HEIDI GUIDE TO
Andorra
Ski Holidays
Great deals, duty-free shopping and great skiing
Andorra has all the ingredients for a great time on the slopes with Spanish influenced vibes and cuisine.
Why choose to go skiing in Andorra?
- Great for beginners & families
- Far more affordable than the Alps
- Cheap and lively apres
With the promise of cheap deals, duty-free shopping and lively hospitality, Andorra ski holidays have been enticing skiers for decades. Throw in beginner and family-friendly slopes, drinks that won’t break the bank, and reliable snow, and you have the makings of an epic trip.
One of the best ski resorts in Andorra is Pas de la Casa. Ideal for beginners and intermediates alike, it packs a big ski area and après-ski into one cheap package. In the heart of the Pyrenees, Arinsal is another great option - not just for its après-ski but its forest-lined pistes and varied terrain.
Looking for more relaxed, family-friendly vibes? Then Soldeu or La Massana have you covered, with fantastic ski schools to get you going.
KEY INFORMATION
Good to Know
Currency
Euro
Language
Catalan
Travel Time (APPROX)
3 hours
Dublin
Timezone
GMT+2
Family skiing in Andorra
Andorra’s best ski resorts for families are the easy-going neighbours of Soldeu and El Tarter. Simply zip up the mountain, to access great ski schools and exclusive kid zones - essentials for any family ski holiday. El Tarter has the ‘bababoom circus’, a magical circuit through the forest while Soldeu is home to the 646m Yokai circuit, named after the area’s black grouse. They’re also quieter than Andorra’s more riotous resorts, making them relaxing alternatives for an affordable family ski holiday.
Alternatively, Arinsal is fantastic for families, with the children’s area, beginners’ area, food and ski school all in one place. And just down the road, you'll discover La Massana which has surged in popularity with families.
Group skiing in Andorra
Plenty of pistes, tons of après-ski and cheap accommodation to match, means finding a cheap group ski holiday in Andorra is easy.
La Massana is certainly a great shout for groups of beginner and intermediate skiers but with 210km of pistes in the Grandvalira ski area, the best ski resort for group ski holidays in Andorra is arguably Pas de la Casa. With mellow pistes for groups of beginner skiers and trickier tracks for intermediates, it’s ideal for all abilities.
But what makes Pas our top pick for groups? It's the varied (and legendary) après-ski scene. With easy to reach slopeside bars, and even more in resort, it’s a mecca for evening entertainment. So whether you want to dance on the tables, or enjoy an inexpensive meal at a decent restaurant, Pas de La Casa has you covered.
Andorra ski holidays
Your questions answered by our Andorra ski holiday expert
Alexander Blunt (Co-Founder)
When is the best time to ski in Andorra?
Nestled in the heart of the Pyrenees mountains, Andorra's ski season sets it apart from the Alps, thanks to its more southerly placement. Its ski season kicks off in December before wrapping up by early April. The best time to ski in Andorra is probably January and February. It gives Andorra's ski resorts the best opportunity for fresh dumps of snow and perfect pistes.
March meanwhile quickly brings on the best of spring skiing, for those who love the sunnier days and mellow temperatures. And with Andorra being further south than the Alps, it boasts a more favourable climate, with plenty of big bluebird days on offer all season long.
The resorts of the Grandvalira ski area such as Pas de la Casa and Soldeu enjoy the best snow conditions in Andorra thanks to an altitude range that many Alpine resorts would be jealous of. And in the ski area of Pal-Arinsal, La Massana and Arinsal serve up plenty of slopes above 2000m.
What are the best ski resorts in Andorra for beginners?
While in many resorts across the Alps, beginner skiers are forced to stick to the ‘nursery slopes’ beside the resort while their more experienced friends head up the mountain. Not so in the Grandvalira ski area, where many of the beginner areas and best blue runs are higher up.
It means beginners can enjoy the views as they learn, and more easily meet everyone at numerous mountain restaurants. This makes Soldeu, El Tarter and Pas de la Casa some of Andorra’s best ski resorts for beginners. And if you or your little ones are new to the slopes then the easily accessed beginner areas make them great destinations for families learning to ski.
