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. Local residents speak Spanish and French well, 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 the best places in Grandvalira are 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, whose highest point is over 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.

Excellent snow cover, shining sun, developed infrastructure - these are just some of the advantages of the resort Arinsal - Pal. It is located in the western part of Andorra, in the region of La Massana, the capital of which is the city of the same name. The resort consists of two ski resorts - Arinsal And Pal, which, since 2000, have united into a single complex Pal - Arinsal and are connected to each other by a new lift - the “Seturia” telecable. This resort is closest to the capital of Andorra - Andorra La Vella (9 km) and the border with Spain.

Slopes, trails, lifts

  • Ski area 1550 - 2560 m (1780 - 2358).
  • Height difference - 1010 m.
  • The total area of ​​ski slopes is 707 hectares (63 km).
  • Number of tracks - 46.
  • Green trails (for beginners) - 4.
  • Blue trails (for intermediate level) - 16.
  • Red trails (difficult) - 16.
  • Black trails (high difficulty) - 5.
  • Number of lifts - 30.
  • Telecabins - 2.
  • Chair lifts - 11.
  • T-bar lifts - 17.
  • Lift capacity - 30,400 people/hour.
  • Artificial snow trails - 17.5 km.
  • Bulk snow cannons - 350.
  • Snow park - 2 (for children from 4 to 8 years old).
  • Flat ski track - 8 km.
  • Snowboarding - fan park/half pipe/tracks.

The region is ideal for beginner and intermediate skiers. What sets Arinsal (1550 m) apart from other Andorran resorts is its dizzying height difference (1010 m), which allows experienced skiers to enjoy steep slopes. Less experienced skiers will find slopes and slopes of gradually increasing difficulty for daily practice.

The slopes are turned mainly to the north, which determines the stability of the snow cover throughout the winter. The forest landscape gives this area a special charm and provides good protection from the wind. The slopes run along the slopes of the ravine that runs between the peaks of Pic Alt de la Capa (2573 m) and Pic Negre (2572 m), descending to 1950 m, where the Arinsal ski resort itself is located. During the peak season, when there is enough snow, you can ski down from the Comallempla plateau (1950m) through forest ski clearings directly to the hotels located in the village of Arinsal (1550m).

Pal - characterized by the largest number of snow guns per kilometer of descent. A distinctive feature of this resort is the impeccable preparation of the slopes: with the help of high-tech equipment, a constant snow level is maintained.

Today Pal-Arinsal is the only complex in the Pyrenees equipped with the most modern telecabin. The capacity of the Seturia lift, which connects two stations into a single ski complex, is 500 people per hour.

There is a ski equipment rental and luggage storage (for a fee).

Ski schools and kindergartens
Ski school 140 instructors (Russian speaking available). Two kindergartens (for children from 1 to 4 years old), Pekepark snow park. Here, young skiers will be able to alternate learning and skiing with games on the playground.

Prices
Cost of the Super Ski Pass (valid at any resort): 5 days of skiing for 6 days of stay - 175 euros
Vallnord ski pass 6 days (high/low season): adults - 161/135, children - 120/120 euros
Lessons with an instructor: individual (1-2 people) (low / high season) - 32/34 euros/hour

How to get there
Only 9 km from Andorra la Vella and 7 km from Escaldes. The nearest international airport is Barcelona (32 km).

Apres-Ski and evening life
Fourteen restaurants and cafe-bars, bars-restaurants. In the center of Arinsal, next to the cable car, is one of the most popular discos in Andorra - SURF - a place where you can have a lot of fun in the evening.
There are two medical centers in the region. Guests of all hotels can use the relaxation center located at the Princesa Parc Hotel. The cost of visiting it is 13.8 euros for 2 hours. At your disposal is a gym, mini-pool, sauna, solarium, therapeutic massage (paid separately).
For children there are two kindergartens (from 1 to 4 years old), a children's club, and a snow park.

Sports opportunities in the region
Other types of active recreation include snowshoeing, snowmobiles, orienteering, ski biking; in summer: trekking, mountain biking, horse riding. Possibility for heliskiing, surfskiing.

More details on the website.

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 international level sporting events are held on the slopes of Arcalis.

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.

Andorra: map of ski resorts

Ski Andorra has the largest area of ​​ski slopes in the Pyrenees (3100 hectares and more than 350 km of professional slopes) and two ski resorts. Andorran ski resorts are located in areas called GRANDVALIRA (Grandvalira) and VALLNORD (Vallnord).

During the 2003/2004 ski season, the resorts of Grandvalira Pas de la Casa - Grau Rog and Soldeu - Tarter signed a commercial agreement to create a single ski area, Grandvalira. Thus, in addition to the fact that Andorra has the largest areas of ski slopes in the Pyrenees, it is home to one of the key ski resorts in Southern Europe.

In addition, during the 2004/2005 ski season, the Pal-Arinsal and Ordino-Arcalis resorts merged in commercial interests under the single name Vallnord, where customers can ski on the slopes of both resorts with a single pass.

The two resorts have 182 ski slopes and several areas for other winter sports and extreme entertainment. Together, Grandvalira and Vallnord have the highest concentration of ski lift systems per square meter in the world, with a capacity of approximately 160 thousand people per hour.

Map of all ski resorts in Andorra


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Map of Grandvalira ski resorts


Grandvalira: technical specifications, webcams, prices.

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Map of Vallnord ski resorts


The main advantages of this “double” Andorran resort, located just ten kilometers from the country’s capital, are excellent snow cover and developed infrastructure. It consists of the Arinsal and Pal ski resorts, connected by a lift - the Seturia telecable.

Pal is ideal for intermediate skiers, Arinsal for experienced athletes. The developed infrastructure allows us to recommend the resort not only to young people, but also to families - as a suitable place for active recreation.

In summer, Pal offers plenty of outdoor activities: mountain biking, horse riding, go-karting and archery. Hiking and trekking enthusiasts gather in Arinsal in the summer. The mountain trails start just outside the village and head northwest to the Estany de les Truites (2260m), a beautiful lake in the mountains.

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How to get there

Pal and Arinsal belong to the Vallnord complex, the cost of a single ski pass in Vallnord for 1 day is 38/31 EUR per adult/child, for 6 days 198/141 EUR per adult/child.

2 things to do in Pala and Arinsal

  1. Watch wild boars in the Sorteny Valley Nature Park. If you don't hunt them, wild boars are not dangerous.
  2. Celebrate your belly by taking part in one of La Massana's winter food festivals. The main thing to remember is that everything is good in moderation!

Maps of Pal - Arinsal

Entertainment and attractions

In the village of Pal, the parish church of Sant Climent de Pal with a square bell tower, made in the Romanesque style and dating from the 11th-12th centuries, has been preserved. The three-story bell tower is decorated with Lombardian arches. The interior of the church is notable for its ancient frescoes, a 12th-century statue of the Virgin Mary and a wooden altar from 1709 dedicated to Pope Clement, the church's patron. The church is open to visitors from July to September Tue.-Sat. from 10:00-14:00 and 15:00-19:00, Sun. 10:00-14:00, during the rest of the time by appointment through the tourist office in La Massana.

Arinsal also has its own church, Sant Andreu de Arinsal, built in the Romanesque style and notable for its 18th-century fresco depicting the Virgin Mary (Virgen de las Nieves).