Grandvalira: Andorra's Biggest Ski Region
The Grandvalira Ski Area boasts 193 kilometres of slopes set between 1710 and 2640 metres altitude. It is suitable for all levels of skier and snowboarder with 65 green runs, 89 blue, 85 red, and 47 black. The ski area has undergone many improvements in recent years including more snow canons, new lifts, and the addition of three snowparks.
Grandvalira's snowparks include ACG Snowpark Tarter - popular with experts for its halfpipe - and the beginners' parks of Snowpark Pas and Grau Roig. Families are also well catered for in Grandvalira with ski schools, four nurseries and five snow gardens. The Grandvalira Lift Pass offers access to the resorts of Canillo, Encamp, Pas de la Casa/Grau Roig, and Soldeu el Tarter.
The lively, modern resort of Soldeu el Tarter (1710 metres) is the ski capital of Andorra. Its local ski runs mainly cater to beginners and intermediates, but expert and advanced skiers will find plenty to keep them amused heading over to the linked resort of Pas de la Casa. There are also some first-rate mogul slopes.
The village of Soldeu features a wide choice of accommodation and a vibrant après ski scene. There are plenty of bars and restaurants lining the main street. Restaurants serve everything from traditional Andorran fare to a wide choice of international dishes. Soldeu is often preferable to its noisier neighbour, Pas de la Casa.
Pas de la Casa/Grau Roig (2050 metres) is one of the highest and sunniest ski resorts in the Pyrenees with the best snow record. It is renowned for its lively nightlife and young atmosphere. The village is known as Andorra's winter party capital and is particularly popular with the 18 to 30s crowd. Many start the evening with a pub crawl of the countless British bars before dancing into the early hours at the nightclubs.
Encamp (2060 metres) is renowned for its reliable snowfall thanks to its lofty position. The six-kilometre-long funicular transports skiers directly from the centre town to the heart of the ski area. The village is easy to explore on foot and is lined with charming old buildings, patisseries, shops, street cafes, and restaurants serving local specialities.
The town of Canillo (1500 metres) is lined with pretty old houses, traditional restaurants, and 11th-century churches and chapels. The Caldea Spa, Europe's largest thermal spa, is located on a natural hot spring just a few kilometres from Canillo. The town boasts an excellent selection of shops; tax-free shopping is a popular break from the slopes. Canillo has just three pisted runs (one black and two blue) in its local area, but skiers can reach the rest of the Grandvalira Ski Area in no time thanks to its modern eight-seater gondola.
Two airports serve Andorra: Toulouse - Blagnac in France and Barcelona in Spain. Canillo is just 12 kilometres from the capital Andorra la Vella, which is linked by train. The other resorts can be accessed by road; hire cars and scheduled buses are available at the airports.
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