ANEX Tour expert on the features of trails and resorts

The ski slopes of Andorra will be of particular interest to Russians this season - holidays will cost less than in the Alps, and the quality of the slopes will surprise even the most experienced skiers. What travel agents should know about these slopes, shares information , head of areas Spain, Andorra, Mexico company.

Let's imagine: a tourist comes to a travel agency wanting to buy a ski tour to a European resort. He wants to try something new, or is interested in buying an inexpensive tour - cheaper than to France or Austria. I believe that the ski resorts of the Principality of Andorra, bordering France and Spain, would be an excellent alternative. The quality of the local trails is beyond praise, and a week-long tour for two can be purchased for only 638 euros. Tourists will also not have any problems with transportation, thanks to our charter program, and ANEX Tour’s own office in Barcelona is responsible for the accommodation and reception of tourists.

Who and where?

Now let's figure out what are the advantages of the slopes and pistes of the Andorran ski resorts. The principality has two main ski areas: Vallnord in the west and Grandvalira in the east. In terms of the level of hotel facilities and the availability of entertainment, they are equivalent. If we talk about skiing, then advanced amateurs and professionals will especially like Grandvalira: 55 of the most difficult trails of the “red” and “black” levels are concentrated here. It is better for beginners to pay attention to the Vallnord region, and tourists with an average level of training can be sent to any of these resorts.

Difficult means interesting

First, let's look at the slopes and pistes of the Grandvalira region, which includes the resorts of El Tarter, Pas de la Casa and Grau Roig. This is the largest ski area in the Pyrenees: on an area of ​​1926 hectares, 118 different slopes have been built, with a length of 210 kilometers. Grandvalira is a valley in which six ski sectors are connected: Pas de la Casa, Grau Roig, Soldeu, El Tarter, Encamp and Canillo. At the top there are high-mountain slopes of any difficulty level, and at the bottom there are forest trails protected from the wind. In total, there are 21 “green” tracks, 42 “blue”, 30 “red” and 25 “black”. All trails are well marked and perfectly groomed, dangerous areas are fenced with a net. I note that in the Grandvalira ski area there are 64 lifts, which are covered by a single ski pass.

For experienced skiers, I would especially recommend the slopes of the Pas de la Cassa - Grau Roig resort. In the upper part of the valley there are routes with a large difference in elevation, which are considered the most difficult and, therefore, interesting. But Grandvalira also has something to offer for beginners - seven ski schools are open for them in the Soldeu-El Tarter area.

I would also like to say a few words about the region’s children’s slopes: little skiers have three thematic zones at their disposal. For example, the Bababoom Circus tracks in El Tarter are designed in a circus style. And the Mon(t)Magic family park in the Canillo sector will introduce children to the legends of Andorra.

Unusual terrain, rocks and competitions

Now let's move on to the features of skiing in the second ski cluster of Andorra - Vallnord. The single ski area here consists of the Pal-Arinsal and Ordino-Arcalis ski stations. The resorts located in Pal-Arinsal offer their guests 42 trails of varying difficulty levels: there are 7 “green”, 15 “blue”, 16 “red” and 4 “black” trails. In addition, today Pal-Arinsal is the only complex in the Pyrenees equipped with the most modern indoor lift - a telecable.

The second station - Ordino-Arcalis - is represented by trails of medium difficulty level with good snow cover. They are suitable for both experienced skiers and beginners. I would especially like to highlight the conditions for snowboarding. And, although the resort has fewer marked trails, they have more interesting terrain. All lovers of extreme sports and alpine exotics will like it here: the descents are quite steep, the lower sections pass through forest clearings. I would also like to emphasize that Arcalis is a “Mecca of freeride”, due to the elevation changes and steep slopes, skiing here is truly exciting. This is also why on the slopes of Arcalis, sporting events international level.

In conclusion, I would like to summarize the advantages of skiing in the ski resorts of Andorra, which are offered byAnexTour.

