Which Resort in Andorra is Best?
Andorra is made up of two main ski areas with a number of resorts in each of these – Grandvalira and Vallnord.
Grandvalira
Grandvalira is the largest ski area in Andorra with over 210 kms of skiing on one lift pass plus the resort of Arcalis which is a separate ski area and can be reached by car or bus. In Grandvalira itself there are six sections – Pas de la Casa, Grau Roig, Soldeu, El Tarter, Canillo and Encamp. At each of these sectors you can find ski schools, children’s facilities, mountain restaurants and other facilities. Depending on your ability and requirements there is something for everyone in these areas.
Pas de la Casa is a great choice if you are an intermediate to advanced skier or boarder and if you like lively nightlife with your skiing then this is an excellent choice of resort. The resort has a bustling centre full of apres-ski bars, restaurants and shopping and the slopes will challenge anyone looking for a blast around the mountain. Very popular with young people and groups as the accommodation here includes lots of self-catering options, however, there are also some popular half-board options too.
Soldeu and El Tarter have a more relaxed feel with beautiful hotels and stunning wellness centres and is popular with families and couples although Soldeu offers good pubs for a drink after your skiing day has finished. Of course, the skiing is all linked to the full Grandvalira area so the skiing is second to none and this is also where the World Cup took place in Andorra so there are some world-class slopes to try out too. The ski school has a very good reputation with many native English speaking instructors and why there are many repeat customers to these resorts.
Canillo and Encamp are a good choice if you are looking for a cheaper alternative to Soldeu and El Tarter and have good access links to the mountain with Canillo being very family and beginner-friendly. Encamp has the longest cable car in Andorra giving you direct access from the town to the whole Grandvalira area.
Vallnord
Vallnord comprises the resorts of Arinsal and Pal and has 63kms of skiing between them and is very family-friendly. The prices for families wanting ski school in their package make this a very affordable ski holiday without compromising quality and there are some excellent choices of accommodation between the two resorts whatever your budget. The ski school here is exceptional and offers fantastic tuition whatever your ability. For beginner and low intermediate skiers the Vallnord area is a top choice, however, there is more than enough skiing for a week’s holiday whatever your ability.
La Massana is more low key than the village of Arinsal, however, offers good accommodation at very good prices and most of this is close to or linked to the main gondola station.
Arinsal is a fun resort with some lively pubs and an excellent atmosphere when the skiing day has finished and you can mix with your instructors for an apres-ski drink too. There is also a varied choice of restaurants here so if you choose a self-catering option you won’t be disappointed.
Overall Andorra is a great choice for all skiers and snowboarders whatever your ability and proves that skiing can be affordable.
