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.