A large number of high-quality, safe trails with a total length of about 300 kilometers. Slopes for all skill levels.
- Special slopes and theme parks for children. The resorts operate kindergartens and nurseries for children from one year old.
- Dozens of schools for teaching snowboarding and skiing, Russian-speaking instructors. Developed infrastructure.
- ANEX Tour has opened an office in Barcelona, ​​which provides profitable contracts with hotels in Andorra and customer service throughout the trip.
- Own charter program: flights twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Most winter holiday lovers know Andorra ski resort map, since these places are popular among tourists. A small principality with an area of ​​468 km 2, the capital of which is Andorra la Vella, located in the east of the Pyrenees between France and Spain. The locals speak Spanish well and French, despite the fact that the local language is Catalan. However, employees at local resorts speak English. There are also places where Russian-speaking agents from international travel operators work, as well as professional instructors. The country's popularity among holidaymakers is quite simple to explain.

The highest point of the principality is the peak of Coma Pedrosa. Its height is 2942 meters. For this reason, the majority of tourists know Where is the ski resort of Andorra, because I can rightfully be called the queen of all existing winter sports. Coma Pedrosa is located on the northwest side of the principalities in the Pyrenees region of La Massana. Local resorts are more suitable for lovers of a quiet, relaxing holiday. In Andorra, the main means of payment is the dollar. You can exchange currency at almost any bank or hotel, where the rate is usually significantly lower. It is best to first take care of having a sufficient amount of non-cash and cash funds.

There are no rail or air connections within the principality, so traveling between ski resorts of Andorra description which are also presented, the traveler will have to use public transport, a rented car or a taxi.

To get to the country, a tourist can use one of the nearest airports that accept international flights. These include Il Prat Airport in Spain and Toulouse-Blagnac Airport in France. The route from Barcelona to the principality is 200 kilometers, and from Toulouse – 170 km. It is easier to get to Andorra from Barcelona, ​​from where twelve flights depart daily, while from Toulouse there are only two. The border of the principality is open to France and Spain, so in order to get to the local resorts, you must obtain an entry visa from one of these states or any other country belonging to the Schengen zone. On numerous photo of Andorra ski resort tourists relax with their pets, but it should be remembered that the animal must undergo customs control with a medical certificate, which contains notes on all vaccinations received.

Resorts of Andorra

It is worth immediately noting that the principality attracts vacationers due to its material accessibility, as well as the quality of the trails intended for skiing. Prices for similar French or Alpine resorts are much higher. However, an attractive price does not mean low quality of service or poorly developed infrastructure. Each of the existing resorts is characterized by the presence of many trails of varying difficulty levels. Each of them has its own specific marker, and signs are placed along the paths. To prevent an inexperienced skier from flying off the slope, they are all fenced. All operating lifts are safe and comfortable. Presented on the Internet map of Andorra ski resorts, among which it is necessary to highlight the main ones. The Principality is territorially divided into two zones called Vallnord and Grandvalir. There is something to see in almost any chosen city in the kingdom, but ski resorts are still among the pearls. Among best places Grandvalira is marked with the following:

Vallnord is also divided into several sectors dedicated to skiing. The total length of the trails is about ninety kilometers, most of which are colored blue and red on the diagram. About twenty-six routes are characterized by elevation changes of up to 600 meters, as well as 63 paths with differences of up to a kilometer. The Ordino Arcalis resort, which is located near the princely capital, is popular among professionals. There are mostly gentle slopes here, the highest of which is 2600 meters. They are ideal for downhill riding.

Some of the trails belong to the category of increased difficulty and are accessible only to specialists in their field.

Among the famous the best ski resorts in Andorra also includes Pal-Arinsal, highest point which is located above 1950 meters. In total, tourists are presented with about forty trails of varying duration and complexity. Thus, Andorra is multifaceted. Its ski resorts are suitable for all categories of vacationers, both from a financial point of view and in terms of the athlete’s level of preparedness.

