EUROPEAN SKI HOLIDAYS

ANDORRA

Capital: Andorra La Vella Currency: Euro Language: Catalan

Time: GMT +1 Telephone Code: 00 376

Andorra is country in western Europe. It is actually the Principality of Andorra and is a landlocked by Spain and France.

 Andorra ski holidays are very popular for all levels of skiers.

Andorra has many popular ski resorts below are just some of Andorra ski destinations. Andorra, also called the Principality of the Valleys of Andorra.

This small European country is located in the Eastern Pyrenees Mountains. Bordered by France and Spain Andorra is landlocked, meaning it is not on any shore but has land all around it. Andorra’s location in the Pyrenees Mountain range offers a temperate climate; however, its higher elevation offers more snow and cooler summers making it a great place for Andorra holidays.

Andorra attracts many tourists looking for a great place to ski giving the small country a well to do economy and the second highest life expectancy rate in the world. Additionally, Andorra is considered to be a tax haven which contributes to its economy.

The small country of Andorra is large on ski resorts boasting nine major resorts with something for everyone.

The Grandvalira Ski Area with 173 pistes is rated Excellent for expert and fantastic for the intermediate and beginner skiers as well as for snowboarding.

Skiing is certain all season long with pistes above 2500 meters. The Grandvalira Ski Area includes lift passes to resorts such as: Canillo, Encamp, Pass de la Casa/Grau Roig as well as the Soldeu el Tarter, making your ski adventure grand indeed. There are numerous ski deals available on the market today.

Aside from the 173 pistes of being a part of the Grandvalira Ski Area, Encamp resort also boasts 63 additional pistes and is rated good for expert skiers and fantastic for the intermediate, beginner and snowboarders.

Additionally Encamp is linked by ski lift to Pass de la Casa/Grau Roig. Between the high elevation and the 320 snow cannons skiing is assured through the entire season. Additionally there is a new link to nearby Soldeu el Tarter resort that boasts 51 total runs.

Lifts Information

Encamp offers 29 ski lifts and has the ability to lift 40,000 skiers per hour. Pass de la Casa/Grau Roig can lift 47,435 skiers with their own 31 lifts. Soldeu el Tarter hosts a total of 63 lifts with a combination of chair lifts, drags and gondolas.

Cross Country Skiing

Part of the Grandvalira Ski Area one of the best places for cross country skiing in Andorra is in the Grau Roig area. The main cross country ski area in Andorra; however, is La Rabassa in Sant Julia de Loria with 15 km of trails.

Types of Accommodations

For your skiing convenience in Andorra there are over 8 hotels available most of which offer ski bus service to the lifts as well as ski lockers. The Galanthus is a new hotel and is located in front of the Gradvalira Ski area; however, is only for those 18 and older. In addition to the hotels offered in the Andorra Ski areas are three ski chalets in Andorra including the Casa Vella, Alaska and Velvet apartments. The Alaska apartments are new and offer accommodations for 2 and up to 6 people per studio. Located just 300 meters from the Pass de la Casa lifts you will be ready for the fun at a moments notice. keep and eye out for some great ski deals.

Best Ways to Get There

Andorra does not have an international airport and therefore a commute from the closest area, Barcelona 140 miles, or from Toulouse 112 miles is to be expected. From Barcelona and Toulouse as well as other areas you can take a train and arrive in La Tour de Carol, just 12 miles from Andorra. A bus tour from La Tour de Carol will take just a couple hours to arrive in Andorra for your ski vacation.

Après Ski

In Andorra the hottest places for après ski are Satellit Pub, Borsa Pub and Festa Andorra; all which supply plenty of music, dancing, drinking and food until the early hours of the morning. The languages spoken are mainly French, Spanish and Catalan.