Skiing in the Pyrenees in Andorra at Grandvalira or Vallnord guide

It's true, many of us have already heard of this country that sits between Spain and France: Andorra. But what do you really know about this region? With a population of 77,006 inhabitants in 2018 and an area of ​​468 km², Andorra is known for its ski resorts that are significantly cheaper than in the Alps. What's more, what attracts over 9 million visitors each year is its favorable taxation. So if so many people go there for fun skiing on their vacation, why not you? Are you still in doubt? Here are some details that may change your mind.

Two major ski areas in Andorra

andorra-skiing-and-snowboarding If the region is known for its cheaper way of life, it is also a mountainous region with awe-inspiring landscapes that attracts lovers of board sports in winter. Among the best ski areas in the country, there are Grandvalira and La Vallnord. To find out more, visit https://fr.andorra-skiing.net/

The Grandvalira estate in Andorra

Founded at the start of the 21st century, the Grandvalira estate is the closest geographically to France and is undoubtedly one of the most famous in the Pyrenees. It now includes more than 150 kilometers of marked trails over an area of ​​more than 1,500 hectares divided into several areas, namely:

Pas de la Case,

Grau Roig

Encamp,

Soldeu,

Canillo,

El Tarter.

Several activities to choose from are available, from heli-skiing and skiing to traditional snowboarding to the backcountry ... Everything you need to spend unforgettable moments with the family. If you are an experienced skier, you can indulge in freestyle or off-piste skiing, because Grandvalira has several stations reserved for these activities.

Competitors will also find their place in Grandvalira thanks to the Race Center. They will therefore be able to put their skills into practice. For those who wish to improve their technique, high-level professional coaches are at their disposal.

El Tarter station for the Grandvalira estate

El Tarter is our favorite. It is a must-see family ski resort in Andorran soil. It belongs to the Grandvalira ski area and is suitable for skiers of all levels with its 92 km of slopes. Haven't had time to ski on the slopes? Head to Sunset Park Harlaut for night skiing, as it has multiple floodlights.

Ski pass prices in Grandvalira

For adults, the price for a half-day varies from 26 euros to 37 euros and is 49 euros for a one-day package. Children aged 6 to 11 will pay 34 euros to ski in one of the Grandvalira areas. As for people aged over 70, there is no package allocated to them. In other words, it's free. However, you also have the option of purchasing a package for three domains. To do this, you will need just 225 euros.

What to do après-ski El Tarter

Obviously El Tarter is a small ski resort, but note that it has a nice atmosphere. As soon as you have finished your skiing session, go to the Snowclub El Tarter or the large restaurant L’Abarest (meeting point in the region) to party and rejoice with delicious dishes.

Are you looking for relaxation? Take a tour of the wellness center in Soldeu or go shopping in the shops and boutiques in the surrounding area. Several other activities are also to choose from: heliskiing for those who are more courageous, helicopter flight and many more. In Andorra, there is no reason to be bored during your ski vacation.

Access to Grandvalira

If you are from France, you have two choices. Either you take by road or by train. The first option tempts you? Take Fox then Bourg-Madame to reach Pas de la Casa. The latter is the first point to gain access to Grandivalira and to practice skiing.

Besides skiing, the Grandvalira is also known for the quality of its shopping. Depending on your wishes, you can rent or pay for skiing equipment at affordable prices.

The Vallnord estate in Andorra: the most popular with visitors

andorra-ski The Vallnord area is one of the best ski resorts in the Pyrenees. It is the union of two estates namely: Arcalis and Pal-Arinsal. The latter two are an hour's drive from each other, but offer the same packages. Whatever your skiing level, you will have access to all areas of the ski area in order to find the one that suits your needs. Freeride, snowboard, ski ... the choice of activity available is incredible.

The most interesting thing is that the Arcalis station has a very innovative monitoring system. This machine collects information about the amount of water conveyed during a snowfall. These data make it possible to estimate the risk of the snow sliding which causes avalanches and to react accordingly: close the slopes considered unstable. So you don't have to worry about your skiing holiday in Andorra.

Arinsal station for the Vallnord area

Among the best resorts in Vallnord, Pal-Arinsal has been offering its own ski pass for 5 years and can be used throughout the ski area. What are the reasons for skiing in Vallnord Arinsal? First, know that this ski resort has more than 6 green runs and 19 blue runs for ski enthusiasts or those looking to improve their skills in white sport. In addition, there are also 17 red runs and 4 black runs, perfect for experienced skiers ... In short! Arinsal is characterized for skiers of all categories (medium, amateur and high).

In vallnord Arinsal, there are also several services available to you: cafes, bars, restaurants for lunch once your day's skiing is over.

The price of ski passes for the Vallnord area

Have you decided to ski in Vallnord in Andorra? It's a good idea. Here are some packages to have access to the slopes.

Adults aged 16 to 64 will pay 30 euros for a half day and 36 euros for the full day. As for children under 16 (6-15 years old) the package is 24 euros for a half-day and 29 euros for a day. You also have the option of taking two, three, four or ten day packages.

Why go skiing in Andorra?

Safety in Andorra

Andorra is one of the states with almost no crime, and few people are detained. There are no pickpockets, no physical assault, no theft. Even if you leave your vehicle open, there will not be a single object missing. The police take care of the inhabitants and the well-being of the population. So no matter which ski resort you turn to for your vacation, there is nothing to worry about for your safety.

Shopping and gastronomy in Andorra

Besides skiing, is your favorite pastime Shopping? There is everything for your pleasure in Andorra, if it has long been an El Dorado in shopping, it is just because its taxes are very low. However, apart from some high quality products that are sold at attractive prices, all other products are left at even more attractive prices.

Shops of all kinds, in the perpendicular streets, to the right, to the left ... in any station in particular in Pas de la Casa, in Escaldes-Engordany on Carlemany and Meritexell avenues. Here you will find specialty shops, shopping centers, supermarkets ... There is everything you need for memorable moments with family or friends.

Gastronomy in Andorra

What to eat in Andorra after skiing during your holidays? Besides its hundreds of kilometers of slopes which make it a small paradise for winter sports novices, Andorra is also known for its culinary specialties. You will find in restaurants, the "trinxat" which is made of vegetables (potato, green cabbage, garlic) and other ingredients for the pleasure of the visitors. For those who like thick soup, you can order ‘’ escudella ’’. A typical soup from the principality made from several pieces of meat and many vegetables. There is also cheese, tupi and the traditional and ’Andorran-Catalan’ dessert for those who love sugar.

Regarding alcohol, the region has some wines such as Cim de Cel (white); the Tob of Borda Bodega Sabaté (Red). In addition, Andorra has had a craft beer called "Alpha" for a few years.