When is the best time to go?

Winter in the Pyrenees Mountains of Andorra delights holidaymakers with its winter landscapes with heavy snowfalls, coniferous forests and warm weather. There is no harsh winter here. Temperatures, as a rule, range from -2 to +2 degrees, and only in certain areas can they drop below -5 degrees during the day and below -15 degrees at night. The favorable season for traveling to Andorra lasts from the last days of November to the first days of April. However, there are exception resorts. For example, not everywhere ski season in Andorra lasts until the beginning of April. Some trails in Pal-Arinsal are accessible until the month of May. The most popular recreation areas are also equipped with snow cannons that maintain full snow cover suitable for skiing. With the help of such equipment, the season can be extended until late spring. For this reason, holidays here are just as popular in May as in the depths of winter.

Thus, Andorra ski is in demand among a huge number of tourists who do not want to overpay extra money while vacationing in France. A developed network of infrastructure of local recreational areas allows the traveler to spend his vacation comfortably; in addition, the quality of the presented trails is pleasantly surprising.

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Really the best hotel prices

Although Andorra is a country of more than modest size, it has plenty of opportunities for recreation and entertainment. There are interesting sights in almost every locality of the country, but its main pearl is the ski resorts. All of them are located in two ski areas called Grandvalira and Vallnord. In the review we have prepared, we will talk about the features of the resorts located in these ski areas.

Grandvalira

This ski area is home to the major ski resorts of Pas de la Casa and Soldeu, as well as four smaller ones (Encamp, Grau Roig, El Tarter and Canillo). The total area occupied by the resorts is almost 1800 hectares, making it the largest in Andorra and one of the largest in Europe. These resorts were united to provide the possibility of purchasing a single ski pass. The total length of trails of varying difficulty is 190 km, the elevation difference is about a kilometer. 68 lifts take skiers to the tops of the slopes.

In the Grandvalira ski area there are slopes of varying difficulty, according to the international classification designated different colors. There are 19 green slopes, 39 blue ones, 30 red ones and 24 black ones. As you can see, most of the slopes here are for mass skiing for skiers with an average level of training. You should know that the greatest steepness of the slopes is observed at the top of Tossal de Lallosada (2600 m), and the lowest at the foot.

Pas De La Casa Resort

At this ski resort, most of the tourists are quite spoiled. Located almost on the border with France, the resort is a complex of five dozen slopes, most of which are red (23). All of them are equipped with safe lifts various types. Skating here is safe for any category of vacationers.

In addition to excellent trails and hotels, there are several very popular restaurants that are a must-see. It's about about the steakhouse Gall De Bosc (Soldeu), Roc De Les Bruixes (Canillo), Llac De Pessons (Grau Roig) and of course El Raco Del Park. There are also several interesting attractions that can diversify your time.

Resort Soldeu – El Tarter

The ski resort of Soldeu rightfully occupies a leading place in the ranking of resorts in Andorra. This is due to the highest level of equipment on the trails. The name of the resort is due to the two villages that actually form it. Skiers of all skill levels can have a good time in Soldeu, and families with children can enjoy El Tarter.

The resort's pistes are mostly intended for beginner and intermediate skiers (green and blue pistes). There is also a special track for children.

Route map of the Soldeu – El Tarter resort

On the territory of this resort you can both rent and purchase a variety of ski equipment. The main stores with such products are Esports Calbo, Esports Calbo, Pic Negre and Loaded.

In addition to skiing and everything connected with it, in the resort of Soldeu - El Tarter you can purchase many goods at very low prices, since Andorra is a duty-free zone.

How much does a ski pass cost in Grandvalira?

A daily ski pass at this resort will cost 42 euros for an adult and 31 euros for a child. A six-day subscription will cost 221 euros/153 euros.

