The ski resorts of the Andorran Pyrenees offer skiers and snowboarders a more relaxed alternative to their northern counterparts in the European Alps... moreThe biggest linked ski areas in the Pyrenees
The ski resorts of the Andorran Pyrenees offer skiers and snowboarders a more relaxed alternative to their northern counterparts in the European Alps.
Andorra's ski resorts benefit from being located at sunnier latitudes, meaning they get longer hours of daylight during the winter months, yet they are based at high enough altitudes to ensure that they can be regarded as relatively snowsure.
Andorra's two principal ski areas, Grandvalira and Vallnord (the former housing the well-established resorts of Soldeu-El Tarter and Pas de la Casa, the latter focused on the more traditional-looking village of Arinsal) are particularly well-suited to beginners and have plenty to offer most intermediate-level skiers and snowboarders; Grandvalira in particular is the most extensive ski area in the entire Pyrenees.
As a duty-free state, Andorra is also regarded by many as being the destination of choice when searching for the best value snowsports holiday deals. less
The key resort village in Andorra's Vallnord ski domain; offering the biggest on-piste vertical descent in the principality.
Located in the mid- to north-west of Andorra, in the parish of La Mas... moreThe key resort village in Andorra's Vallnord ski domain; offering the biggest on-piste vertical descent in the principality.
Located in the mid- to north-west of Andorra, in the parish of La Massana, the Pal-Arinsal ski area comprises two lift-linked ski stations that were originally separate entities; Andorra's first full-size cable car has linked the two ski areas since the 2000/01 season, although there are still no linking pistes.
There are really just two principal [blue-graded] arterial routes cruising down Arinsal's relatively narrow ski area, with a number of crossover variants. The upper slopes on Pic Alt de la Capa and Pic Negre offer some more challenging red and black runs, with Pic Alt de la Capa the jewel in the crown (on days when the powder hasn't blown away!).
When conditions allow, with good snow coverage down to village level, Arinsal can claim the greatest on-piste vertical in Andorra: 1010 m from Pic Alt de la Capa, all the way down to the lowest chairlift base at Arinsal's Cota 1550 suburb; that's over 3300 ft of non-stop descent.
Arinsal's true on-piste starting point is at the Comallempla 1950 m base area, high above the village, accessible by gondola directly from the resort centre or by chairlift from Cota 1550. less
Austria has always been at the forefront of winter sports and is still one of the most popular resort destination choices for skiers and snowboarders travelling from the British Isles.
All grade... moreAustria has always been at the forefront of winter sports and is still one of the most popular resort destination choices for skiers and snowboarders travelling from the British Isles.
All grades of ability are well catered for, making Austria a very good choice for mixed ability groups.
Eastern Europe's leading winter sports destination.
Characterised by relatively inexpensive prices and lively après ski. Historically appealing to beginners and improvers on a tight budget; incr... moreEastern Europe's leading winter sports destination.
Characterised by relatively inexpensive prices and lively après ski. Historically appealing to beginners and improvers on a tight budget; increasingly, many enthusiasts are returning season after season, attracted by the very affordable prices and the slightly exotic non-Western ambiance.
Canillo is the administrative capital of this north-eastern parish of Andorra, a parish which contains the internationally renowned Grandvalira ski areas of Soldeu and El Tarter, into which Canillo is... moreCanillo is the administrative capital of this north-eastern parish of Andorra, a parish which contains the internationally renowned Grandvalira ski areas of Soldeu and El Tarter, into which Canillo is linked.
The village straddles Andorra's main CG2 highway, the sole route north-eastwards through Andorra in the direction of France, via the nearest neighbouring ski resort of El Tarter (Canillo to El Tarter: 5 km (3 mi)); westwards and to the south, the CG2 connects Canillo with Andorra's capital city Andorra la Vella, as well as with all other areas of Andorra and with Spain. less
Linked with the internationally renowned Andorran ski resort of Soldeu, this quieter satellite village's ski area is a principal sector of the extensive Grandvalira ski domain.
The ski resort vi... moreLinked with the internationally renowned Andorran ski resort of Soldeu, this quieter satellite village's ski area is a principal sector of the extensive Grandvalira ski domain.
The ski resort village of El Tarter is located in the north-east of Andorra, straddling Andorra's main CG2 highway which provides the sole route eastwards in the direction of France, via the neighbouring ski resorts of Soldeu and Pas de la Casa-Grau Roig; westwards and to the south, the CG2 connects El Tarter with the local parish capital Canillo, and with Andorra's capital city Andorra la Vella, as well as with all other areas of Andorra and with Spain.
Soldeu (just 3 km (2 mi) from El Tarter) is the nearest neighbouring village, and is linked with El Tarter's ski area to form the major sectors of Andorra's premier linked ski domain: Grandvalira.
A few hotels & apartments are located at the foot of El Tarter's ski slopes, surrounding the busy base-area installations; further accommodation is situated on the opposite side of the main road, in a larger yet quieter residential quarter.
The principal ski-area access lift at El Tarter is a fast gondola based at the foot of the slopes, within easy walking distance of most accommodation; there is also a nearby chairlift link from this same base area, which provides uplift to a point on the mountain where skiers & snowboarders then have a choice of on-piste links into either the El Tarter or Soldeu sectors of the ski area. Three pistes provide reliable home-runs to El Tarter. less
Linked by cable car with the Grau Roig sector of the Pas de la Casa ski area, although lacking any home-run pistes of its own, this workaday satellite town is the southernmost access point for the ext... moreLinked by cable car with the Grau Roig sector of the Pas de la Casa ski area, although lacking any home-run pistes of its own, this workaday satellite town is the southernmost access point for the extensive Grandvalira ski domain.
Located just 3 km (2 mi) from the northern suburb of Andorra's bustling capital Andorra la Vella, Encamp sits well below the snow line and is simply an access point for the ski area.
Acknowledged as offering many of the most renowned, challenging and exciting snowsports areas in the world.
Many French ski resorts are high altitude purpose-built sports stations, yet there are... moreAcknowledged as offering many of the most renowned, challenging and exciting snowsports areas in the world.
Many French ski resorts are high altitude purpose-built sports stations, yet there are plenty of more traditional Alpine villages too, and many offer access to big interlinked ski domains.
Italy boasts a wide variety of ski centres, ranging from small charming villages to large sophisticated resorts.
Italians are renowned across the globe for making the most of life's pleasures an... moreItaly boasts a wide variety of ski centres, ranging from small charming villages to large sophisticated resorts.
Italians are renowned across the globe for making the most of life's pleasures and many of them appear to enjoy their winter sports just as much as they enjoy their nation's much-loved cuisine and fine wines.
