Skiing in Andorra Travel Guide
Andorra is one of the lesser-known European ski holiday destinations. It is often overlooked in favour of its larger neighbours, Spain, France, and Italy. However, it’s home to three excellent ski resorts that comprise the Grandvalira Resorts group.
In this article, we’ll explore what makes Andorra a top contender for your next ski holiday, how to get there, and what to do when you arrive.
Where is Andorra?
Andorra is a landlocked microstate in the Pyrenees mountains, bordered by Spain to the south and France to the north. With a population of just 80,856 in 2023 and a land area of 468 sq km, it’s known as a tax haven and an ‘under-the-radar’ ski resort destination that is much cheaper than other European destinations.
Andorran ski resorts typically operate from December to April, thanks to the high altitude of the Pyrenees mountains, which helps the country maintain snow cover for a long period. After the snow melts by mid-April, the country becomes a hiking destination, with easy strolls and more demanding routes for seasoned walkers.
How to Get to Andorra
To get to Andorra from the UK, book a flight to a nearby airport, such as Barcelona-El Prat (Spain) or Toulouse-Blagnac (France)—Barcelona is the most common choice. From there, you can take a bus or rent a car for a roughly three-hour drive. Keep in mind that Andorra lacks airports or train stations, so you’ll have to travel in a vehicle. Buses run regularly from both cities.
If you’re coming from a more distant city in Spain or France, the nearest train station in France is L’Hospitalet-près-l’Andorre, which is just seven miles by road from the border in a taxi. If you’re travelling up from Spain, stop at the Lleida Pirineus station. High-speed trains (AVE) from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha and Barcelona Sants have a stop there.
The Best Ski Resorts in Andorra
Andorra has three ski resorts, Vallnord/Pal-Arisnal, Ordino-Arcalis, and Grandvalira. Vallnord has two different resorts, Pal and Arinsal, and Grandvalira is comprised of seven: Encamp, El Tarter, El Pas de la Casa, Canillo, Grau Roig, Soldeu, and Peretol.
Vallnord/Pal-Arisnal is the most family-friendly option for your Andorra ski holiday. It has 47 runs surrounded by pine forests totalling 63 km, with two sectors (Pal and Arinsal) connected via cable car. Ordino-Arcalís is the smallest of the three, with 28 runs and a skiable terrain of 30.5 km. It’s better suited to intermediate and advanced skiers looking for challenging, fun slopes, but beginners can also enjoy the “megaverda” slope that runs 8.4km.
Grandvalira is the largest of the three, with 210 km of skiable terrain and 139 runs. It’s the largest resort in the Pyrenees, with all seven sectors interconnected by ski lifts and accessed under the same ski pass.
What to Do in Andorra
Andorra isn’t only known for its skiing. You can also enjoy snowboarding with trails for all levels and even World Cup runs. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, try heli-skiing or snowshoeing through the forests.
After a day in the mountains, the country offers vibrant après-ski scenes and mountain bars. Many hotels also offer spa experiences. Thanks to its tax haven status, Andorra isn’t part of the EU’s VAT system. This allows you to take advantage of cheap electronics, cosmetics, and other luxury items to treat yourself and your family.
