Thinking of Skiing in Andorra?
Tucked between France and Spain in the heart of the Pyrenees, the tiny principality of Andorra (it’s only 468 square kilometres) is known for two things: skiing and duty-free shopping.
It’s the skiing we’re going to focus on here, of course, which is great for beginners, experts and everyone in between. Andorra has invested a lot of money in its ski resorts in recent years. For example, in 2022, Grandvalira, its biggest ski area, splashed out €17.5 million on major improvements to its slopes, lift infrastructure, facilities, and ski schools.
Nevertheless, Andorra remains a great value ski holiday destination, has a thriving après scene, and thanks to its altitude (it has 65 peaks above 2000m) is pretty snow sure, making it a wonderful alternative to the big European ski countries.
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Skiing in Soldeu, Andorra
Andorra Ski Resort Advice
Even among Andorra’s small selection of ski resorts there’s tremendous variety, from the snow sure slopes of Soldeu to the party paradise of Pas de la Casa.
Arinsal, Soldeu and El Tarter are the perfect resorts for both beginners and families thanks to their wealth of nursery slopes, and easy greens and wide blues, as well as their accommodating hotels and off-piste activities. Elsewhere, big groups won’t be disappointed by the lively atmosphere and late night bars of Pas de la Casa.
Check out the best resorts for families, partying, groups and cost-conscious skiers below.
Best ski resorts for snow surety
Pas de la Casa and Soldeu are the most snow sure resorts in Andorra.
Perched up at 2,050m, and with extensive snow cannon coverage, Pas de la Casa usually has good enough conditions to stay open right up to the end of April.
It also has predominantly north east and north west facing slopes, so even on those sunnier days, the pistes tend to hold their snow. Soldeu is another good shout for snow surety. It sits at 1,800m and has lifts going up to 2,460m. Again, many of its slopes are north facing.
That said, Ordino-Arcalis (more of a village than a resort), which is nestled right at the top of the Ordino valley (between 1,940 m to 2,625m), is often said to get the best snow conditions in Andorra.
It’s a powder heaven, with controlled freeriding areas that are perfect for powder hounds. The powder is so reliable, in fact, that it hosts one of the Men's Freeride World Tour stages.
Best ski resorts in Andorra for a family ski holiday
The top ski resorts for families in Andorra are Arinsal, Soldeu and El Tarter.
Arinsal is one of Andorra’s smallest and most relaxed resorts. Its pistes are generally quite gentle and kid-friendly, and there’s a ski school that’s very well-regarded. It also has a variety of activities that the whole family will enjoy when they’re not on the slopes, including bowling, sledging, and a swimming pool.
Soldeu is also good for families. Its Espiolets nursery area is the perfect place for little skiers to make their first turns, and it also has good childcare facilities, including an indoor play area for 2-4 year olds. Nearby El Tarter shares many of its family-friendly qualities and is a bit more laid back than its neighbour.
We’d also recommend Canillo for families. This small and peaceful mountain village has only a handful of runs, which are known for being particularly gentle, and it's home to the Mon(t) Magic circuit, a free children’s area with fun characters and obstacles. And parents will still have access to the entire Grandvalira ski area with their lift pass.
The best ski resorts in Andorra for beginners
Many of the qualities that make Arinsal and Soldeu great for families also make them the ideal beginner resorts.
Their wide pistes definitely lean towards the easier end of the spectrum, with around half of the runs in both resorts labelled as beginner level.
We’d also like to give another shout out to Ordino-Arcalís. It might be a freeride paradise, but it’s also home to the 8km Mega Verde, which, as the name suggests, is a super-long green run.
There are also a bunch of fun blues that are perfect for progressing, and it’s a bit quieter than some of the more popular villages, making it a safe place to learn.
The best ski resorts in Andorra for après
Pas de la Casa is without doubt the party capital of Andorra.
This lively resort has enough decent bars and clubs to prove that you don’t need to go to the Alps for après, but still offers everything you’d expect, including live music, drinks deals, DJs, and sun-bathed terraces.
