Ski and Snowboard News, Deals, and Events

Children under 14 years of age will be given free ski passes in Andorra this coming winter season.

A number of British tour operators have launched this new program to encourage more families to ski in Andorra. Tour operators participating in this promotion include Neilson, Thomson, Inghams, First Choice, Crystal, and Air Tours.

After a disappointing 2006-07 winter season due to lack of snow, Andorra was back on track last year with Grandvalira, the largest ski area in the country, reporting a 12-per-cent increase in business compared to the previous year. Periodic snowfall and extensive snow-making facilities in 2007-08 resulted in 95 per cent of slopes and 100 per cent of lifts being fully operational in Grandvalira.

Many of the Andorran ski resorts have recently undergone significant improvements over the last year. The ski areas of Grandvalira (Pas de las Casa and Soldeu) and Vallnord (Arinsal, Las Massana and Pal) have spent more than €20 million on new ski equipment, including chairlifts and snow cannons. There has also been a rise in new hotels in Andorran ski resorts, especially in Arinsal and Soldeu, as well as an upgrade in facilities and transport links.

Visit Ski Andorra or one of the relevant tour operator Web sites for more information on free ski passes for children,