Alternatively, Arinsal is a great value option for a beginner ski holiday in Andorra, with plenty of beginner-friendly slopes, and a mountain layout that is easy to navigate, you really can’t go wrong. And just down the road you'll discover La Massana, a rising star that's been trending in popularity with beginner skiers embracing its gentle slopes.
What are the best ski resorts in Andorra for advanced skiers?
While not known for super steep terrain like that found in France and Austria, Andorra ski resorts have made great efforts to develop tricky terrain that pushes intermediate and advanced skiers.
The best ski resorts in Andorra for advanced skiers can be found in the huge Grandvalira ski area. The race-worthy black of ‘Àliga’, is perfect for superstar shredders wanting to drop 700 metres through the trees into El Tarter. Meanwhile, confident carvers wanting straight-line speed can race down troves of pacey reds near Pas de la Casa.
What are the best ski resorts for off-piste skiing in Andorra?
Andorra may have a reputation for chilled skiing, long lunches and lively après but it has some incredible off-piste too, thanks to its unique climate and plenty of lift-accessible off-piste terrain. It’s even a stop on the Freeride World Tour – where the world’s best come to shred the mountain in style.
Andorra’s best resorts for off-piste skiing are found in the huge Grandvalira ski area. No matter if it's your first forays into deeper snow or you’ve built steely nerves for steep terrain, the several freeride areas and marked routes offer lines adapted for both intermediate freeriders and experts.
And with most terrain easily accessed from resorts like Pas de la Casa and Soldeu, you’ll find the best off-piste skiing in Andorra is only ever a few lifts away.
What are the best high-altitude ski resorts in Andorra?
The variety of ski resorts in Andorra is not massive – the country itself is a third of the size of London – and there are just two main ski areas. The first, Pal-Arinsal is home to, you guessed it, Arinsal. The second, and largest ski area is Grandvalira which is home to Soldeu, El Tarter and Pas de la Casa.Here slopes go up to 2,640m, and during the prime months of January and February, are the safest bet for snow-sure skiing in Andorra. And with Pas de la Casa's lofty 2050m altitude, it makes it both the highest ski resort in Andorra and one of the highest in Europe too.
Another of Andorra’s high-altitude resorts is La Massana. Here chairlifts easily zip you up to pistes at the 2,500m mark, where both the snow security and altitude beat many of the Alpine classics.
What are the best resorts for snowboarders in Andorra?
Combining big pistes and big après, Pas de la Casa is one of Andorra's best ski resorts for snowboarders. Blessed with a treasure trove of blues and reds, the cruisy corduroy makes it prime for beginner snowboarders learning the ropes, or intermediates shredding at speed.
And whether it's sundrenched beers on the mountain or parties long into the night, the wallet-friendly après-ski makes it easy to experience a cheap snowboard holiday.
For serious park rats or those wanting a taste of the freestyle, Grandvilira’s multi-ability parks offer heaps of features. El Tarter's snowpark is a huge at 1.3km long. Meanwhile Soldeu’s Snowpark Sunset offers floodlit freestyle till 9pm.
Which Andorra ski resorts are best for food and drink?
Andorra has been a melting pot of mountain cultures, languages and cuisine for centuries. There are French, Spanish and Catalan influences. You’ll find tapas restaurants in every resort, as well as the more traditional alpine dishes such as cheesy fondues and also some flavours unique to the region such as escudella stew, a warming dish of local meats, sausages and seasonal vegetables.
So if you’ve got hungry mouths to feed or a big group needing a refuel, there's plenty of choice when it comes to eating out. Like chillies? At Cisco’s in Arinsal, they serve Asian, Tex Mex, Mediterranean, Latino and the tequila to go with. Meanwhile, La Massana's Spanish influence means there's an abundance of 'delicioso' tapas eateries, and Kamikaze Surf Bar in Pas de la Casa, offers up 1.3kg XXL steaks (for those with the appetite!).