Vallnord

Like the previous one, the Vallnord ski area combines the Ordino-Arcalis and Pal-Arinsa ski sectors. In total, there are about 90 km of trails, most of which belong to the red and blue difficulty categories. In the Ordino-Arcalis sector there are 26 trails with a height difference of about 600 meters, and in Pal-Arinsa there are 63 with a difference of about a kilometer.

Ordino Arcalis

This resort is located three dozen kilometers from the capital of the principality, the city of Andorra la Vella. The slopes here are relatively gentle, the maximum height is 2600 meters, the minimum is 1940 meters. The slopes of this resort offer excellent opportunities for downhill racing on blue and red slopes. There are also the most difficult trails, black ones, which are popular among professionals.

The resort has a good choice hotels ranging from 4* to luxury cottages.

Pal-Arinsal

Like the previous resort, Pal-Arinsal consists of two centers, the name of which forms this combination. This resort is located ten kilometers from the capital of Andorra. The altitude of the resort above sea level is 1950 m. Total number There are four dozen trails, lists of all difficulty categories are presented.

Also at the Arinsal resort there is the most difficult descent in the country - the height difference at the starting and ending points is a whole kilometer.

How much does a ski pass cost in Villanord?

One day of skiing at the Villanord ski resort will cost 38 euros for an adult and 28 euros for a child. A six-day pass will cost 176 and 133 euros respectively.

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Ski resorts of Andorra - a map of picturesque slopes that have gained their fame due to the large selection of slopes and low cost of all types of entertainment. This region can easily compete with other ski resorts in Europe, becoming great place for family or youth recreation.

Andorra ski resorts on the map

The rest of the time, the territory of the principality experiences sunny and clear weather with minimal precipitation and winds.

Do you know how they were formed and where the largest mountains on the planet are located? To find out, take a look.

In the valley, right next to the ski lift stations, there are many cozy cafes and restaurants, where you can eat croissants and drink coffee. Also worth noting from the infrastructure is the opportunity to go not only skiing, but also ice skating, snowshoeing and snowmobiles.

In another sector - Ordino Arcalis there are 26 kilometers of ski slopes located at an altitude of 1940-2625 meters:

• 2 black;
• 8 red;
• 8 blue;
• 6 green;
• 1 slalom.

Overall, it's great for fans of a wide variety of trails, from very steep and narrow to ski areas created by for children.

To avoid getting lost or injuring yourself on the slope, there are signs and markings everywhere, as well as safety fences.

Ordino Arcaliz is considered one of the most romantic regions of Andorra. Apart from incredible beautiful nature, there are a variety of attractions here: ancient castles, ancient mansions and Romanesque temple buildings. This magnificence is surrounded by snowy peaks, creating a wonderful picture of relaxation.

To the main benefits The region includes a wonderful microclimate, excellent service in hotels and beyond, developed infrastructure and a budget option.

Travel business in Ordino Arcalis at dawn, so tourists are protected from natural disasters. Many hotels are located directly next to the ski lifts and have an official category of one to five stars.

Helpful information

• Almost all resorts in Andorra have Russian speaking instructors, so those who travel with children do not have to worry about decent education.
• There is quite a bit of entertainment in the ski resorts, but in this part of Europe it is very popular shopping.

The advantage of shopping is that Andorra is a Duty-Free zone with prices lower than in its neighbor and France.

• Andorran resorts are incredible popular from tourists, so to get here at the end of December, tours should be booked at the beginning.
• In Andorra you can rent any equipment except glasses and a suit and gloves - you will have to buy them.

Andorra is a small principality lost in the Eastern Pyrenees. This country is known to European tourists for its thermal springs, excellent shopping and, of course, ski resorts.

Andorra la Vella, the capital of the enclave, looks like a gigantic hypermarket, but the rest of the country is continuous ski slopes.

We will introduce you to the features of winter holidays in Andorra, the key ski resorts of this country, prices for tours and reviews of travelers who have recently visited here.

