back centuries. Add beginner friendly slopes, a lively nightlife, drinks that won’t break the bank and reliable snow, and you have all the makings of an epic time on the slopes. And that’s true whether you’re a family, it’s your first time or you’re here to shred like a pro.
KEY INFORMATION
Good to Know
Currency
Euro
Language
Catalan
Travel Time (APPROX)
3 hours
Gatwick
Timezone
GMT+2
The best bits of skiing in Andorra
What are the best family ski resorts in Andorra?
Families should consider heading to either of the neighbouring resorts of Soldeu or El Tarter. They’re home to a great ski school up on the mountain and exclusive children zones. El Tarter has the ‘bababoom circus’, a magical circuit through the forest while Soldeu is home to the 646m Yokai circuit, named after the area’s black grouse. They’re also quieter than some of Andorra’s more riotous resorts. Ski passes are also free for children under the age of six. Alternatively, Arinsal is perfect for families, with the children’s area, beginners’ area, food and ski school all in one place (The Compallemple area).
What are the best beginner ski resorts in Andorra?
In many resorts across the Alps, beginners are forced to stick to the ‘nursery slopes’ beside the resort while their more experienced friends head up the mountain. Not so in the Grandvalira, where many of the beginner areas and best blue runs are higher up, meaning they can also enjoy the views as they learn, and more easily meet in mountain restaurants. Soldeu, El Tarter and Pas de la Casa also all have blue slopes running back to the resort. Alternatively, Arinsal is a great value option for beginners, with plenty of beginner-friendly slopes and a mountain layout that is easy to navigate.
What are the best high-altitude/snow-sure ski resorts in Andorra?
The variety of ski resorts in Andorra is not massive – the country itself is a third of the size of London – and there are just two main ski areas, Gradvalira, the largest, which is home to Soldeu, El Tarter and Pas de la Casa (the highest). Here slopes go up to 2,640m. The Pal-Arinsal sectors meanwhile offers a similar high level of snow security, with slopes going up to 2,500m.
What is the best skiing food and drink in Andorra?
Andorra has been a melting pot of mountain cultures, languages and cuisine for centuries. There are French, Spanish and Catalan influences. You’ll find tapas restaurants in every resort, as well as the more traditional alpine dishes such as cheesy fondues and also some flavours unique to the region such as escudella stew, a warming dish of local meats, sausages and seasonal vegetables. Like chillies? At Cisco’s in Arinsal, they serve Asian, Tex Mex, Mediterranean, Latino and the tequila to go with.
What are the best ski resorts for après in Andorra?
With a round of drinks costing far less than in the Alps, it’s not difficult to see why Andorra is popular as a party venue. Hedonists should head to Pas de la Casa, often likened to Ibiza for its wide range of bars and clubs. Those with more refined tastes should head to El Tarter which boasts a slopeside champagne bar. Arinsal also has a lively après scene with a number of bars and clubs.
What are the best ski resorts for off piste skiing in Andorra?
Andorra may have a reputation for chilled skiing, long lunches and a lively après but it has some incredible off-piste too, thanks to its unique climate. It’s a stop on the Freeride World Tour – where the world’s best come to shred the mountain in style. Grandvalira has several freeride areas as well as marked routes. All the controlled freeriding areas offer different routes and lines adapted for both intermediate freeriders and experts.
What are the best ski resorts for ski weekends or short breaks in Andorra?
If you’re prepared to catch the red-eye, Andorra is definitely possible in a weekend. There are evening flights to Toulouse and Barcelona and if you don’t mind arriving into your resort in the early hours you’ve got two full days on the slopes before heading back. At just over two hours from Pas de la Casa, Toulouse is marginally closer of the two. Soldeu, just up the road, is also within reach.
What are the best ski resorts for group ski holidays in Andorra?
With 210km of pistes around the Grandvalira area, Pas de la Casa is the popular choice for groups. There’s skiing for all abilities, lots of mountain restaurants to meet up with friends and some great value self-catering apartments. But best of all is its varied and lively après scene. There are loads of places to eat, drink and party, whether you want to dance on the tables, or just enjoy an inexpensive meal at a decent restaurant.
Our favourite ski resorts in Andorra
Here are just some of our top ski resorts. To find the perfect one for you, speak to one of our specialists.
Arinsal
Arinsal gives you access to the Pal-Arinsal ski area, perfect for beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The resort offers a wide range of excellent value accommodation to suit a variety of travellers. Its duty-free status will delight bargain hunters.
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Pas de la Casa
With access to over 200km of Grandvalira slopes, Pas de la Casa is the perfect base from which to explore Andorra's premier ski area. The resort sits at a height of 2100m, making it an excellent choice for those traveling early or late in the season.
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Soldeu
A sought-after skiing spot within the expansive Grandvalira ski area, Soldeu provides nearly 200km of pistes suitable for both beginner and intermediate skiers. With its diverse terrain and vibrant selection of mountain bars, Soldeu offers a skiing experience unlike anywhere else.
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La Massana
La Massana gives you access to the Pal-Arinsal ski area, perfect for beginner and intermediate ski and snowboarders. The resort offers a wide range of excellent value accommodation to suit a variety of travellers.
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El Tarter
The sister resort of Soldeu, El Tarter is perfect for beginners with wide and relaxed slopes to gain confidence. Advanced skiers can enjoy thrilling freeride opportunities on Grandvalira's off-piste routes and explore the extensive snow park, one of Europe's longest.
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All Resorts in andorra
Why book with Heidi?
Flexible
Go where you want, when you want, for as long as you want, from an unbeatable choice of resorts.
Easy
Super-clever tech saves you buckets of time by making it easy to find 'the one', from a mountain of options.
5 star service
Our stellar UK team are here 24/7 to make sure your holiday runs smoothly. Flight cancelled? Booking amendments? We'll sort it.
On the money
From budget to luxury, find an amazing ski holiday whatever your wallet, knowing our ATOL protection means your money is safe.
Blogs about skiing in Andorra
The best resorts in Europe for advanced skiers
There’s one thing advanced skiers do need and that’s variety – plenty of red and black runs and off-piste to keep you coming back for more. We scoured the Alps to find the best resorts for advanced skiers and experts.
Sarah Cramer
17 Feb, 2023
1 min read
Resorts for your radar - 10 hidden gems for Winter '24
It’s easy to get dazzled by big, well-known resorts, but if you delve a little deeper, there are heaps of fantastic undercover slopes to discover. Here are a few of our favourites.
Sarah Cramer
17 Feb, 2023
1 min read
The best ski resorts for beginners
Wondering where to book your first ski trip? Here are our tips on where to head for beginner-friendly ski resorts.
Sarah Cramer
8 Feb, 2023
1 min read