In this article, you will find out everything you need to know about Andorra ski resort Grandvalira and other useful tips for your trip!
I have always loved snowboarding and an annual ski trip to the best ski resorts in Europe is a must-do every winter. There is just something indescribable about accelerating down the slopes, feeling the wind in your face and having breathtaking views around you. I think skiing or snowboarding is something everyone should try and Andorra is a great place for beginners and professionals alike because there are loads of slopes with different levels of difficulty to choose from!
Everything you need to know about the ski holiday in Andorra!
Things you need to know about Andorra
How to get to Andorra
Accommodations in Andorra
Fun Facts
Andorra Ski Resort Grandvalira
Attractions in Andorra
Video
Things you need to know about Andorra
Andorra is a small independent principality between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains. Andorra is mostly known for its winter tourism, offering a quality ski resort with loads of wide, steep & flat slopes. Most of Andorra's territory is covered by mountains and valleys.
Andorra has a tax-haven status that encourages duty-free shopping, so you can not only have a great skiing trip but take a day off and enjoy shopping as Andorra’s capital Andorra la Vella has loads of different high-street shops.
The official language is Catalan, but most of the people understand English so you won’t have any issues communicating, as Spanish, Portuguese, and French are commonly spoken throughout the region.
Andorra’s official currency is Euros even though Andorra is not a member of the European Union.
How to get to Andorra
Unfortunately, Andorra does not have a commercial airport so you will need to fly to Spain, Barcelona or France, Toulouse and then get a bus to Andorra. I flew into Barcelona airport and then took the 'Andbus' bus to Andorra which took me 3h. More about 'Andbus' timelines and booking tickets online can be found here: www.andorrabybus.com/en
Of course, you can always rent a car in Barcelona or Toulouse airports and drive up yourself. As long as you have the appropriate equipment (chains for the tires in case there is a lot of snow on your way) then you should have no issues getting there. Just make sure when renting the car to ensure you can cross borders. You won't really need a car once in Andorra as the public transport is very organized and you can get everywhere in the town within 2 or 3 stops.
Also, parking can be an issue if your hotel does not offer it, so I personally would recommend using the bus, as I found both airport and local public buses very convenient (and I usually prefer renting a car!)
Accommodations in Andorra
I personally recommend staying in 'El Pas de la Casa', as this village is literally at the bottom of one of the entrances to the ski resort. If you prefer the convenience and being able to wake up in the morning and within a short walk get straight on the slopes then choosing a hotel there will be the best option.
Most of the hotels are in the capital city, Andorra la Vella so to get on the slopes you will need to take the local bus to the ski resort. This isn't a hassle as various local buses go periodically, so it is easy to get around, but it will take extra 20-30 minutes in the morning to get to the ski resort and then in the afternoon to get back. Staying in the capital is a better option if you prefer trying out local restaurants, going shopping and simply strolling through the capital of Andorra.
FUN FACTS
Andorra is the sixth-smallest nation in Europe
Andorra la Vella is the highest capital city in Europe at 1,023 metres
In 2013, Andorra had the highest life expectancy in the world at 81 years
Andorra Ski Resort Grandvalira
To easily explain, there are 5 main sectors:
Encamp
Canillo
El Tartar
Soldeu
Pas de la Casa
Encamp is the closest sector from the capital city with the big ski lift that takes you up to the slopes with the Pas de la Casa being the furthest, which even reaches into France. Wherever you start your skiing day, you can easily get from one zone to another via slopes. Although most of the visitors stay in the capital city, there are small villages at every point so for convenience you can stay there to save time and get on the slopes straight away, however, this comes at a greater expense. In the map above you can see all Andorra ski resort Grandvalira which is accessible with one ski pass. More about the prices and other information visit Grandvalira main website: https://www.grandvalira.com/en/
Attractions in Andorra
Although for me personally, the main thing to do in Andorra is to enjoy the ski resort, there are other things to do and see. After a long day of skiing, you can rest in Europe’s biggest spa centre, Caldea, which offers inside and outside pools, jacuzzies, saunas, a spa area and including a zone for adults only. The capital city, Andorra la Vella is unique too with beautiful architecture and full of different high-street and luxury-fashion branded stores alike. Personally liked how tidy and pristine the city itself is.
Some of the main attractions in Andorra are:
Sant Joan de Caselles Church
Ordino and Casa d'Areny-Plandolit
La Cortinada and Sant Martí Church
Touring the Valira d'Orient Valley
The Santa Coloma Church
Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley
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