Ski tours to Andorra

In Andorra, ski holidays are the main government source of income. Ski slopes occupy 1/18 of the area of ​​the entire country.

Most of Andorra's settlements have turned into winter resorts.

If you take the area around Encamp, you will come across a ski station in every village. The urgent need to systematize the ski business resulted in local authorities combining ski areas into 2 large systems:

• Vallnord,
• Grandvalira.

Grandvalira

The Grandvalira network includes the following resorts:

• Soldeu;
• Pas de la Casa;
• El Tarter;
• Canillo;
• Grau Roig.

The ski area in this region extends between 1,700-2,600 meters, the elevation difference reaches 930 meters, and the total length of the slopes exceeds 190 km.

There are 63 lifts and 108 slopes open for skiing. different levels difficulties.

Vallnord

Vallnord's resorts are clustered around two of the region's most remarkable slopes, Pala and Arinsal, separated by just seven kilometers.

Andorra has the sunniest ski resorts in the world.

The capital of the principality is located approximately 9-12 km from Vallnord. The network includes the following resorts:

• Arcalis;
• Ordino;
• Arinsal;
• La Massana.

Characteristic of all Andorran resorts high level organization of skiing and protection of skiers from natural “problems”.

The high mountain slopes will delight you with their differences, and the stations located just below are equipped with snow cannons.

Professionals will enjoy the “black” and “red” routes of Arinsal (altitude difference is about 1010 meters), and for beginners there are ski schools at each winter station.

To go or not to go?

Here are the main reasons why you should carefully consider ski tours in Andorra:

• friendly attitude towards newcomers;
• Russian-speaking instructors;
• decent level of living comfort;
• amenities of resorts;
• additional features:
  • shopping (there is no value added tax in Andorra),
  • excursions,
  • thermal springs;
• natural beauty;
• fresh mountain air;
• concern for the safety of tourists;
• united price policy for ski passes;
• developed infrastructure;
• excellent conditions for family holidays;
• hospitality of the residents.

How to get there

Andorra is such a tiny state and untainted by technogenic civilization that it does not even have its own airport.

The principality is sandwiched on both sides by powerful neighbors - Spain and France.

Knowledgeable people advise getting to Andorra through Spain.
To do this, you need to purchase a ticket for a Moscow-Barcelona flight and spend 4 hours in the airspace.

Companies that will provide you with this service:

• Iberia;
• Aeroflot;
• Vueling.

In winter, charter flights predominate on the route.

Once you land in Barcelona, ​​you can take a regular bus or drive to Andorra by rented car. You will spend 3.5-4 hours on the way.

The second option (more difficult) is a flight to Toulouse. Moreover, all routes will be connecting (via European airports). Next - by bus or car - to the capital of Andorra.

Ski season

The ski season in Andorra covers the chronological period from September to April.

Travel organizers begin selling tours in November, but they start around December 26th.

Note that the climate on the slopes of Andorra is quite mild - the sun shines 250 days a year. At the same time, you will not be left without snow cover thanks to special equipment (guns).

Selection of photos

For those who continue to hesitate about flying to Andorra, we post photos taken in different corners principalities. These pictures will convince non-believers that skiing is thriving in Andorra.

Andorra la Vella The town of Soldeu The slopes in Encamp Sunny Esclades Skiers in El Tarter View of Caniglio from the cable car La Massana Resort Pal Arinsal

Best resorts

It's time to focus on some Andorran resorts, which are considered the best and most comfortable.

In Andorra you can combine winter holidays with summer ones.

Here we will not write about - there is a separate article about this complex.

1. Andorra la Vella. Appropriate place for family time.
   The old part of the city will delight the eyes of connoisseurs of the Middle Ages, and in the new quarters devotees will have a blast club life and disco fans.
   The capital of the principality has the status of a ski resort, but also attracts ordinary tourists:
   • shopping,
   • warm atmosphere,
   • nightlife,
   • exciting excursions.