And when it comes to lazy lunches and cheap mountain meals, the numerous high-altitude restaurants are cheaply priced pit-stops, all thanks to Andorra’s low-tax status.
What are the best Andorra ski resorts for après-ski?
With a round of drinks costing far less than in the Alps, it’s not difficult to see why Andorra is popular as a party venue. Often described as the best ski resort in Andorra for après-ski, hedonists should head to Pas de la Casa, widely likened to Ibiza for its wide range of bars and clubs. Arinsal also has a lively après-ski scene with a number of bars and clubs prime for those not ready to call it a night.
And if you’re keen to soak up the sun with an earlier start to the après-ski, Grandvilira’s countless slopeside pit stops are perfect places to enjoy a sundrenched beer or wine with friends.
What are the best ski resorts in Andorra for ski weekends or short breaks?
If you’re prepared to catch the red-eye, a short ski trip to Andorra is definitely possible.
If it's a ski weekend, that you're after then aim to travel late. With plenty of evening flights to Toulouse and Barcelona, if you don’t mind arriving at your resort in the early hours, you can easily get two full days on the slopes before heading back.
At just over two hours from Pas de la Casa, Toulouse airport is marginally closer of the two. Soldeu, just up the road, is also within reach.
Meanwhile, those wanting to save money by knocking a few days off their trip can easily enjoy a short ski holiday to any of Andorra’s ski resorts. To maximise the fun, aim high and head to the huge ski area of Pas de la Casa. With heaps of lively nightlife on offer, you’ll be enjoying yourself long after the ski boots come off.
What is the ski accommodation in Andorra like?
Whether you prefer a self-catered home away from home or the luxury of a spa hotel, Andorra’s ski resorts offer heaps of value-for-money accommodation.
Thanks to Andorra’s low-tax way of life, it's easy to find cheap ski hotels and apartments. But despite the lower price tag, you’ll find quality isn't compromised as many of the ski accommodations are modern and purpose-built. And while many choose to eat out, those wanting cosy nights in with a home-cooked meal, will find plenty of great self-catered options.
It’s also easy to keep it affordable while upgrading to the luxuries of half-board and spa facilities. And for those who hate having to navigate large sprawling ski towns, Andorra’s ski resorts are compact and easy to get around on foot, making ski-in, ski-out less of a priority.
What are the entry requirements for Andorra?
Entry requirements are completely dependent on your nationality. Things can change, so for the most up-to-date visa and passport information, we advise checking the international travel advice for your nationality, below are two examples.
If you are travelling to Andorra from the UK on a full British passport: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/andorra/entry-requirements
If you are travelling to Andorra from Ireland on an Irish passport: https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/andorra/
Most popular ski resorts in Andorra
Here are just some of our top ski resorts. To find the perfect one for you, speak to one of our specialists.
Arinsal
Arinsal gives you access to the Pal-Arinsal ski area, perfect for beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The resort offers a wide range of excellent value accommodation to suit a variety of travellers. Its duty-free status will delight bargain hunters.
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Pas de la Casa
With access to over 200km of Grandvalira slopes, Pas de la Casa is the perfect base from which to explore Andorra's premier ski area. The resort sits at a height of 2100m, making it an excellent choice for those traveling early or late in the season.
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Soldeu
A sought-after skiing spot within the expansive Grandvalira ski area, Soldeu provides nearly 200km of pistes suitable for both beginner and intermediate skiers. With its diverse terrain and vibrant selection of mountain bars, Soldeu offers a skiing experience unlike anywhere else.
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La Massana
La Massana gives you access to the Pal-Arinsal ski area, perfect for beginner and intermediate ski and snowboarders. The resort offers a wide range of excellent value accommodation to suit a variety of travellers.
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El Tarter
The sister resort of Soldeu, El Tarter is perfect for beginners with wide and relaxed slopes to gain confidence. Advanced skiers can enjoy thrilling freeride opportunities on Grandvalira's off-piste routes and explore the extensive snow park, one of Europe's longest.
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All ski resorts in Andorra
Why book a Andorra ski holiday with Heidi?
See our ski holiday reviews
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