Up on the pass between Pas de la Casa and Grau Roig at 2,500m is Coll Blanc, a circular French bistro with panoramic views that, from 2pm everyday, hosts DJ sets and dancing.
When things wrap up at 5pm, you can make your way carefully down to the resort centre. There, inevitably, you’ll find an Irish bar, Paddy’s, which dutifully stays open until 3am and shows all the big sporting events. The Red Lion and Underground are also good options.
However, we don’t want to give the impression that there aren’t après antics to be found elsewhere in Andorra.
Soldeu also has its fair share of bars, including Fat Alberts and the Harp, both open until the early hours. If you’re after a classier post-ski party, El Tarter might be your resort of choice. It’s home to L’Abarset, a very stylish bar and restaurant that hosts wild parties on its sunny terrace and even has VIP zones.
Best ski resorts in Andorra for a group ski holiday
Pas de la Casa party credentials have to clinch it a top spot in any list of the best group resorts in Andorra.
However, not everyone is interested in drinks and dancing, and the variety of terrain on offer is just as important, especially when you have a large group of mixed abilities.
On that basis, Soldeu is a great choice for groups. Right in the heart of Grandvalira, this popular resort is the perfect base from which to explore the entire 210km ski area, including its 65 green and blue runs and 55 red and blacks.
There’s also a massive snow park in nearby EL Tarter, which will delight any freestyle fanatics. And if you do want to party, the aforementioned Harp and Fat Alberts have you covered.
Best ski resorts in Andorra for a cheap ski holiday
If you’re used to skiing in the Alps, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much cheaper it can be to go skiing for a week in Andorra.
Ski passes and ski hire are similar prices to those in French resorts (23/24 season it costs €374.00 for a Grandvalira area pass).
However, the flights are generally cheaper, food and drink prices are cheaper (expect to pay around €4 for a pint rather than €7), and the accommodation is great value, especially in the larger resorts of Soldeu and Pas de la Casa. And don’t forget the duty-free shopping.
The biggest ski areas in Andorra
Andorra has two large ski areas.
At 210km, Grandvalira is the biggest ski area in Andorra. It consists of six villages, including all the three biggest resorts in the country: Soldeu, Pas de la Casa, and El Tarter. Every ability of skier is catered for in Grandvalira, and every type of holidaymaker, from families to groups of young friends.
The country’s other major ski area is Vallnord Pal-Arinsal, which offers 63km of pistes, many of them geared towards families and beginners.
Snow conditions in Andorra
The Pyrenees aren’t as high altitude as the Alps, but they still see decent snowfall.
The best snow conditions are to be found in the early to mid-season, January to February time, and you’ll find the deepest snow (upwards of 100cm on the upper slope) in the higher resorts like Soldeu and Canillo.
Ski Accommodation in Andorra
Even the grandest accommodation is great value in Andorra, but there are also budget options and everything in between.
Check out these Andorran chalets, which are just as cosy as their Alpine equivalents. Or you could choose from a bed and breakfast or half board hotel in any of the country’s resorts. These apartments are also a fantastic option for families that are looking for a space to make their own for the week.
Where do you fly into to ski in Andorra?
The closest airports to Andorra are Lleida Alguaire, Toulouse, and Barcelona, with transfer times ranging from 2 to 3 and a half hours.
Andorra ski holiday FAQs
Why is Andorra so cheap for skiing?
Because it’s served by smaller airports, has some lesser known resorts and offers duty-free shopping, Andorra can be cheap for skiing.
Is Andorra cheaper than France?
Andorra’s lift passes and ski gear rental are similar in cost to France, but you can expect to spend much less on flights, accommodation, food and drink.
How much is a ski pass for a week in Andorra?
Currently, a week-long ski pass in Andorra's biggest and most popular ski area costs around €374.00.
What is the best month to ski in Andorra?
For the most reliable snow conditions and quieter pistes, your best bet is probably to go in January. However, in late March/early April, you can enjoy both skiing and the plentiful sunshine of the Pyrenees.
How much is a pint of beer in Andorra?
A pint of beer in Andorra costs about £3.50.