   The thermal resort of Caldea is located nearby. There you can immerse yourself in a jacuzzi right in the open air.

2. Escaldes and Grau Roig. Despite the “separate” toponymy, you are unlikely to find a border between Escaldes and the capital of the principality. In fact, this is a suburb of Andorra la Vella.
   Escaldes - zone:
   • ancient Roman thermal springs;
   • excellent restaurants;
   • comfortable hotels;
   • extensive shopping centers.

   There are no ski routes here, but Grau Roig is located 5 km from Escaldes - this is where all skiers who have previously booked a room in Escaldes go.

3. Encamp. To get to this quiet and fairly spacious town, you need to drive 7 km northeast of the capital. The Kortals valley stretches around the town, connected by transport arteries with other resorts in the region.
   Perhaps this is the most technologically advanced tourist complex Andorra, featuring:
   • mild climate,
   • plenty of snow,
   • developed infrastructure,
   • picturesque nature.

   All of the above, combined with a modern cable car, a single ski pass and slopes at an altitude of 2600 meters, makes Encamp an exceptionally pleasant place for skiing.

4. Pal-Arinsal. These two resorts have long merged together, since their slopes are separated by only a few kilometers.
   The ski slopes are located in a valley surrounded on four sides by mountain ranges. Long and wide slopes make the resort an ideal place for beginner skiers.
   Local authorities are proud of the high density of snow cannons per square kilometer of route area. The bases boast an abundance of schools for beginners and kindergartens.
5. El Tarter and Soldeu. The central winter resorts of the principality are located near the French border. The villages are separated by three kilometers and have 88 km of equipped trails of varying degrees of difficulty. The altitude difference is about 500 meters.
   The western slope of Encampadana attracts fans of virgin lands, and beginners prefer skiing within the forest zone.
   The infrastructure of the villages is quite developed, there is:
   • rescue Service;
   • ski storage;
   • cafes and restaurants;
   • inquiry Office.

   There are routes for snowboarders.

6. La Massana. A resort that deservedly enjoys worldwide fame.
   The most surprising thing is that the La Massana ski resort... does not exist.
   Athletes ski on the slopes of Pala and Arinsal, and use the cozy town of La Massana as a transit base. Here you can have a lot of fun visiting:
   • casino,
   • night clubs,
   • museums,
   • bars,
   • restaurants,
   • discos.

   You can improve your health in specialized centers.

7. Canillo. A resort town located at an altitude of one and a half thousand meters above sea level.
   Like the resort, La Massana does not have its own ski area, but this is not required, because from here it is a stone's throw to El Tarter and Soldeu.
   Canillo is connected to the mentioned bases by cable cars and excellent highways. There are many:
   • hotels,
   • chic restaurants,
   • bars,
   • clubs.

Video of ski holidays in Andorran

We invite you to watch a video about alpine skiing in this corner of the world.

Prices for holidays at ski resorts

How much does alpine skiing cost in Andorra? Let's look at the cost of tours to the winter resorts of the principality:

• last minute tours (April) - 62,000-87,000 rubles (7-11 days);
• tours from Kyiv, Minsk and Moscow (6-7 days) - 350-1,900 Euro (depending on the hotel class and time of stay).

Information for independent travelers:

• ski passes in Grandvalira (1 day) - 39-44 Euro;
• for 3 days (ibid.) - 125 Euro;
• 6 days - 232 Euro;
• equipment rental (Grandvalira) - 40-60 Euro (sometimes higher - depending on the level of skiing);
• individual skating lesson - 85 Euro;
• daily ski pass (Vallnord) - 33-37 Euro (depending on the season);
• ski passes for teenagers - 32-35 Euro;
• visa and medical insurance- 60 Euro;
• excursions - 55-95 Euro;
• hotel accommodation (3-4 stars) - 24,000-29,000 rubles. (for 7 nights).